Eleanor Finch
Shh! We're Writing the Constitution is a book by Jean Fritz, illustrated by Tomie dePaola, that chronicles the Constitutional Convention of 1787, where 55 delegates from 13 states met in Philadelphia to draft the United States Constitution. The book provides a behind-the-scenes look at the difficulties and compromises that occurred among historical figures during the convention, offering insights into their personalities and the horse-trading that took place. It is known for its conversational and entertaining style, making it an excellent resource for introducing young readers to American history and the complexities of the Constitution.
Explore related products
What You'll Learn
The book's author, Jean Fritz
Jean Fritz was an American children's writer, best known for her biographies and American history writing. She was born in Hankow, China, on November 16, 1915, to American Presbyterian missionaries Arthur Minton Guttery and Myrtle Chaney. She lived in China until she was twelve, and her childhood there was marked by feelings of loneliness and isolation. She kept a journal about her days in China with her amah, Lin Nai-Nai.
Fritz's interest in history began during her childhood in China, where she read classics such as The Secret Garden by Frances Hodgson Burnett and Rudyard Kipling's Just So Stories. At age five, she announced her aspiration to become a writer. Her family emigrated to the United States when she was in the eighth grade. She graduated from Wheaton College in Massachusetts in 1937 and married Michael Fritz in 1941. They had two children, David and Andrea.
Fritz's writing career commenced with the publication of several short stories in Humpty Dumpty magazine in the early 1950s. Over her illustrious career, she authored forty-five books for children and young people, many of which centre on historical American figures. Her works have been described as "unconventional," "good-humored," "witty," "irrepressible," and "extraordinary." She has a distinctive writing style, characterised as "conversational and entertaining," bringing history to life with her humorous touch.
In her biographies, Fritz focuses on the personalities of historical figures and the unifying threads in their lives. For example, in her book "Shh! We're Writing the Constitution," she highlights the difficulties and compromises that occurred among the Founding Fathers as they secretly drafted the U.S. Constitution in Philadelphia during the hot summer of 1787. This book, illustrated by Tomie dePaola, includes a copy of the Constitution and those who signed it.
Throughout her career, Fritz has received numerous accolades for her contributions to American children's literature. She won the Children's Legacy Literature Award in 1986 and was a runner-up for the Boston Globe–Horn Book Award four times from 1974 to 1983. She was also recognised with the National Humanities Medal, which honours individuals who deepen the nation's understanding of the humanities and engage citizens with history.
Used Car Title Problems: What to Watch Out For
You may want to see also
The Constitutional Convention of 1787
The convention was preceded by growing concerns about the stability of the Union. Issues such as state legislatures' responses to economic relief calls and the inability to effectively conduct foreign policy under the Articles of Confederation highlighted the need for a stronger central government. James Madison of Virginia played a key role in setting the convention's agenda. He arrived early and presented a document titled "Vices of the Political System of the United States," which offered solutions to the country's weaknesses.
The convention was marked by intense debates and compromises on various issues, including slavery, state representation in Congress, and the balance of power between the central government and the states. The delegates created a system of checks and balances by dividing federal authority among the legislative, judicial, and executive branches. The executive branch gradually acquired more power, particularly in the area of foreign relations, and the president was given the authority to conduct foreign affairs.
The final version of the Constitution was produced by the Committee of Style in early September 1787 and was voted on by the delegates. It was signed by 39 of the 55 delegates on September 17, 1787, marking a significant moment in American history. The Constitution came into effect in 1789 after the necessary state ratifications and has served as the foundation of the United States Government ever since.
The book "Shh! We're Writing the Constitution" by Jean Fritz, illustrated by Tomie dePaola, offers an insightful and humorous account of the Constitutional Convention of 1787. It provides a behind-the-scenes perspective, making it an excellent resource for young readers to learn about the complexities of the Constitution and American history.
Cawing Crow Crowd: What Makes a Murder?
You may want to see also
The 55 delegates from 13 states
The book "Shh! We're Writing the Constitution" by Jean Fritz chronicles the events of the summer of 1787, when 55 delegates from 13 states gathered in Philadelphia to draft the United States Constitution. The delegates, with an average age of 42, brought a mix of youth and experience to the Constitutional Convention. Notably, four of the most influential delegates, Alexander Hamilton, Edmund Randolph, Gouvernor Morris, and James Madison, were in their thirties.
The 55 delegates who attended the Constitutional Convention sessions represented the original states except for Rhode Island, which did not send any delegates. The range of ages among the delegates was quite broad, with the youngest being 26-year-old Jonathan Dayton and the oldest being 81-year-old Benjamin Franklin, who had to be carried to the sessions in a sedan chair due to his infirmity.
