Discover the truth about the Fourteenth Amendment, civil rights, and the United States’ continued fight for equality in this singular nonfiction book for young readers.
The Fourteenth Amendment to the U.S. Constitution, known as the “equality amendment,” was passed in the years after the Civil War to help protect the rights and freedoms of Black Americans. In the centuries that followed, the amendment grew to protect the rights of women, immigrants, and LGBTQ+ people as well.
But in recent years, the scope of the Fourteenth Amendment has shifted dramatically. A series of landmark Supreme Court cases—ranging from abortion to affirmative action—have rolled back the amendment’s guarantees and called into question its usefulness as a tool in the fight for equality. What does the future hold for the Fourteenth?
Hana Bajramovic’s Whose Right Is It? The Fourteenth Amendment and the Fight for Equality explores how one amendment to the Constitution shaped civil rights and liberties in America and became the focus for many of today’s most important political debates. Featuring historical photos and informative graphics, this book shows a new generation of activists what the fight for equality across race, sexuality, gender, and citizenship might look like in the years to come.
A Junior Library Guild Selection
"In the second installment in her Whose Right Is It? series, Bajramovic presents a concise and accessible narrative of the creation, fluid interpretation, and impact of the Fourteenth Amendment . . . Clear eyed, even handed, and incredibly well documented, this ideal classroom pick accessibly introduces an essential and increasingly consequential part of the U.S. Constitution." —Booklist, Starred Review
"This tale of legal topsy-turvy perfectly portrays how our laws can remain unchanged yet be interpreted differently as legal theory and courts change. Back matter includes an index, bibliography, and source notes. Hand this exceptional overview to future constitutional law students." —School Library Journal, Starred Review
"An unraveling of the historical tapestry of the Fourteenth Amendment’s genesis, evolution, and impact . . . Bajramovic’s thorough research and accessible writing make this an important resource for readers interested in understanding the complexities of constitutional law and the ongoing struggles for civil rights and social justice. A meticulous and captivating account of the fight for civil rights." —Kirkus Reviews
"A compelling, clear analysis of one of our country’s oldest dilemmas: how to balance gun rights with public safety. It tells the full and true story of the Second Amendment, and points to a way to bring sanity to our gun laws. A remarkable primer for all ages." —Michael Waldman, author of The Second Amendment: A Biography
For the majority of the United States’ history, the right to own a gun belonged to a “well regulated militia.” That changed in 2008 with the historic District of Columbia v. Heller case, which ruled that the Second Amendment protected an individual’s right. In the years since, the debate over gun legislation has reached a crescendo. And the issue grows ever relevant to children across America, with an estimated three million exposed to shootings every year. From metal detectors to see-through backpacks to shooting drills, kids face daily reminders of the threat of guns.
Hana Bajramovic's Whose Right Is It? The Second Amendment and the Fight Over Guns reveals how a once obscure amendment became the focus of daily heated debate. Filled with historical photos and informative graphics, the book will show young readers how gun legislation has always been a part of American history and how money, power, and systemic racism have long dictated our ability to own guns.
A Junior Library Guild Selection
"Hana Bajramovic provides readers with a compelling overview on the history of guns in the United States and the changing, conflicting interpretations of the Second Amendment certain to stimulate conversation and thinking on the part of future generations." —Award-winning author Doreen Rappaport