Describes the origins, applications of, and challenges to the ten amendments to the United States Constitution that comprise the Bill of Rights.

Russell Freedman is a well-known author of children's nonfiction, winning several awards with some of them. In Defense of Liberty is organized by a chapter devoted to each amendment. Freedman succeeds mostly in being objective. He shows both sides in controversies, generally. I never understood why the right to keep silent was so important, until Freedman discussed the history of forced confessions by torture. I was also fascinated by the discussion of official positions that have changed over the years. Includes a number of relevant black and white photographs, a list of court cases cited, and an annotated bibliography of books for children and adults. This book would be appropriate primarily for late elementary through junior high. A high schooler could handle a more detailed book, but may likely find this a readable starting point for research. For a Christian perspective, I'd probably want to discuss several portions of the book, where Freedman's text is sparse or needs clarification.

5-8 grade. excellent book to teach about the bill of rights. good information and seems to be fairly interesting although not as good as some of the other "orbis" books. ( )

Lesson 15 - The Bill of Rights

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