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Books with
a Presidential Flavor
By Holly E. Newton
Presidents’
Day is just around the corner, and with all of the political activity
going on in order to elect a new president, it’s a great time to
read outstanding books about great Americans.
The
first two books are perfect for ages 9 through adult. Tales
of Famous Americans, by Connie and Peter Roop, and illustrated by Charlie Powell, showcases 17 well
known, and not so well known, Americans who have made an impact
on our country. One outstanding American profiled is our first
president, George Washington. The information about this great
man is brief and covers his life in about four pages, but the lasting
impression is significant as you read about his great leadership
and many sacrifices for his country.
Other
famous Americans include Abraham Lincoln, Madam C.J. Walker and
Helen Keller. Each person profiled worked hard and overcame major
challenges in order to achieve their desired goals. There are illustrations
and photographs on every page that make this a terrific kid-friendly
book!
 And
while we’re on the subject of famous Americans, James Cross Giblin
has written a fascinating biography of Paul Revere. The Many
Rides of Paul Revere reads like a story that will pull in
even the most reluctant reader. Revere
is mostly remembered from Longfellow’s famous poem for the midnight
ride that started the Revolutionary War. But what few know is that
he actually rode several more times throughout the war to inform
troops about oncoming opposition.
We
soon learn that this was a man who loved his country and risked
his life for it. There are photos, maps and documents throughout
which help set the tone of the 1700’s. There’s also an excellent
timeline of his life, as well as information about various historical
sites that is found in the back of the book.
The
next four books are good for ages 9 through 12. Susan Buckly
and Elspeth Leacock have written two picture books that take the
reader (ages 9 through adult) through an informational and pictorial
timeline. Journeys for Freedom: A New Look
at America’s Story includes the colonial settlements,
immigration from Russia
in the late 1890’s and events in 1988 and the mass exodus from Sudan to America. Rodica Prato
magnificently illustrated the many pictures and maps found throughout.
 Kids
Make History: A New Look at America’s Story is an innovative look at this historical
timeline of America
through the young men and women that helped shape our country.
It begins with Powhatan’s favorite daughter in 1607 and ends with
9/11, when the towers fell. Randy Jones illustrated the pictures
that can be found on every page.
Who’s
Saying what in Jamestown, Thomas Savage?, by
Jean Fritz, and illustrated by Sally Wern
Comport, gives an account about this little known young 13-year-old
when he came to live in this new land. He became a very important
part of the community because he lived with the native people in
order to learn their language and soon became an interpreter. Here
is an account that will enlighten our understanding of life 400
years ago, when Jamestown
was first settled.
Blast
to the Past: Betsy Ross’s Star, by
Stacia Deutsch and Rhody
Cohon, and illustrated by Guy Francis, has the same kids in
this series of fantasy mixed with history. When the kids hear that
maybe Betsy Ross didn’t make the first flag, they go back in time
to really find out! The book is best for ages 7 to 10.
 The
Cemetery Keepers of Gettysburg, by
Linda Oatman High, and beautifully painted
by Laura Francesca Fillipucci, is based
on the cemetery keepers who buried the dead in the Gettysburg area. It became very difficult for the pregnant wife and
her three young sons after her husband was called into the Union
Army. Several months after he left, their home came under attack
by rebel soldiers. The young family fled — only to return after
the battle of Gettysburg to find more than 100 men lying dead
on their property. This is a great read!
Dadblamed Union Army Cow, by
Susan Fletcher, and painted by Kimberly Bulcken
Root, is another story based on a true account — this one about
a cow that follows her soldier into the Civil War. The soldier
is upset that his cow is following him, but he soon changes his
mind as the cow offers more than just company. This is a terrific
read-aloud for ages 5 through 10.
My
America, by Jan Spivey Gilchrist, and illustrated
by Ashley Bryan and Jan Spivey Gilchrist, is a wonderful celebration
of the huge diversity of this great country. From the changes of
beautiful scenery to the change of colors of skin, this book glorifies
all of the great elements of this land! This book is best for ages
4 through 8.
Wonders
of America: The Statue of Liberty — Ready-to-Read Level 1, by Marion Dane Bauer, and illustrated
by John Wallace, is a great little read to help educate the new
reader about the significance of our beloved statue. All of the
“Wonders of America” leveled books are outstanding for informing
our youngest readers about America!
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Meridian Magazine.
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