Defining and Discussing Free Speech

“It’s a free country—I can say whatever I want!” Most Americans agree about the importance of free speech. But many don’t understand the scope and limitations of this treasured liberty. Learn about the history, complexities, and conflicts related to free speech rights, from flag-burning to the treatment of hate speech. Then, decide where YOU stand on this important issue.

The Shaping the Debate series is designed to help readers in grades 5-9 understand social issues from multiple viewpoints and to articulate their own opinions. Each book in this series explains the title issue and how it affects people and policy; introduces people and movements involved in bringing awareness to the issue; highlights applicable major U.S. laws, judicial decisions, and progressive to moderate to conservative viewpoints; and touches on global implications of activism, awareness, and policy change | “It’s a free country—I can say whatever I want!” Most Americans agree about the importance of free speech. But many don’t understand the scope and limitations of this treasured liberty. | With attention-grabbing introductions and striking photographs, this series gives readers plenty of information to understand both sides of major debates. Covering facts, court cases, laws, opinions, important milestones, and larger political contexts, the books make the impact of these issue clear. While primarily focused on the United States, each volume does offer a look at more global views. The ­layout and design of these books really make them stand out, with formats that vary from page to page. Information is presented in a variety of ways—detailed captions, graphs, maps, charts, statistics, illustrations—and traditional blocks of text rarely run more than half a page, making this series accessible to readers who may struggle to get through so much information. VERDICT An exceptional and effective series. - SLJ Fall 2019 | Free speech and its limits are complicated subjects, sometimes even for courts. So hats off to this book for its explanations and examples that make the topic not only understandable but also thought-provoking. The book begins with freedom of speech surrounding the flag, but then it moves into the history of the First Amendment and the controversies around it, including deference to the anthem, the Red Scare of the 1950s, free speech in schools, and the new notion that corporations are entitled to free speech. There is also information about life in countries where free speech is devalued or not permitted. Part of the Shaping the Debate series (6 titles), the volume's last page is devoted to debate prep, but the eye-catching book’s real strength is its insights into a fundamental American right.
— Ilene Cooper, Booklist, October 2019 | “It’s a free country—I can say whatever I want!” Most Americans agree about the importance of free speech. But many don’t understand the scope and limitations of this treasured liberty. Learn about the history, complexities, and conflicts related to free speech rights, from flag-burning to the treatment of hate speech.