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Books
to Recall America's History and Presidents
By Holly E. Newton
Presidents' Day brings to mind our
country’s history, patriotism, independence, democracy and
of course, our Founding Fathers. Here is a list of books on this
subject.
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First is a book that I believe every family should own! The
American Story: 100 True Tales From American History,
by Jennifer Armstrong, is one of the best timelines of our history
that I’ve come across. Armstrong has chronologically outlined
interesting stories that deal with achievement, courage and equality
beginning with the year 1565.
The stories progress through the centuries.
She’s sectioned the chapters with the headings: Settlement
and Colonies, A New Republic, Expansion and Invention, Becoming
Modern and Brave New World. She’s stated that because she’s
attempting to put all of the parts of American history into a simple
perspective, she’s included some stories and omitted others.
But what I really found interesting about this oversized book is
that each story is intriguing, easy to understand and helps bring
about a better understanding of our country from it’s inception
to the year 2000.
My intention was to read the first
couple of chapters and then read chapters intermittently through
to the end. But, I found the stories so interesting, I discovered
myself reading story after story and not being able to stop. I don’t
believe I’ve found another book with such cohesiveness that
really describes the truth as to how our country evolved into what
it stands for today! History teachers will love this book!
There are colorful and wonderful illustrations,
by Roger Roth, throughout. There’s even a section at the back
where you can locate stories by subjects, along with an extensive
bibliography. The only thing I would have added to make this great
book even better would be to add a map showing where each story
takes place. This book is perfect for all ages!
And while we’re on the subject of exploring America, Wow!
America!, by Robert Neubecker, is a vibrant and colorful
picture book that takes you from the peaks of the Rocky Mountains
to the shores of the Atlantic. Each page opens to a full spread
picture depicting of a portion of the United States. It begins with
New England, and the illustration of the giant lobster, the fisherman
and the port is only part of what’s in the pages. This book
is sure to be revisited again and again. The author’s other
book in this series is Wow! City! with the same wow illustrations!
For ages 5 through 8.
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Now for a picture book about great leaders at the birth of our nation:
John, Paul, George & Ben, by Lane
Smith, is not only informative, but hilarious. Mr. Smith has managed
to combine these two elements making this book perfect for children
to not only learn about these inspiring men, but they will likely
want to read other books about John Hancock, Paul Revere, George
Washington, Ben Franklin and Thomas Jefferson.
Each man is introduced as a youngster,
and this is where the humor comes in. Each funny situation is fictitious
but leads to the actual account of the important event. For instance,
John Hancock liked to write his name on the chalk board and make
it as large as he could. More facts can be found at the back of
the book. A great book for all ages!
And while we’re discussing Presidents, Make Your
Mark, Franklin Roosevelt, by Judith St. George, and
wonderfully illustrated by Britt Spencer, is an informative picture
book that gives insight into what makes a young boy grow up to become
President of the United States. There are many elements that come
into play for presidential leadership and George informs the reader
about a young Roosevelt and the qualities that made him great. This
book is for ages 6 and above.
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 The
Editors of Time for Kids have two new kid-friendly special editions.
Presidents of the United States, with
help from Lisa Demauro, has a layout with larger, easier to read
font, colorful pictures and photos and a very helpful timeline indicating
key dates ? which puts history into perspective. Our
50 United States and Other U.S. Lands, with the help
of Renee Skelton and Jaime Joyce, is filled with interesting and
fascinating facts, photos and a diagram of each state. Both of these
books have much more information located at the back of each book.
They’re sure to be revisited again and again. These are both
perfect for all ages.
Click to Buy
Now for my favorite of the bunch ? I think because it’s an
historical fiction and kids learn so much from this type of genre.
This gem was published back in 2005, and it’s so well written
that I’m adding it to my all-time favorite list of kids' books.
Where the Great Hawk Flies, by Liza Ketchum,
deals with prejudice and hatred.
Two boys, living back in 1780, come
from two completely different backgrounds. One has an English immigrant
father and a Pequot Indian mother, the other boy’s family
is Scotch-Irish and has dealt with bloodshed from the English and
their Native American supporters. The author alternates the voices
of each boy through different chapters giving the reader a real
sense of the difficulties facing them back then.
This unique writing style also enlightens
the reader to compare with modern day bigotry. Ketchum has woven
a story filled with excitement and history and a friendship so strong
that it will ultimately break the bonds of discrimination. This
great book is for ages 10 through adult.
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Meridian Magazine. All Rights Reserved.
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