Website: 27: The Most Perfect Album

27: THE MOST PERFECT ALBUM is a project of WNYC Studios.

The website focuses on the twenty-seven amendments to the United States Constitution that detail our basic rights. “The 27” original songs explain and amplify each of the amendments to the Constitution.

Musicians include The Slants, Dolly Parton, and They Might Be Giants. In addition, Joey Stylez performing his First Amendment song focusing on the persecution of American indigenous people. Each song is accompanied by the song lyrics and notes that explain their historic significance.

Librarians will find these songs and their mix of constitutional short stories a great way to learn more about the amendments. This resource provides an opportunity to collaborate with the music and history teachers.

To learn more, go to https://project.wnyc.org/themostperfectalbum/

Website: The Founders' Constitution

THE FOUNDERS’ CONSTITUTION is a rich set of resources related to the creation of the U.S. Constitution.

This easy-to-access online resource contains an anthology of 18th century documents. These writings reflect the debate over the creation of the Constitution.

The website begins with a reader’s advisory and introduction. Users can then search by key word or select sections of the Constitution to explore based on major themes or articles. The index provides quick access to authors, documents, cases, and constitutional provision.

Librarians will find that many students are surprised by the various opinions of the founding fathers and how the Constitution was crafted. This website is an effective way to help youth dive into the formation of this founding document.

To visit the website, go to http://press-pubs.uchicago.edu/founders/.

Book Review: The Fault Line in the Constitution

FAULT LINES IN THE CONSTITUTION by Cynthia Levinson and Sanford Levinson tells the story of the framers, their fights, and the flaws that affect us today.

This compelling work of nonfiction explores the connection between today’s political issues and the US Constitution. The book addresses both well-known along with lesser-known stories about why the framers of the Constitution chose their words and their impact today.

Librarians will find this well-research work of nonfiction to be an important addition to the US history collection. Teachers will find it a valuable resource in connecting past events to issues in the news today.

Published on September 1, 2017 by Peachtree Publishers. ARC courtesy of the publisher.

Technology Review: Interactive Constitution

INTERACTIVE CONSTITUTION is a free app allowing users to explore the full text of the U.S. Constitution.

This nonpartisan resource is easy to use. After clicking the “Explore It” button, students select from the Articles and Amendments tabs to read sections of the Constitution of interest. Annotated text is provided with the first 15 Amendments along with common interpretations. The Matters of Debate statements focus on areas of disagreement as discussed by leading scholars. For Amendments 16-27, full annotated text and interpretations from Annenberg Classroom are provided.

The About section provides white papers with background information about the Constitution and how it should be interpreted and applied.

Librarians will find this app useful for high school government classes. What makes it unique is the focus on presenting varied perspectives on key issues.

To download the app, go to https://itunes.apple.com/…/interactive-constit…/id1147260877.

App Review: Congress Creates the Bill of Rights

CONGRESS CREATES THE BILL OF RIGHTS app from the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA) provides resources to explore this foundational document.

Designed specifically for classroom use, this easy-to-use app helps students explore the proposals, debates, and revisions that shaped the first ten amendments to the U.S. Constitution.

The app contains three menus: Get the Background, Go Inside the First Congress, and Join the Debate.

The Get the Background section explores the creation of the document, events leading to the document, and a chronology.

The Go Inside the First Congress area explores the compromises, debate, issues, edits, and amendments.

The Join the Debate contains information about the vote itself and a time for reflection.

Librarians will find this app to be popular with social studies and particularly government teachers. To extend the experience, go to the NARA’s web-based materials on the Bill of Rights.

Keep in mind that this app requires a secondary download of content. The first time the app is opened, the app requires a download of over 300MBs.

To explore NARA’s web-based resources, go to http://www.archives.gov/legis…/resources/bill-of-rights.html

To download from iTunes, go to https://itunes.apple.com/…/congress-creates-bil…/id917839792.

To download from Google Play, go to https://play.google.com/store/apps/details….