Fault Lines in the Constitution: The Framers, Their Fights and the Flaws that Affect Us Today

Cynthia Levinson and Sanford Levinson

Written for children and young adults, Fault Lines in the Constitution is a wonderful introduction to one of the world’s enduring documents. The husband-wife team features Professor Sanford Levinson, a Harvard Law constitutional scholar and his wife Cynthia, a well-known writer of children’s literature. Together they trace the origins of the document, and the process by which the framers of the constitution hashed out details in an atmosphere of heated debate, ongoing negotiations, and finally, a spirit of compromise. The main characters are fascinating historical figures – Washington, Jefferson, Adams, Madison, Franklin – who argue vigorously for their beliefs. There are sections on states’ rights, presidential term limits, the electoral college, and the question of amending the constitution. A great book for young readers and adults too.
peachtree-online.com | $19.95 HC | 204 pages | April 2017