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.

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.

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.

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.