The Birth of The First Amendment (In the Moment)

Truth. Fake News. The First Amendment. How did it all start? In a courtroom in New York 41 years BEFORE the Declaration of Independence was signed and 56 years BEFORE the Bill of Rights became law...

BOTFA is designed to engage youth with information and tools to think critically, communicate responsibly, and participate as active citizens in our democracy.

The Birth of The First Amendment is NOT just another history book.

The superheroes, drama and suspense of this graphic novel are a new take on education that speaks directly to middle, high school and college young leaders whose voices are resounding throughout this country.

1. BOTFA TEACHES: BOTFA tells the story of that one moment when Hamilton lit that first spark of freedom with the words, "Everyone should have the right to speak and write the truth."

2. BOTFA EMPOWERS: This story is even more important and relevant for young people today who need understand the rights and responsibilities of the First Amendment.

3. BOTFA CONNECTS: This graphic novel is all about celebrating the importance of connecting and renewing a spirit of citizenship and to help students fight for their rights to speak and write the truth and tell the stories of their communities.

THERE IS A REAL REASON THE FIRST AMENDMENT IS AT THE TOP OF THE BILL OF RIGHTS. . .

What does BOTFA mean for young people today? Find more information in the special Back Matter section:

- CHECK OUT the "Journalism by the Numbers" section that explains the importance of Freedom of the Press

- FIND OUT how the First Amendment became at the top of the Bill of Rights and key events and trials that have shaped our country's laws

- BE INSPIRED by stories of First Amendment superheroes and New Voices who are speaking their truth

Journalists Donna Griffin and Gary Varvel are once again teaming up on an innovative graphic novel that will inspire and educate a new generation of informed citizens and support journalism education across the country - "The Birth of the First Amendment." The two collaborated on "Old Whiskers Escapes!" released July, 2018 by the Benjamin Harrison Presidential Site. Griffin is also the author of "The Twelve Days of Christmas in Indiana," 2014 (Hardcover) 2017 (Board Book) She is also student media adviser at Shortridge High School in Indianapolis and director of the Urban Media Project, an initiative of her non-profit organization, Dani's Dreams Innovation in Education Corp. She founded the start-up, Griffin Media and Publishing LLC, publisher of "The Birth of the First Amendment. Griffin is a Certified Journalism Educator and member of the JEA, Journalism Education Association.

Journalists Donna Griffin and Gary Varvel are once again teaming up on an innovative graphic novel that will inspire and educate a new generation of informed citizens and support journalism education across the country - "The Birth of the First Amendment." The two collaborated on "Old Whiskers Escapes!" released July, 2018 by the Benjamin Harrison Presidential Site. Varvel is an national award-winning syndicated editorial cartoonist who has worked for the Indianapolis Star for 40 years. He is a member of the Indiana Journalism Hall of Fame and author/illustrator of "The Good Shepherd," 2014.