The Foundations of Our Nation series looks at events and documents fundamental to the creation of the U.S. Each volume begins with the nation's founding and focuses on one aspect of the early struggles to create a workable new structure for governing the country. Concise explanations of debated issues and the portrayals of significant individuals will help readers understand the challenges faced by the nation's founders. Each double-page spread includes a color illustration, such as a vintage print or drawing, a portrait painting, or a photo. Although the large print, the wide-spaced lines, and the many short sentences suggest a younger audience, the vocabulary and concepts are more appropriate for middle-grade readers. After discussing the need for the Bill of Rights, Developing the Bill of Rights tells what was in the original 12 articles and why the states ratified only 10. An attractive introductory history series.