The Fight for Freedom

Available in hardcover and ebook!

The United States Constitution announced to the world that, in America, all people were created equal. But even then, some people were “more equal” than others. The long struggle to put all Americans on an equal footing has defined the moral character of our nation for two centuries. The Fight for Freedom traces the history of the Civil Rights, Women’s Rights, and Gay Rights movements, stopping at key moments along the way to check in on the Great Debates that made Americans think hard about what their country really stands for. Young readers will discover that, although the arguments may have changed, the central question of discrimination is still very much in play. In that way, The Fight for Freedom helps them make connections and experience history in a living, breathing way. Aligns with Common Core Language Arts Anchor Standards for Reading Informational Text and Speaking and Listening.  Text contains critical thinking components in regards to social issues and history.

Great Debates is as an information-packed series that stimulates smart discussion with tough questions. Each book in the series aligns with Common Core Language Arts Anchor Standards for Reading Informational Text and Speaking and Listening and contains critical thinking components in regards to social issues and history. Great Debates takes its name from the spirited discourse that surrounds each historical theme in the series. The narrative pauses at defining moments and "drops in" on influential Americans battling over two sides of a key issue. Readers learn how arguments are framed, and make eye-opening connections between great debates from the past and the ones that are taking place today. Text strengthens critical thinking skills with open-ended questions concerning social issues and history. Readers are invited to "find their own voice" and get involved if they find they have an interest in the issue.

"This series asks readers to consider contemporary and historical debates in America, from immigration to the use of firearms to the relationship between church and state. The authors craft both sides of their arguments with care. Chapters are introduced as questions, such as "Is the freedom of others worth fighting for?" The "Affirmative" and "Negative" sides of the debate are presented in boxes at the bottom of the page. Questions set apart in bold font throughout the texts encourage critical thinking…"

School Library Journal

This series explores several major social and political controversies. Each book begins with a historical introduction and proceeds chronologically to show how issues change over time but remain political hot points. Some chapters are titled with questions to encourage readers to think and formulate opinions. Spreads in each chapter summarize major opposing arguments for and against the chapter’s question. Sidebars and a concluding chapter offer quotes from social and political leaders. Each book also includes “Find Your Voice” which encourages readers to examine the given evidence and take a side in the debate. These well-rounded, unbiased discussions encourage readers to question and reason, formulate and defend their positions, and anticipate counterarguments. The series plants important seeds for developing a new generation of educated voters and activists and will be a welcome addition for libraries and social science classrooms striving to integrate Common Core Standards. Glossary.  [Editor’s Note: A teacher’s guide is available on the publisher’s website.] Recommended

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