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The Birth of the First Amendment

Graphic Novel by Donna Griffin and Gary Varvel

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The paperback version of “Birth of the First Amendment” is now available. Get copies today for yourself, your school, & your local newsroom!

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Truth. Fake News. The First Amendment. How did it all start?

In a courtroom in New York 41 years BEFORE the Declaration of Independence and 56 years BEFORE the Bill of Rights became law…

When John Peter Zenger printed the New York Journal in 1734, he joined a special group of Americans – journalists who were patriots and partners in the battle for freedom for the Colonies. Printers joined forces with lawyers who understood the power of the written word.

In this middle grade graphic novel, Zenger refuses to bow to British authority despite being imprisoned for eight months. He continues to publish his newspaper thanks to his wife, Anna Zenger, who became the first woman printer and publisher in the colonies.

Voices from History

“This is not the cause of one poor printer…It is the cause of liberty!”
— Andrew Hamilton

“I was imprisoned Nov. 17, 1734 when I was denied the use of pen, ink and paper and liberty of speech with any persons for three days. I couldn’t pay the bail. It was 10 times more than I could afford. So I returned to jail, where I’ve been ever since.” — John Peter Zenger

“We will Fight with words and facts to make sure every citizen can speak and write the truth!”
— John Peter Zenger

“I would have been found guilty already if not for her strength and determination… She became the first woman printer and publisher in the colonies!”
— John Peter Zenger

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Young journalists in action at BOTFA launch

Young journalists in action at BOTFA launch

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Behind the Birth – Gary Varvel

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