The educational and professional backgrounds of the delegates were diverse as well. Over half of them had graduated from college, with nine from Princeton and six from British universities. Additionally, 8 of them had signed the Declaration of Independence, 25 had served in the Continental Congress, 15 had helped draft new state constitutions between 1776 and 1780, and 40 had served in the Confederation Congress between 1783 and 1787.
The book, aimed at young readers, provides an informative and engaging introduction to the complexities of the Constitution. Fritz's conversational and entertaining style brings to life the personalities and adventures of the Founding Fathers, including their difficulties and compromises during the Convention. The book also includes illustrations by Tomie dePaola, notes, and a copy of the full text of the Constitution.
Understanding the Core Purposes of the Constitution
You may want to see also
Explore related products
$10.98 $16.99
The humorous tone of the book
"Shh! We're Writing the Constitution" is a book written by Jean Fritz, illustrated by Tomie dePaola, and published by Penguin Random House. It is a humorous account of the Constitutional Convention of 1787, where 55 delegates from 13 states secretly met in Philadelphia to draft the United States Constitution.
The book is praised for its entertaining and conversational style, making it a delightful way to learn about American history. Jean Fritz's writing is described as "unconventional," "good-humored," "witty," "irrepressible," and "extraordinary." She brings history to life with her humorous touch, making the book enjoyable for both young readers and adults.
In the book, Fritz takes readers behind the scenes of the Constitutional Convention, revealing the personalities and adventures of the key figures involved. She focuses on the difficulties and compromises that occurred among the Founding Fathers as the Constitution slowly took shape. Fritz's unique approach adds a layer of humour to the narrative, making the Founding Fathers more relatable and engaging for readers.
The illustrations by Tomie dePaola also contribute to the light-hearted tone of the book. While some reviewers found the illustrations to be less appealing, with all the characters resembling the illustrator, others appreciated how they enhanced the readability and enjoyment of the text, especially for older elementary or middle-grade students.
Overall, "Shh! We're Writing the Constitution" is a highly acclaimed book that effectively combines history and storytelling. It is praised for its ability to engage both young and adult readers, providing an informative and entertaining introduction to the complexities of the Constitution and the personalities of those who shaped it.
Empty Stomach: How Long Before Taking Pills?
You may want to see also
The biography of Jean Fritz
Jean Fritz was an American writer known for her biographies and historical fiction. She was born Jean Guttery on November 16, 1915, in Hankow, China, to American missionary parents. Fritz lived in China until she was almost thirteen, which sparked her lifelong interest in American history. She attended a British school and kept a journal about her days in China with her amah, Lin Nai-Nai.
In 1928, the family emigrated to the United States, where Fritz continued her studies. She graduated from Wheaton College in Massachusetts in 1937 and pursued advanced studies at Columbia University Teachers College in New York. In 1941, she married Michael G. Fritz, and they had two children, David and Andrea.
Fritz's writing career began in the early 1950s with the publication of several short stories in Humpty Dumpty magazine. Her first historical novel for children, "The Cabin Faced West," was published in 1958 and was based on the pioneer childhood of her great-great-grandmother. During the 1960s, she published several more juvenile novels with historical settings, including "Brady" (1960), "I, Adam" (1963), and "Early Thunder" (1967).
Fritz became known for her biographies of historical figures, which she began writing in the early 1970s. Her biographies centered on figures from the American Revolution, such as Paul Revere, Sam Adams, Ben Franklin, and Alexander Hamilton. She received the Boston Globe–Horn Book Award for nonfiction in 1984 and 1990 for "The Double Life of Pocahontas" and "The Great Little Madison," respectively. She also wrote an autobiography, "Homesick: My Own Story" (1982), which won a National Book Award for Young People's Literature and was a runner-up for the Newbery Medal.
In addition to her writing, Fritz contributed to the literary community in other ways. She reviewed books for The New York Times starting in 1970 and conducted writing workshops and taught college courses. She also received several awards for her contributions to children's literature, including the Children's Legacy Literature Award in 1986 and the Regina Medal in 1985. Fritz died on May 14, 2017, at the age of 101, leaving behind a legacy of making history interesting and accessible to young readers.
Founding Fathers' Vision: A Democratic Republic
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
Jean Fritz wrote 'Shh! We're Writing the Constitution'.
Tomie dePaola illustrated 'Shh! We're Writing the Constitution'.
'Shh! We're Writing the Constitution' is about the Constitutional Convention of 1787, where 55 delegates from 13 states met in Philadelphia to draw up the Constitution of the United States.
