In my ongoing search for insightful political books, I came across Steve Brezenski’s Little People Little Patriots. I didn’t have any expectations before beginning it (which can be a good thing or a bad thing.) On one hand it the back cover spoke about the need for family discussion on the issues of America’s governmental history, but on the other hand I was under the understanding that it was a “guide” to understanding the constitution. In reading the preface, I saw an immediate connection between the author and his country. There was a sense of true patriotism visible in only a few paragraphs – things were put into perspective. This wasn’t a stuffy academic book; this was one man’s testimony on why his love of the United States should be shared with generations to come.
Brezenski, a father, saw a need for a greater understanding of the American foundations (including the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution) and it’s values among all Americans, especially children…and his own children. Little People Little Patriots (which, despite what the title sounds like is not about nationalist midgets) is a culmination of what the author feels are the 52 fundamental values entrenched in the founding of the United States. These include everything from freedom of speech to self-governance, and faith in God to limited government. It isn’t a political book per se, which is perhaps why it stands out so much in the see of “cookie cutter” literature. More interestingly though, it isn’t overtly ‘conservative’ in nature, but still resonates with me — a conservative on quite a deep level. Anyone who has a love of the constitution (as most conservatives do) will develop a connection with this book.
The prose reads as a storybook. The flow of words is nearly poetic, despite talking about a topic that many find uninteresting. The language is simple enough for a child to read, but not too juvenile for an adult to enjoy. Throughout the book, but especially in the foreword, the author’s stream of consciousness is apparent. You’re not reading a regurgitation of college political science, but instead an organic request for America to educate itself and its children on the true importance of the constitution and the values instilled through it.
The content of Little People Little Patriots was great, although I had some issues with how the book was structured. Each of the 52 chapters of the book explored one of the 52 American values that I mentioned above. However, with so much to cover in such a short book, there wasn’t the depth I would have hoped for. I enjoyed the author’s writing style immensely as his writing is in sync with how one thinks. However, there was an over-use of quotations of greats thinkers such as Benjamin Franklin and Alexis de Tocqueville to illustrate the author’s points. Obviously such individuals’ words play a large part in defining what America was supposed to be, but I found that at certain times where I wanted more of the author’s wisdom, I was getting a refresher on parts of history that I was already well-versed in. Given the over-lap between some of the themes, I would have rather seen fewer topics discussed in more depth than the wide range included.
On the whole, Little People Little Patriots brought a new perspective of the founding values of the United States to me, along with a deeper understanding of what the founding fathers were accomplishing when they committed treason for the sake of liberty. Author Steve Brezenski drew out the emotional subtext of a legal discussion into the light, and created what can only be described as a manifesto of national pride. Not having children, I can only imagine how important it is that children understand the importance of liberty, free speech, family values, and the necessity of engaging in the democratic process. Thanks to Brezenski’s book however, my job as a parent will be a lot easier when that time comes. Whether you’re a parent or not, I highly recommend Little People Little Patriots for anyone with the hope of garnering a better comprehension of the constitution of the United States, and the values expected of its citizens.
You can purchase it from Amazon here.
