Rebels, Robbers, and Radicals

Ever wondered why our laws work the way they do? This engaging and thorough look at the Bill of Rights--the first ten amendments of the U.S. Constitution--is told in simple language that everyone from middle-grade kids to adults can understand.

The book first tackles the paradox that the Bill of Rights that includes the guarantee that no person can be deprived of life, liberty, or property without due process of law was written by men, many of whom were enslavers and denied people their guarantee of life, liberty, and property. At the same time, these men also presented a soaring and far-reaching vision of fundamental human rights.

The book then introduces each amendment as a chapter, breaking it down into easily understood parts, and explains each through real court cases, presenting the stories and struggles of actual people.

The story of how the Bill of Rights evolved touches on almost all parts of American history: the founding of the nation, the first sedition laws, slavery, the position of women in nineteenth century society as well as today, the Civil War and its aftermath, Prohibition crime, the internment of Japanese citizens during WWII, the rise of the administrative state under President Franklin D. Roosevelt, the Civil Rights movement, gun control, and more.

Well-known cases--such as Plessy v. Ferguson, Brown v. Board of Education, and Roe v. Wade--are presented alongside lesser-known ones bringing to light the meaning and significance of each amendment.

Also included throughout are sidebars that provide easy-to-comprehend definitions of legal terms and concepts. The book concludes with the list and brief description of the seven U.S. Constitution articles and the remaining 17 amendments.

Rebels, Robbers, and Radicals sheds light on the birth and growth of the American nation, while also highlighting the constitutional goals that our nation still strives to achieve.

The book's art is by L.A.-based illustrator Kelly Malka whose clients include Nike, Reebok, Netflix, and Medelo as well as periodicals such as the Los Angeles Times and the Washington Post. Her hip, bold, fluid graphic art is engaging and lively, geared toward middle school readers and teens but sophisticated enough for college students and adults, making the book a great crossover candidate. The book includes a glossary and an index.