Product Description

Encouraged by the thousands of young Americans who enjoyed The Book of Virtues for Young People, William J. Bennett returns with an inspiring collection drawn from the best-selling adult book Our Sacred Honor.

This adapted version highlights the speeches, letters, poems, and articles of the brave men and women who founded our great nation, including George Washington, John and Abigail Adams, and Benjamin Franklin. Their advice on values such as patriotism, love, civility, education, industry, justice, and piety still rings true for young people today.

Our Country's Founders also includes important documents such as the Constitution and Declaration of Independence, a time line, and biographical notes on our revolutionary forefathers. This essential volume provides all the background needed to appreciate these timeless lessons and advice from America's founders.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #292247 in Books
• Published on: 2001-06-01
• Released on: 2001-04-17
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Paperback
• 320 pages

From School Library Journal
Grade 6-9-Most of the selections in this book of moral instruction are drawn from Bennett's Our Sacred Honor (S & S, 1997), an adult title. However, the introduction and editorial comments throughout are new and simplified for this audience, and additional materials such as the famous stories about Betsy Ross and Washington's cherry tree have been added. The chapter headings clearly denote the tenor of the advice: "Patriotism and Courage," "Love and Courtship," "Civility and Friendship," etc. Sources, credits, and attributions are scrupulously listed at the end of the book, along with the Declaration of Independence, the Constitution, and the Bill of Rights. While it is unlikely that many young people will choose this collection of historical writings for leisure reading, it is a valuable resource on the beliefs and ideas of Washington, Jefferson, Franklin, and other leaders of that period. Letters between husbands and wives, most famously Abigail and John Adams, advice from parents to children, diary entries, speeches, printed materials, and epitaphs all attest to the humanity and personal attributes of these often over-sanctified figures. Their doubts and disputes, their genuine feelings of friendship and affection, and their profound belief in the ideals of democratic government are expressed in their many writings. Occasional black-and-white drawings illustrate the entries. This volume will provide material for reports and primary sources on the principles and ideas that are our national heritage.
Shirley Wilton, Ocean County College, Toms River, NJ
Copyright 1998 Reed Business Information, Inc.

From Booklist
Gr. 7^-12. Bennett, former secretary of education, began a postcabinet career for himself as America's morality guru with the publication of The Book of Virtues (1993). His newest title, an adaptation of his recent book Our Sacred Honor , contains excerpts from the private and published writings of Washington, Jefferson, Adams, and others. Although the subtitle has a hint of castor oil about it, the counsel included is actually delivered with subtlety, affection, and restraint. Bennett briefly introduces each selection, connecting it to the chapter's theme without hitting readers over the head with his message. He draws on a wide variety of primary, secondary, and tertiary sources, ranging from the love letters of John and Abigail Adams to Mason Weems' apocryphal tale of George Washington and the cherry tree. Few young adults are likely to pick this up on their own, but teachers will find it a valuable resource. The divide between our founders' principles and present-day politics is as wide as it has ever been, and this book offers a way to get students talking and thinking about the subject. Source notes, reprints of several of the nation's founding documents, and a handful of short biographies are appended. Randy Meyer

Review
School Library Journal

This volume will provide material for reports and primary sources on the principles and ideas that are our national heritage. -- Review

Customer Reviews

So insperational.
I love this book, and have already reccomended it to my Mother and a few good friends. I bought this book for my 12 year old son, but am afraid that it will be too difficult for him to read. The book consists of speeches, letters and articles written by our founding fathers and mothers with a brief commentary by William Bennett. I have to admit that I have a dictionary by my bed to look up words that I don't know, and there are MANY. Our Founders wrote eloquently, but it is sometimes hard to follow. The messages that our founders were conveying in their correspondences are relevent today. I have been inspired to be more industrious and work on my other faults.

Spectacular
Bennett's take on the personalities of the men and women that birthed this nation is compelling and rewarding. He pulls selected writings from a variety of sources, and his choices are at times very un-politically correct. For instance, one passage by Hamilton details the regret and angst that plagued him in his last hours before his ill-fated duel. Other passages hi-lite the nobility and bravery that many exhibited in the most trying of times. The cast of characters is complete: Adams and his wife, Washington, Jefferson, Hamilton, Lafayette, etc. This book in fact does what other books for young adults only pretend - treating young minds as capable and inquisitive and able to handle a harsh reality. In all, a thought-provoking book with good commentary by the editor.

Excellent!
This is a wonderful book that all young people should definately read. Although it may not be the easiest writing, etc, our country was founded by the people who wrote the book. We, as Americans, should listen to what they have to say. For, I am sure, we would be no where without them.