Gr 6-9–With a primary focus on the amendments to the United States Constitution, these five volumes explain the rights and freedoms of American citizens. An examination of two tenets of the First Amendment is provided in Freedom of Speech and the Press. Individual Rights and Liberties explains the meanings of the other amendments, such as the right to bear arms and the abolition of poll taxes. Rule by the People and Fair Elections and Voting Rights cover voting information and requirements for candidates. Separation of Government Powers discusses the three branches of government and the differing responsibilities of the legislative, executive, and judicial branches. The narratives employ simple, straightforward sentences making these easy reads, and the accompanying photographs complement the texts. Additionally, these volumes have an advantage of currency as they include events of the past few years and one contains a photograph of the current United States Supreme Court.

VERDICT Informative if not exciting, these volumes will be suitable for reports and selectors should consider purchase where collections need refreshing.