Rebels, Robbers, and Radicals: The Story of the Bill of Rights

Kanefield (A Firehose of Falsehood) considers the “Paradox of Liberty” via events both historical and contemporary in this absorbing examination of the Bill of Rights. In a preface, the author addresses the complicated social impact of the document via frank language, noting how it “was written by enslavers who themselves deprived others of life, liberty, and property.” A prologue details how the Bill of Rights came to be, writing that because the Federalists “knew there were limits” to anti-Federalists’ willingness to compromise to join a union, amendments would only apply federally, allowing individual states to “enact any laws they pleased.” Following chapters each focus on one of the first 10 amendments, highlighting the important figures and events behind their inception, and including real-life examples as to what each amendment does and the rights—and people—it aims to protect. It’s a timely work that not only acts as a concise and approachable political primer but also challenges young readers to examine how these rights are interpreted and enforced. Malka’s crisp b&w artwork depicts historical figures and illustrates key ideas. Ages 10–14. (May)