Usually all kids learn about the constitution is the names of a couple of the signers, the governmental structure, a few important amendments, and maybe the preamble. It quickly becomes one of those dry documents that we accept as a fact but otherwise ignore. This book pushes the reader to examine not only the text of the Constitution but it's historical context and implications. The Levinsons point out several inherent failings and short-sighted elements. We are lead to believe in school that the framers were whole hearted believers on this document, that our government is perfectly formed. Books like this one show us several other ways to organize it, that our entire system is built on an uneasy compromise.
All told, this book is too much to absorb at once. It would make a great supplement to regular curriculum, though.
More information: Fault Lines in the Constitution releases September 1.
Advanced Reader Copy provided by NetGalley.
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