We the People Is All the People

Gr 2-5–Using the preamble to the U.S. Constitution as a springboard for this clever book is a perfect way to show exactly what “We the People” means. The preamble is broken up and written in short phrases across the pages of the book with examples of the variety of people who make up the United States. “People who were here, who arrived later, who still come today.” Colored illustrations vividly capture both the rich diversity of skin tones among the people of the United States and the varied landscapes, occupations, and activities that shape their lives. Pictures depict people working at a range of jobs, playing, learning, competing, striking, planting, and spending time together. The full preamble is included in the back. There is an author’s note at the end that details how the book was written, to start off in broad terms as large groups of people and narrowing down to individuals. Additionally, the ­author notes that while, “We the People” was originally meant for white men, and the country has made progress in correcting some inequities, there is still some distance to go.