This Is Our Constitution

Khizr Khan, a Gold Star parent and Constitutional rights advocate, presents a detailed examination of the U.S. Constitution and Bill of Rights for young readers. The book combines historical context with Khan's personal experiences as an immigrant and legal scholar. The text breaks down complex Constitutional concepts into understandable segments, explaining the three branches of government, individual rights, and the amendment process. Khan includes primary source documents, including the full text of the Constitution and Declaration of Independence. Historical examples and contemporary applications demonstrate how Constitutional principles impact daily life in America. The narrative incorporates stories of landmark Supreme Court cases and pivotal moments in U.S. history. At its core, the book serves as both a civic education resource and a testament to American democratic ideals. Khan's perspective as an immigrant who has studied Constitutional law brings unique insights to this foundational document's role in shaping American society.

Readers appreciate Khan's clear explanations of constitutional concepts for middle-grade students, with many noting it makes complex legal ideas accessible without oversimplification. Parents and teachers highlight the book's balanced presentation of rights and responsibilities. Specific praise focuses on Khan's personal stories and immigrant perspective, which readers say helps engage young people. Multiple reviews mention the helpful glossary and discussion questions. Some readers note the book takes a partisan stance at times, particularly in later chapters. A few reviewers wanted more historical context around the Constitution's creation. Ratings: Goodreads: 4.3/5 (221 ratings) Amazon: 4.7/5 (168 ratings) Sample review: "Khan breaks down each amendment in a way my 12-year-old could understand. The real-world examples made abstract concepts concrete." - Amazon reviewer "Would have preferred less commentary on current politics and more focus on constitutional interpretation through history." - Goodreads reviewer

How the U.S. Government Works by Syl Sobel A step-by-step guide to the three branches of government explains the Constitution's core concepts through concrete examples and real-world applications.

We the People: The Story of Our Constitution by Lynne Cheney The book traces the path from the Constitutional Convention through ratification, with focus on the debates and compromises that shaped the document.

The United States Constitution: A Graphic Adaptation by Jonathan Hennessey and Aaron McConnell The graphic novel format presents constitutional principles through illustrations and historical narratives that connect past to present.

What Are My Rights? 95 Questions and Answers About Teens and the Law by Thomas A. Jacobs A judge explains constitutional rights and responsibilities through scenarios that demonstrate how laws apply to everyday situations.

The Bill of Rights in Translation by Amie Jane Leavitt The text breaks down each amendment in the Bill of Rights with historical context and modern applications that demonstrate their current relevance.

🔷 Author Khizr Khan gained national attention when he spoke at the 2016 Democratic National Convention about his son, U.S. Army Captain Humayun Khan, who was killed in action while serving in Iraq. 🔷 Khan immigrated to the United States from Pakistan, earned a law degree from Harvard Law School, and chose to write this book to help young readers understand and appreciate the Constitution that he studied so carefully as an immigrant. 🔷 The book includes both the Constitution and Declaration of Independence in their complete, original text, alongside kid-friendly explanations and real-world examples. 🔷 Khan breaks down complex constitutional concepts by sharing personal stories from his childhood in Pakistan, where he didn't have the same rights and protections Americans enjoy under the Constitution. 🔷 The book was published in 2017 as a response to increased interest in civic education and constitutional rights, particularly among young people seeking to understand their role in democracy.