Fault Lines in the Constitution: The Graphic Novel (World Citizen Comics) (Hardcover)

Fault Lines in the Constitution: The Graphic Novel (World Citizen Comics) By Cynthia Levinson, Sanford Levinson, Ally Shwed (Illustrator) Cover Image

Fault Lines in the Constitution: The Graphic Novel (World Citizen Comics) (Hardcover)

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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 1787, after 116 days of heated debates and bitter arguments, the United States Constitution was created. This imperfect document set forth America’s guiding principles, but it would also introduce some of today's most contentious political issues—from gerrymandering, to the Electoral College, to presidential impeachment.

With colorful art, compelling discourse, and true stories from America's past and present, Fault Lines in the Constitution: The Graphic Novel sheds light on how today's political struggles have their origins in the decisions of our Founding Fathers.

Children’s book author Cynthia Levinson, constitutional law scholar Sanford Levinson, and artist Ally Shwed deftly illustrate how contemporary problems arose from this founding document—and then they offer possible solutions.


This book is part of the World Citizen Comics series, a bold line of civics-focused graphic novels that equip readers to be engaged citizens and informed voters.

Cynthia Levinson writes award-winning nonfiction books about social justice for young readers, including The Youngest Marcher and Watch out for Flying Kids. She also braids bread with six strands, juggles up to two balls, and takes a constitutional most days.

Cynthia and Sanford Levinson, with whom she co-authored Fault Lines in the Constitution: The Graphic Novel, have four thoroughly splendid grandchildren and divide their time between Austin, Texas and Boston, Massachusetts.



Sanford Levinson is a professor both at the University of Texas Law School and the University of Texas at Austin Department of Government. The author of many books on the U.S. Constitution and other subjects, he is a member of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences and received the lifetime achievement award of the Law and Courts Section of the American Political Science Association in 2010.

Sanford and Cynthia Levinson, with whom he co-authored Fault Lines in the Constitution: The Graphic Novel, have four thoroughly splendid grandchildren and divide their time between Austin, Texas and Boston, Massachusetts.



Ally Shwed is a cartoonist, writer, and editor, originally from Linden, New Jersey. She received her Master of Fine Arts degree in Sequential Art from the Savannah College of Art & Design and has worked with The Boston Globe, Topic, Jezebel, and The Intercept. She regularly contributes to the comics journalism website The Nib and is the editor-in-chief of Little Red Bird Press, a comics publisher and printmaking studio. She currently lives in Belmar, New Jersey with her partner, cartoonist Gerardo Alba, and their cats, Egon and Schneider.
Product Details ISBN: 9781250211613
ISBN-10: 1250211611
Publisher: First Second
Publication Date: September 22nd, 2020
Pages: 288
Language: English
Series: World Citizen Comics

A Junior Library Guild selection

"The Levinsons create an approachable mix of anecdotes, comparisons with governments from around the world, and a fanciful imagining of the Framers frustratedly yelling and throwing their hands in the air. This tone, plus Shwed’s intentionally limited color palette of mostly red, white, blue, black, and gold, calls to mind Schoolhouse Rock animations..."—Booklist

"The book — succinct, powerful, playful, provocative — tracks the evolution of the Constitution." —The Boston Globe

"A provocative illumination of the nooks and crannies of a document that citizens have come to take for granted." —Kirkus Reviews