Shamir, Ruby. What’s the Big Deal about Freedom. Il. by Matt Faulkner. Philomel, 2017. $17.99. unp. ISBN 978-0-399-54728-7. Ages 7-10. P7 Q7
In a sequel to What’s the Big Deal about First Ladies, this fact-filled optimistic view of people winning freedom in the United States explains responsibilities, information about the Revolution, writing the U.S. Constitution, freeing slaves, gaining voting rights for women and immigrants (but not indigenous people), and human rights. The idealistic perspective of American freedom for the past several centuries is enhanced by energetic watercolor and pencil illustrations.
Verdict: Although the book begins with clichés, it moves in to a more realistic view of freedoms that the U.S. Constitution did not originally provide when it considered blacks to be three-fifths of whites and failed to give rights to Native Americans and women. The book still gives a more optimistic view of rights than minorities may perceive. The cautionary note that freedom requires vigilance is valuable. The book would be a great beginning for discussion although it might be overwhelming for its audience. the lively watercolor-and-pencil illustrations are consistently engaging and occasionally endearing. A hopeful, idealistic portrayal of freedom in America.
Summer 2017 review by Nel Ward.
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