The Birth of a Nation: The Early Years of the United States (Charles Scribner's Sons Books for Young Readers)

Grade 7 Up-- Once again the Fabers have put to excellent use their well-honed skills as researchers/writers to create a solidly researched, interest-holding companion to their We the People: The Story of the United States Constitution Since 1787 (Scribners, 1987). Here they briskly survey the story of the United States' crucial early years from George Washington's election to his farewell address and John Adams' election as the nation's second president. Making liberal, but judicious, use of appropriate quotations from primary sources, the Fabers inform readers as to what the U.S. was like in 1788, present a profile of George Washington, and discuss such topics as the debate over what Washington's title should be, creation of executive branch departments, adoption of the Bill of Rights, political parties, and crises such as the Jay Treaty, the Whiskey Rebellion, and Barbary pirates. Social and cultural history is not neglected--the Fabers include coverage of social life in the Washington administration. Also of great interest is the authors' inclusion of "three forgotten Americans": Oliver Ellsworth, John Jay, and Edmund Randolph. Throughout, emphasis is placed upon how Washington, and others, "had breathed life into the words of the Constitution" and had showed "how individuals of integrity and good will can achieve great aims." Reproductions of contemporary art illustrate the text. --David A. Lindsey, Lakewood Junior/Senior High School, Wash.
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