Cynthia Levinson

The latest volume in our World Citizen Comics graphic novel series, Fault Lines in the Constitution teaches readers how this founding document continues to shape modern American society.In 1787, after 116 days of heated debates and bitter arguments, the United States Constitution was created. This imperfect document set forth America’s guiding principles, but it would also introduce some of today's most contentious political issues—from gerrymandering, to the Electoral College, to presidential impeachment.With colorful art, compelling discourse, and true stories from America's past and present, Fault Lines in the Constitution: The Graphic Novel sheds light on how today's political struggles have their origins in the decisions of our Founding Fathers.Children’s book author Cynthia Levinson, constitutional law scholar Sanford Levinson, and artist Ally Shwed deftly illustrate how contemporary problems arose from this founding document—and then they offer possible solutions.

Meet the youngest known child to be arrested for a civil rights protest in Birmingham, Alabama, 1963, in this moving picture book that proves you’re never too little to make a difference.Nine-year-old Audrey Faye Hendricks intended to go places and do things like anybody else.So when she heard grown-ups talk about wiping out Birmingham’s segregation laws, she spoke up. As she listened to the preacher’s words, smooth as glass, she sat up tall. And when she heard the plan—picket those white stores! March to protest those unfair laws! Fill the jails!—she stepped right up and said, I’ll do it! She was going to j-a-a-il!Audrey Faye Hendricks was confident and bold and brave as can be, and hers is the remarkable and inspiring story of one child’s role in the Civil Rights Movement.

We've Got a Job tells the little-known story of the 4,000 black elementary-, middle-, and high school students who voluntarily went to jail in Birmingham, Alabama, between May 2 and May 11, 1963. Fulfilling Mahatma Gandhi's and Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.s precept to fill the jails, they succeeded where adults had failed in desegregating one of the most racially violent cities in America. Focusing on four of the original participants who have participated in extensive interviews, We've Got a Job recounts the astonishing events before, during, and after the Children's March.

An illustrated biography of Jewish artist and activist Ben Shahn“The first thing I can remember,” Ben said, “I drew.” As an observant child growing up in Lithuania, Ben Shahn yearns to draw everything he sees—and, after seeing his father banished by the Czar for demanding workers’ rights, he develops a keen sense of justice, too. So when Ben and the rest of his family make their way to America, Ben brings both his sharp artistic eye and his desire to fight for what’s right. As he grows, he speaks for justice through his art—by disarming classmates who bully him because he’s Jewish, by defying his teachers’ insistence that he paint beautiful landscapes rather than true stories, by urging the US government to pass Depression-era laws to help people find food and jobs.

Many of the political issues we struggle with today have their roots in the US Constitution.Husband-and-wife team Cynthia and Sanford Levinson take readers back to the creation of this historic document and discuss how contemporary problems were first introduced--then they offer possible solutions. Think Electoral College, gerrymandering, even the Senate. Many of us take these features in our system for granted. But they came about through haggling in an overheated room in 1787, and we're still experiencing the ramifications.Each chapter in this timely and thoughtful exploration of the Constitution's creation begins with a story--all but one of them true--that connects directly back to a section of the document that forms the basis of our society and government. From the award-winning team, Cynthia Levinson, children's book author, and Sanford Levinson, constitutional law scholar, Fault Lines in the Constitution will encourage exploration and discussion from young and old readers alike.

An inspiring and meticulously researched middle grade biography of Hillary Rodham Clinton—First Lady, senator, secretary of state, and the first female presidential nominee in United States history. Hillary Rodham Clinton is a true leader. Growing up in Park Ridge, Illinois, Hillary was inspired by the philosophy of John Wesley, who urged his followers to "do all the good you can." Rising to prominence in 1992 as the First Lady of the United States, Hillary captured the world's attention with her bold ideas and political forcefulness. From her time at Wellesley to her life at the White House and beyond, Hillary has been at the forefront of huge change—and despite setbacks and political scandals, she has worked for good in the world. Acclaimed author Cynthia Levinson creates a compelling and personal portrait of Hillary's historic journey from her childhood to her service as secretary of state and beyond. Includes a timeline of Hillary Rodham Clinton's life and an eight-page photo insert. "This extensively researched and comprehensive biography tells us more of the woman who is that public figure, from some of her inspirations (like Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and the Birmingham protests) and the impact of her religious faith on her commitment to service" (Brightly.com).

From the author of the award-winning The Youngest Marcher comes a picture book about the true story of Alfredo Lopez, an undocumented boy involved in a landmark Supreme Court case that still ensures children’s right to education today.Alfredo Lopez has so many questions before starting second grade! Will his friends be in his class? Will his teacher speak Spanish? But then his parents tell him that he has to stay home, and Alfredo’s questions change. Why can’t he go to school with the other kids? And why is his family going to the courthouse?In 1977, the school district of Tyler, Texas, informed parents that, unless they could provide proof of citizenship, they would have to pay for their children to attend public school. Four undocumented families fought back in a legal battle that went all the way to the Supreme Court. Alfredo was one of the students involved in Plyler v. Doe , which made a difference for children all over the country for years to come.

