This Is Our Constitution

October 9, 2017
As he did in his speech at the 2016 Democratic National Convention, Khan interweaves sincerity, personal knowledge, and passion with an urgent message about committing oneself to justice and liberty in his first book for children. Khan’s firsthand exposure to the absence of fundamental freedoms, growing up in newly independent Pakistan, fostered his deep appreciation for the values, principles, and ideals threaded throughout the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution. He believes that, other than its tolerance of slavery (which he describes as an expedient but “shameful compromise”), the Constitution embodies an aspiration to human dignity that he encourages readers to defend ardently. After Khan provides historical context for the Constitution and paraphrases its sections in language geared toward his audience, the book presents the full text of both founding documents. He concludes by highlighting landmark Supreme Court decisions from 1803 to the present, entreating readers to study the Constitution and to engage in appropriate actions to preserve it. Khan’s optimism and dedication to the ideals of America’s Founding Fathers infuse this inspiring and instructive work. An adult memoir, An American Family, publishes simultaneously. Ages 10–up.

October 15, 2017
An immigrant's-eye view of the Constitution's importance, featuring a transcription of the document into simpler, modern language. Addressing young readers with a reference to the preamble--"You are the posterity for whom they gathered in Philadelphia"--the Pakistan-born author opens with eloquent praise for the mix of idealism and practicality that permeates both the Constitution and the Declaration of Independence and has made the Constitution "America's beating heart." Along with including the complete texts of both (the Declaration's "merciless Indian Savages" and all), he goes on to describe the former's composition, including the "shameful compromise" on slavery, and to explain the resulting structure of our federal government (including the press as an unofficial "fourth branch"). He also offers a less-formal rendition of the Constitution's articles and amendments ("ensure domestic tranquility" becomes "ensure peace within our borders") and highlights 13 landmark Supreme Court decisions related to federal powers and personal rights. If he neglects to mention that among the Founding Fathers Thomas Jefferson too was a slaveholder or gives short shrift to American immigration law's checkered (to say the least) history, still he makes a sturdy case for understanding those powers and rights and appreciating their value. Frequent personal asides underline the message, as do his closing suggestions for becoming and remaining politically active and aware. An optimistic picture of our progress toward promoting a more perfect union, with an essential tool kit for every current or prospective citizen. (index) (Nonfiction. 11-14)

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December 1, 2017

Gr 6 Up-The most important legal document for the United States is given a comprehensive introduction by an author who has cause to truly appreciate it. Khan, a lawyer and Gold Star father, first came to national prominence as a speaker at the 2016 Democratic National Convention. In this book, he adds to his introduction and analysis of each article and amendment of the Constitution the perspective of someone who maintains a deep appreciation of the United States. He opens by looking at the structure of the U.S. government and the system of checks and balances built in by the Founding Fathers, before looking at why the Constitution was needed, and then at its parts. The full text of the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution then follows. Several landmark Supreme Court cases that hinged upon constitutional issues, such as Marbury v. Madison and Brown v. Board of Education of Topeka, are used to illustrate that the Constitution is a living document. VERDICT This is a timely look at the structure of the U.S. government and a key addition to nonfiction collections.-Betsy Fraser, Calgary Public Library, Canada

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