Cover Image: Guardians of Liberty

Guardians of Liberty

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Member Reviews

If you are interested in information about the Press and their job as keepers of liberty and watchers over democracy, this is an excellent read. Well-researched and thoughtful, if you are a nonfiction fan, this is an excellent read.

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An excellent and comprehensive view of the first amendment and its issue that belongs on every library shelf.

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Guardians of Liberty could not have come at a more critical time in our history. The book dives deep into the history of the freedom of the press and explains clearly why press freedom really matters. We are at a time where such freedom has been brought into question by the current administration, and it is more crucial than ever for our young people to understand why the freedom of the press was enshrined in the United States Constitution. Ms. Osborne's book Is a great introductory pathway to delve into that topic with young people.

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Guardians of Liberty: Freedom of the Press and the Nature of News tells the story of the press in America from a social and technological point of view. The existence of the press was a key element in America’s birth. Freedom of the press was so important to the founding fathers that they amended the Constitution to protect that freedom. The ability of the press to operate independently of a nation’s leader is a hallmark of a democratic nation. This book addresses the give and take between press and President, especially during times of strife. It also discusses higher-level concepts including journalistic integrity, slander, and sedition.

As journalists moved from the Gutenberg Press to moveable type to printing press to radio, television, and computer, reporting has become more sophisticated. The idea that news should involve research with the mission to find the truth is essential. This book talks about integrity in journalism, WikiLeaks, yellow journalism, and the demonization of the press (“fake news”). The future of the press depends on today’s student journalists and the ability of our citizens to be information literate.

Guardians of Liberty would be a strong addition to any secondary school library. This book clearly explains the importance of the press, includes illustrative primary source materials and cites electronic resources (with links that can be accessed if the reader has the digital version). This is a wonderful book and I highly recommend it.

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This book comes at the perfect time for our family as we begin a year of American history study- but also to kids everywhere who may be wondering what rights are provided for in the US Constitution. I'd use this in middle grades up through 9th grade without reservation. There are timelines and current images, all of which add to the narrative style of the writing. Five Stars

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An incisive and thirsty look at the importance of the free press in America and the ways it has attempted to be undermined. A timely topic.

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In this chronological history on the freedom of the press in the U.S., primary source material adds interest to a serviceable but not particularly dramatic narrative. Topics covered include the press in Colonial times, the Sedition Act, Espionage Act of 1917, censorship of radio and newsreels during WWII, student journalism, news coverage during the Civil Rights movement and Vietnam War, and Donald Trump’s accusations regarding “fake news” and his limits on the press. Often court cases are described to demonstrate how freedom of the press has changed throughout U.S. history. The book design makes up for the textbook-like narrative, with b&w photos and reproductions of old newspapers and political cartoons. Back matter includes a lengthy timeline, detailed source notes, bibliography, and index.

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I've never been able to open the file to begin reading this book. That disappoints me greatly. I had hoped to be able to recommend it for my grandchildren.

I had to give the book a star rating but because I can't open it, I can't feel justified giving it anything but one star.

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