We the People

by Peter Spier

Book Overview

Spier . . . tells not only of the origins of the document, but also presents a kaleidoscope of impressions of what it means in the everyday life of the nation's people . . . What distinguishes this book is its heart.--School Library Journal, starred review. Selected by the Children's Book Council as a 1987 Notable Children's Trade Book in the Field of Social Studies.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0385235895
• ISBN13: 9780385235891
• Release Date: January 1987
• Publisher: Doubleday Books for Young Readers
• Length: 48 Pages
• Weight: 1.15 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.4" x 9.2" x 12.5"
• Age Range: 5 to 8 years
• Grade Range: Kindergarten to Grade 3

Customer Reviews

A Patriotic Tribute to our Nation's Founding and Character

Peter Spier's book presents the United States Constitution in a format that is particularly attractive to young people. Following a historical introduction to the document's inception and historical importance (supplemented with an 1787 map of the US), the book presents an illustrated version of the Preamble to the Constitution. In Spier's lavishly detailed style, he presents many scenes from Colonial America, juxtaposed against comparable scenes of America in 1987. Through these images the audience sees changes that have taken place in the intervening centuries: clothes washing-boards have traded in for washing machines, the pillory changed to an isolated jail cell. Men in Colonial dress lined up to cast their ballot have been joined by modern women, and a black and white child can reach across the modern grocery aisle to play with one another. The book includes a reproduction of the document's signatures (with images of the signatories) and the full text of the Constitution, both typed and in its original handwritten format. In this book, the character of the American people (to whom the book is dedicated) are shown with a heartfelt affection that is made more significant when you realize that Spier immigrated to the United States in his mid-twenties, in 1952. His Dutch roots give him a uniquely perceptive insight into American culture, and they make this patriotic tribute to our nation's founding especially meaningful. This excellent book is unfortunately out of print, but is available in public libraries and on the used book market.

Great classic book

This is a really great book for young and old alike. I grew up with Peter Spier's books and his same wonderful artwork fills this book. The book also had the entire Constitution at the end of the book.

Classic American Education

Artist and author Peter Spier, provides books that can inspire, entertain and educate both the mind of children and adults alike. His intricate drawings are full of detail and his choice of topics always serve to spark curiosity and focus youth on stories that will last with them their entire lives. "We the People" is one of Mr.Spier's most historical and educational works, a definate classic, and I would encourage parents to seek his many other titles as well. "Noah's Ark", "People", "Bored Nothing to Do" etc. Growing up in Shoreham, New York where Mr Spier resides, certainly was good fortune as I was able to be introduced to the works of this world class story teller and artist. Mr.Spier's works inspired me as a youngster and are books I will pass on to my own children. We could use more of such thoughtful and inspiring children's material. You cannot go wrong with any of Mr Spier's titles.

Information without overload

I found this book a breath of fresh air for many reasons. I am a homeschooling mom of three children and have found that the topic of history in many books appears rather dry. This book is simply the Preamble of our Constitution with TONS of illustrations. These illustrations visually describe the Constitution much better than words ever could which makes this book appropriate for children of all ages. The pictures range from early to modern times, showing the evolution of our country and how the Constitution empowers and protects us even today. A short two page history of the Constitution as well as a copy of the original document are also included, only making this book all the more valuable to a family's library. ENJOY!