Today’s teens may travel to the Moon in their lifetimes. This primer on what to know for a future in space combines technology and science with law and policy for a fascinating look at a very timely subject.For teens who are space fans, this book is loaded with fascinating facts, great stories, and new ways of thinking about the challenges of space. It covers topics on the science of space and developments in technology (e.g., satellites behaving like spacecraft), and it also considers the laws that have been drafted for space travel and space etiquette—the agreed upon norms of behavior that allow humans to explore without conflict.The book discusses the problem of space debris, and the growth of space tourism. It provides details about the Artemis missions and plans for the Gateway space station, and so much more. It challenges young readers to think about the decisions that need to be made in the years ahead to ensure that space exploration remains an exhilarating and peaceful activity.And the final chapter provides guidance on careers in the space industry—being an astronaut is only one of many exciting paths to pursue.A Junior Library Guild Gold Standard Selection

The author of We’ve Got a Job explores the world of youth social circus—a movement that brings kids from different worlds together to perform remarkable acts on a professional level. Levinson follows the participants of two specific circuses that also work together periodically: Circus Harmony, in St. Louis, whose participants are inner-city and suburban kids, and Circus Galilee in Israel, whose participants and Jews and Arabs. As the kids’ relationships evolve over time, the members learn how to overcome assumptions, animosity, and obstacles both physical and personal.

Many of the political issues we struggle with today have their roots in the US Constitution. This book explores 21 of the fault lines that were created in 1787 and are still causing problems today."Should be read by every single adult who lives in America.” —Laurie Halse AndersonThis revised edition of an essential book on the U. S. Constitution offers insight for everyone grappling with today's most urgent political issues. Many of us take certain features in our system for granted, even when we complain about them. But in fact, they are the result of bitter haggling in an overheated room in 1787—and we’re still experiencing the ramifications.Fault Lines in the Constitution takes readers back to the creation of this historic document and discusses the original intent and worldview of the Framers, when and how problems arose after the fact, and possible solutions for those problems, inspired by both constitutions of US states and other countries. Each chapter begins with a story—all but one of them true—that connects directly back to a section of the document that forms the basis of our society and government.Written by an award-winning middle grade author and a constitutional law scholar, this new edition has been revised to reflect political and social changes leading up to and following the 2024 national election, this new edition will include updated content throughout, two new chapters on Impeachment and Secession, and significant expansion of the chapters on Emergency Powers and Term Limits.

Today, we go to jail.b Youth in Birmingham Hated by Negro HatefulnessThough racial discrimination was widely accepted as illegal, blacks in Birmingham were still oppressed and oppressed in the 1960s. Policy makers did not allow any attempts by blacks to achieve ethnic integration, and blacks were thoroughly separated from white people in all kinds of everyday life, including schools, bus seats, restrooms, drinking water, and various festivals, parties, worship, and courts. The black people in Birmingham have struggled to regain their freedom and rights, not to mention the extreme discrimination.Among them, children like Audrey, Wash, James, Annette and 4,000 teenagers are in prison A godly march takes place. If the head of a family loses or is arrested, the whole family will be threatened, but if the children go to jail, the father will continue to be responsible for the familys livelihood. The youth filled the city of Birmingham and paralyzed the entire administration of the city, releasing the actual state of Birmingham throughout the country and even the entire world. Cynthia Levinson focused on the case and found that four students who participated in the demonstrations at that time, Audrey, 9, and 14, Wash, 15-year-old James, and 16-year-old Annette. Through a whole new perspective and a human perspective, we were able to vividly reconstruct the city of Birmingham City youth march. Their fighting and crying eventually became a struggle for justice in all parts of the world, and in 1964 they played a major role in bringing about civil rights laws that prohibited racial discrimination. The story of righteous youth gives us courage to look back on us these days when we see injustice not actively, but at the same time we can move forward to a better future.

Many of the political issues we struggle with today have their roots in the US Constitution. This book explores 21 of the fault lines that were created in 1787 and are still causing problems today."Should be read by every single adult who lives in America.” —Laurie Halse AndersonMany of us take certain features in our political system for granted, even when we complain about them. But these fault lines didn’t spontaneously arise—they have their roots in the Constitution itself, the result of disagreements and compromises made by the Framers in 1787—and we’re still feeling the ramifications today.Fault Lines in the Constitution takes readers back to the creation of this historic document and discusses the original intent and worldview of the Framers, when and how problems arose after the fact, and possible solutions for those problems, inspired by both constitutions of individual US states and other countries. Each chapter begins with a true story that connects directly back to a section of the document that forms the basis of our society and government.Written by an award-winning middle grade author and a constitutional law scholar, this new edition includes updated content throughout; two new chapters on Impeachment and Secession; significant expansion of the chapters on Emergency Powers and Term Limits; and revisions throughout that reflect political and social changes leading up to and following the 2024 national election.