Book Review: Constitution Translated for Kids by Cathy Travis

ISBN: 978-0981453415
Publisher: Ovation Books
Paperback: 112 pages
Reading Level: Ages 9-12
One Word Review: Informative

Constitution Translated for Kids is a simple translation of the U.S. Constitution including the Bill of Rights and Amendments. It is written in two columns, with the original text on one side and the translation, written on a 5th grade reading level, on the other side. It also contains a timeline of important events leading up to the creation of the Constitution and a section of student exercises.

This is a fantastic resource for anyone wishing to better understand the Constitution. It's written at a level middle graders will comprehend, but it would also be useful for teenagers and adults who may not always 'get' the wording in the original document. The side-by-side format is ingenious, allowing the reader to easily find specific sections or Amendments.

As a homeschooling mom, I particularly appreciate the exercise section at the end which provides proposed Amendments and points of discussion. There's also a page of hypothetical situations which will allow the student to determine what if any Constitutional privileges are violated. My only complaint is that for that particular section there's no answer key - it would have been helpful just to make sure I'm not overlooking anything. But, aside from that one tiny thing, I thought the book was an exceptional tool that would be extremely useful to teachers and anyone interested in learning more about the foundation of the U.S. government.

Buy this book on Amazon.

How to Get Your Child to Love Reading by Esme Raji Codell

How to Get Your Child to Love Reading is one of my favorite go-to books when I need ideas or inspiration for teaching my kids. Geared toward children in a public-school or group setting, it doesn't pose as many practical situations for homeschooling individuals, but it's loaded with book titles on every subject. The book itself is enormous - it's filled with suggestions of what to read and when to read it, but it's so much more than that. While my children tend to be more ravenous than reluctant readers, I've found innumerable ideas on how to enhance our studying of different topics. Most people would say that it's not the sort of book you just sit down and read, but I have to admit that I've done just that. Not only does Mrs. Codell give suggestions on how to get my children fired up about reading, but every time I open her book, I feel her excitement seeping out of the pages. I get a renewed sense of 'I can do this' which is vitally important when you homeschool. I would suggest this book to any educators, whether you're teaching a class of 30 2nd graders, or simply trying to impress upon your own child the wonders she'll find inside of a book.

Leonardo da Vinci: Giants of Science by Kathleen Krull

This book gives an informative glimpse into the life of a fascinating man. Because it's geared toward children, the style is easily readable, and it's not bogged down with heavily descriptive information. You get the facts in a clear, conversational tone. Some might question the kid-friendliness of the book, and if you're concerned perhaps read it yourself before handing it to a younger child (pre-teen). It explores certain aspects of his personal life that some might feel are inappropriate, but it's not discussed at length, and the events that it talks of do seem to be somewhat of a catalyst for da Vinci's subsequent behavior and attitude towards others and therefore worthy of mentioning. If you're interested in learning about the art of Leonardo da Vinci, this is probably not the book for you - it delves more into the scientific aspects of his life and career. But as an engaging biography of a man clearly ahead of his time, it is superb.