The Birth of The First Amendment - (In the Moment) by Donna L Griffin (Paperback)

Book Synopsis

Truth. Fake News. The First Amendment. How did it all start? In a courtroom in New York 41 years BEFORE the Declaration of Independence was signed and 56 years BEFORE the Bill of Rights became law...

BOTFA is designed to engage youth with information and tools to think critically, communicate responsibly, and participate as active citizens in our democracy.

The Birth of The First Amendment is NOT just another history book.

The superheroes, drama and suspense of this graphic novel are a new take on education that speaks directly to middle, high school and college young leaders whose voices are resounding throughout this country.

1. BOTFA TEACHES: BOTFA tells the story of that one moment when Hamilton lit that first spark of freedom with the words, "Everyone should have the right to speak and write the truth."

2. BOTFA EMPOWERS: This story is even more important and relevant for young people today who need understand the rights and responsibilities of the First Amendment.

3. BOTFA CONNECTS: This graphic novel is all about celebrating the importance of connecting and renewing a spirit of citizenship and to help students fight for their rights to speak and write the truth and tell the stories of their communities.

THERE IS A REAL REASON THE FIRST AMENDMENT IS AT THE TOP OF THE BILL OF RIGHTS. . .

What does BOTFA mean for young people today? Find more information in the special Back Matter section:

- CHECK OUT the "Journalism by the Numbers" section that explains the importance of Freedom of the Press

- FIND OUT how the First Amendment became at the top of the Bill of Rights and key events and trials that have shaped our country's laws

- BE INSPIRED by stories of First Amendment superheroes and New Voices who are speaking their truth

Review Quotes

What readers said about The Birth of The First Amendment:

An inspiring story, brightly told in words and pictures. This fresh take on the birth of our First Amendment freedoms reminds us that we must protect our right to free speech and, as journalists, recommit every day to our fight for truth. I didn't know who the surprise hero of this story would be, and it made the tale even more fun to read! -- Wendy Wallace, The Poynter Institute for Media Studies

"The Birth of the First Amendment" is an innovative look at the beginnings of one of our greatest freedoms. The fun copy, paired with the brilliant artwork, make for an engaging take on the Zenger trial and its impact. The historic trial is followed up with a look at current First Amendment issues, including the New Voices movement that is looking to protect free speech and press rights for teenagers throughout the country. Presented as a graphic novel, kids will certainly enjoy the colorful, lively presentation. I enjoyed the book so much. I hope it is the first of more to come! The Birth of the First Amendment is a unique resource to get students thinking about the freedoms they have and their responsibility to use them wisely.

--Tom Gayda, 2018 National High School Journalism Teacher of the Year

The Birth of the First Amendment, a graphic novel by Donna Griffin and Illustrated by Gary Varvel is a thoughtful and engaging tribute to a highlight in our American history. This depiction of the little-known facts about the beginnings of our First Amendment rights will leave the reader entertained and inspired. The innovative format is an effective teaching tool which hammers home First Amendment principles as they are presented in the story of John Peter Zenger years before the actual rights became our law. Chock full of facts, and powerfully illustrated by Mr. Varvel, this graphic presentation serves well its educational purpose. -- Margaret King, author

Whoever thinks history is boring should pick up a copy of Donna Griffin's The Birth of the First Amendment. This historical graphic novel throws the players of a 1735 trial into a contemporary, hard-hitting journalistic pace telling the the pivotal story that was the seed for the first Amendment to the U.S. Constitution. Teachers of history and journalism should tap into this resource to trigger discussion about our basic rights as citizens, the formation of our country and its constitution, and the forming of free press. Coupled with political cartoonist Gary Varvel's unique illustration style and storytelling, a dusty story buried in a text book takes on new life and immediacy. -- Nathan Clement, author/illustrator