The United States Constitution: A Graphic Adaptation...random thoughts

The United States Constitution: A Graphic Adaptation by Jonathan Hennessey and Aaron McConnell.

I can't believe it's only been a little over a year since I read my first graphic novel. I am continually amazed and surprised by this new-to-me medium of expression. The variety is simply astounding.

When I happened upon this book in the store, I knew nothing about it. But as Annie and I are studying the U.S. Constitution, I figured it was worth a try. And in this instance, I was right. It's really a great read. It doesn't go into nauseating detail, but it does give a full look at the document that guides this country. It begins with some brief background on the American Revolution and on the Articles of Confederation, and then moves on to the Constitution itself. It discusses each of the seven Articles, as well as all 27 Amendments. And it doesn't just explain what each of them says, it explains the "whys" in how they came to be.

The text in this book is good, but what really struck me was the art. The way the story was portrayed in the pictures. It was not all literal; a great deal of symbolism was used, and used quite effectively in my opinion. I think this is a book that every middle school and high school library ought to carry, as I can really see visual learners gaining a lot from this little book. And let's be honest, I suspect a lot of us grown-ups could use a refresher course as well, huh?