ON TOUR: Allison Matulli, author of YOUR FREEDOM, YOUR POWER
An empowering, relevant guide to the First Amendment for middle grade readers!
Book and tour information below
The First Amendment grants kids and every other citizen five monster privileges: freedom of religion, freedom of speech, freedom of the press, freedom of assembly, and the right to petition the government. If the First Amendment is everywhere in their lives, shouldn’t kids know more about it?
In YOUR FREEDOM, YOUR POWER (on sale now), young readers get a focused look at their freedoms and rights through the lens of the all-powerful First Amendment. This book features interviews with changemakers like Mary Beth Tinker, Jerome Foster II, and Sydney Helfand, and each section addresses key questions like:
- Do I have the right to protest at school?
- Can I be punished at school for something I say on social media?
- Why can’t I wear whatever I want?
- Can I text whatever I want?
YOUR FREEDOM, YOUR POWER shares the fascinating stories behind some of the most important legal cases and social movements that have affected kids’ lives and rights while answering key questions and explaining essential legal concepts every kid should know.
The book also provides middle grade readers with a nonpartisan, unbiased look at the First Amendment that clearly explains the fundamentals of American politics and shows them the freedoms, protections, and consequences of this cornerstone of American life and politics. This empowering must-read will teach kids to speak up and stand up by breaking down this incredibly important law. A must-have for every bookshelf!
Praise for YOUR FREEDOM, YOUR POWER
“This offering’s subtitle includes the words ‘A Kid’s Guide,’ and here those words are especially apt….Students, parents, and teachers will appreciate the generous back matter and direct approach, and this works equally well as leisure reading for young activists, a homework helper, or a classroom supplement. Most important, this book empowers kids, telling them how to use their voices and defend their rights.” —Booklist, starred review
“Current, insightful, and savvy.”—Kirkus Reviews
“Matulli and Castro-Malaspina break down the functions of the First Amendment in this handy guide to American politics. Through their conversational approach, the authors demystify the document to present a primer for young people.”—Publishers Weekly
About the Authors
Allison Matulli is a former attorney and educator, now Founder of The Little Lawyers, an organization promoting legal awareness for children. The mother of two and a certified American Montessori lead teacher, Allison is well aware that children are empowered when they have access to all the tools they need. Knowing their rights and respecting others’ rights must be among these instruments guiding children to be conscious citizens. Allison is an educational reform activist who consults with schools worldwide on how to provide those tools by introducing and teaching educators and kids to address issues of race, systemic racism, prejudice, legal literacy, diversity, and inclusion. She continues to use her voice to speak up for children’s rights, whether as a keynote speaker on Tuesday Times (a round table sponsored by the New York Times) or as a contributing writer for journals such as Education Week. Allison holds a B.A. in Economics from St. Joseph’s University, a Master’s in Education from Endicott College and a J.D. from Howard University School of Law. She is based in Miami where she lives with her husband and two children, Santo Max and Eva Skye. You can learn more about Allison at www.thelittlelawyers.com.
Clelia Castro-Malaspina is a former attorney who believes in making the law more accessible to kids. Also a former literary agent, she recently launched Mossy Pines Creative, a developmental editing company specializing in children’s books. She received her bachelor’s degrees in English and Communications from Boston College, her law degree from American University Washington College of Law and her Master’s in Publishing and Writing from Emerson College. She lives on Mercer Island, Washington, a suburb of Seattle, with her husband and two daughters. You can learn more about Clelia at www.mossypinescreative.com or on Instagram at @mossypinesclelia.
YOUR FREEDOM, YOUR POWER: A KID’S GUIDE TO THE FIRST AMENDMENT
By Allison Matulli with Clelia Castro-Malaspina; Illustrated by Carmelle Kendall
Running Press Kids; ages 10-13; Hardcover; $16.99 US; $22.99 CAN
ISBN: 9780762478385; e-book ISBN: 9780762478392
Publication Date: July 25, 2023
BOOK TOUR INFORMATION
Author/teacher/Global Fulbright Scholar Allison Matulli will host an in-person reading, empowering activity for students, and book signing exclusively for 3 schools per city visit. Space is limited, so email to learn more. Responses will be sent as soon as dates are finalized on/by May 31, 2024.
Email us to learn more: help@thelittlelawyers.com
EMAIL US NOW & YOU WILL GET A FREE CURRICULUM GUIDE FOR YOUR FREEDOM, YOUR POWER!
Bulk and Premium Orders:
YOUR FREEDOM, YOUR POWER is available for bulk or premium purchase direct from the publisher. For inquiries about costs and delivery, contact the special markets experts at customerservice@hbgusa.com or call 1-800-759-0190.
For international queries, email internationalsales@hbgusa.com.
In the USA and Canada books can be ordered from local booksellers, or from Porchlight or Bookpal among other retailers; contact your preferred bookseller ask for a B2B discount on multiple-copy orders.
Book Publicity Inquiries: RP_Publicity@hbgusa.com