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 (Birth of The First Amendment) is designed to engage youth with information and tools to think critically, communicate responsibly, and participate as active citizens in our democracy.
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
YOU ARE THERE…as our reporter uses the tools of journalism to take you inside the minds and hearts of Zenger, Anna, his lawyer Andrew Hamilton and their nemesis, Gov. Cosby in this factual account of the drama, conflict and impact of this important moment in American history.
What does this 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 the Fourth Estate
• 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.