Let's Find Out! Primary Sources

The Bill of Rights is one of the most cited texts in political debates today. Indeed, courts and lawmakers are deeply involved in interpreting and understanding the text of the first ten amendments to the US Constitution, making it perhaps the most important primary source with which readers should be familiar. This vibrantly illustrated lower elementary title helps readers understand the text of the Bill of Rights and its importance to political...

Though the Emancipation Proclamation is widely thought of as having brought an end to the despicable institution of slavery in the United States, the truth is a bit more complicated. The document actually freed slaves only in the lands in rebellion against the United States, so it had little immediate effect. That said, the proclamation did eventually free millions of people, enable African Americans to become Union soldiers, and make ending slavery...

In the year 1215, the way governments and citizens interact was forever changed by the signing of a document known as the Magna Carta. While students are often familiar with the importance of this charter, this title explores the text itself by narrating the history of the charter's development and pairing excerpts of text with straightforward explanations at a lower elementary reading level. Vocabulary boxes highlight advanced terms and provide simple...

As his second term as president drew to an end in 1796, George Washington bid the country farewell and offered his advice for its future. He did so in an address that was published in a Philadelphia newspaper. This volume introduces young readers to the key themes in the open letter and liberally cites the words of that primary document. It is a great way to introduce elementary-school students to the importance and challenges of going back to an...