I loved the non graphic version of this book and I liked seeing it presented in a new way, but I didn't feel like the graphics were very well done. I wanted something that would stand out a little more.

A lot more text than graphic novel, this one is a bit of a heavy read. Not that graphic novels need to be light and happy all the time, but I've been reading a lot of depressing history graphic novels recently. This was another one that although it was really informative and taught me a lot it also depressed me in all of our short comings. I know the only way to change is to know where we started and what we're lacking, but sometimes its just so much that we excluded so many in our groundwork.

I love the World Citizen Comics series, and think that they are great in making political history accessible to younger readers and those that need the extra help in making history interesting. This particular volume was one that our library purchased because we felt it was an important tool for our students.

This was interesting, but somewhat depressing. Feel so discouraged with our country and this highlighted a lot of the problems we face.

"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 a time when politicians, citizens, and other partisans have tried to convince the world of the simplicity and beauty of the creation of the constitution and birth of the United States, this book presents in an easy to understand format the true nature of the democracy in the US. While I would not really classify this book as a "comic" the use of images is useful to explain the concepts and move the reader forward. Because some of these concepts are quite complicated, I'm not sure this is truly appropriate for young readers alone, but it can create a useful guide for starting conversations.

A very timely book. It's not exactly a graphic novel; much more of a text heavily illustrated and at times the simple cartoonishness of the art detracts from the ideas. At times it drags, but I really liked the way the authors discussed the historical context of the framers, the modern consequences of their decisions, and ways in which states and other countries have addressed those issues. The discussion of population representation inequalities and gerrymandering is especially good.

Not Always Graphic Novel Style; Lacks Objectivity

As an American who has a deep love for our foundational document of law, this graphic novel intrigued me when I saw it at one of my favorite book review sites. By the way, not all of it reads like a traditional graphic novel with panels and dialogue balloons; parts of it are more just an illustrated book. What I was hoping I would get was an objective view of both the history of the Constitution and how it has been used and abused. Unfortunately, this book didn't feel objective at all. Parts certainly strive too hard to be politically correct, and at times show historical figures having modern sensibilities they would not have had, and in other places, the authors definitely weighed in with opinions that could be considered partisan. While I might agree with them, as they appear to be on my side of the aisle, I don't find that appropriate in the book like this. When the book was more objective, I liked how it broke down both how the framers worked through issues that then became law (like bicameralism or the Electoral College) and how the Constitution is a living, breathing document that impacts people's lives through our history and today, even if we don't think of it as directly doing so. I have recently reviewed another book on the Constitution that takes a more objective, balanced approach, and I appreciated that a lot more. Because of the lack of objectivity, I do not feel like I can recommend this book.

The Levinsons' seminal study of the U. S. Constitution, particularly an examination of the document’s potential flaws was published in 2010.
Fault Lines in the Constitution: The Graphic Novel presents the same information in comic book format, primarily with panels that are interspersed interspersed with maps and infographics. The result is a concise, highly readable US Constitution primer.
Text alternates between historical background and contemporary applications of decisions that were made by the founding fathers.
Format generally follows a configuration of horizontally organizing each page into thirds. Square and rectangular panels fit neatly within this structure. Chapter headings and an occasional concept use the full page. ​This structure offers concise chunks of information that are easy to digest and understand.
Picture
The color palette is primarily shades of red and blue against a white background. Informational text is presented in deep yellow boxes. Characters offer supporting information and details within speech balloons.
Shwed's illustrations are clever and engaging. For example, a sports analogy is used to show the process of amending the constitution. It looks like playbook complete with diagrams that are surrounded by referees and cheerleaders in colonial attire.
The Levinsons’ concluding consideration of the constitution is presented in text format. The authors agree on some issues and disagree on others. It is helpful to find a dialogue with opposing viewpoints presented in a respectful manner. A bibliography rounds out the backmatter

An excellent introduction to the realities of how the US government came to be. Instead of listing bland facts while omitting truths as most history books do, Fault Lines instead provides information in an easily digestible manner, and appropriate for a wide range of ages. I'd definitely recommend this to be read in classrooms as it is infinitely more engaging than a textbook.

Lots of great information presented in an entertaining way but a bit too in depth for elementary students.

Thank you NetGalley and First Second for an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.

Very informative and educational, just like the original nonfiction book, but this time being told in graphic novel format! Because of this, I feel younger readers, children and teens, will be more engaged with the information and the story that is being told.

More accessible than the straight nonfiction book because of the pictures, but still lots of good information.