Memorial Day, 2003
The following reviews were presented in our 2003 Memorial Day feature.
Reviews
May
Robyn Brode
As with the other books in the "Months of the Year" series, Brode introduces young readers to some of the characteristics, events and activities in the month of May. First readers learn that it is the fifth month of the year and that it has 31 days. Since May is part of the spring months, and some of the characteristic such as a playing outside are featured in the full-color pictures. May 1st is also known as May Day and in earlier centuries it was a great time to celebrate and dance around a maypole. Cinco de Mayo is another holiday that is great fun when those of Mexican heritage celebrate their culture. This is a month that has several more holidays including Mother's Day which is the second Sunday of the month and Memeorial Day which comes at the very end of the month. During the latter, we remember the men and women who lost their lives in ward. The month of May is followed by June and that means summer will begin. A calendar showing the months of the year and the seasons wraps up the text. Some of the pages have rhetorical questions, which rather than making it interactive take away from the book. There is a three-word glossary that recaps three of the holidays. 2003, Weekly Reader, Ages 4 to 7, $18.60. Reviewer: Marilyn Courtot
ISBN: 0-8368-3590-8
Memorial Day
Jacqueline S. Cotton
Memorial Day is an important holiday, which to many people is the start of summer. But this book introduces to young readers the real reason Americans celebrate this day. The full-color photos and simple text simplify the historical relevance of Memorial Day, with the explanation that it is a day to remember those who fought in American wars. Some examples of how we do this are placing flowers at graves, having parades, and listening to the patriotic song Taps. Arlington National Cemetery and the Vietnam Veterans Memorial are shown, along with other important symbols such as the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. Children are reminded to take a moment to pay respects to those who have fought for America on this day, as it symbolizes something much greater than the changing of the seasons. Also, words that may be new to young readers are spelled phonetically as well, and an index is included. This title is part of the "Rookie Read-About Holidays" series. 2002, Children's Press, $19.00. Ages 4 to 7. Cherie Ilg Haas
ISBN: 0-5162-2554-5
ISBN: 0-5162-7369-8
Memorial Day
Helen Frost
As the opening note to parents and teachers states--the "National Holidays" series supports national social studies standards related to understanding events that celebrate the values and principles of American democracy. That said, this book successfully explains why and how we celebrate Memorial Day. Full-color illustrations depict a parade, flags flying at half-mast and visits made to cemeteries to honor those who fought and died for their country. The concluding pages contain a short glossary, a few books and Internet sites and a word list/index. 2000, Pebble Books/Capstone, $13.25. Ages 4 to 7. Marilyn Courtot
ISBN: 0-7368-0544-3
Memorial Day
Lynn Hamilton
The origins and customs of Memorial Day are explained in this book from the "American Holidays" series. The introduction gives a brief explanation of the focus of Memorial Day. A description of the Civil War details the origins of various memorial ceremonies, including Henry Welles's idea for businesses to close and flags fly at half-staff on May 5, 1868. The official order from General Logan in 1868 designated May 30 the day for everyone to remember fallen soldiers from the Civil War. This order created a ripple effect of various celebrations across the nation. A map of the United States shows where and how different regions celebrate Memorial Day. A "Holiday Symbols" chapter describes the significance of the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, poppies, and memorials. A "Crafts and Recipes" section describes different ways to celebrate the holiday with things to make. Other sections include a "Holiday Quiz," "Fascinating Facts," and a glossary. 2004, Weigl, $22.80. Ages 7 to 10. Reviewer: Amie Rose Rotruck (Children's Literature)
ISBN: 1-59036-105-9
ISBN: 1-59036-168-7
Memorial Day
Marc Tyler Nobleman
A surprisingly moving portrait of our national day of remembrance, this title in the "Let's See" series of holiday books presents Memorial Day's rich history, telling how the holiday was celebrated traditionally and examining how those celebrations have changed over time. It also outlines current controversy around how we, as a nation, celebrate the day. The book articulates all the above in a manner that is both accessible and engaging to early readers. Each spread contains a photo, drawing, or historical print and a description of some aspect of the holiday. The inclusion of a table of contents, glossary, an index, and a list of additional resources structures the book to help in the acquisition of research and reading skills. Words that appear in the glossary are printed in the text in bold type. This title is notable in that it provides thorough, age-appropriate insights into the historical, political, social, and cultural events that gave rise to our national holidays. 2005, Compass Point Books, $19.93. Ages 6 to 9. Reviewer: Courtney Angermeier (Children's Literature)
ISBN: 0-7565-0771-5
Memorial Day Surprise
Theresa Martin Golding
Illustrated by Alexandra Artigas
Marco and his mother are heading off to see the Memorial Day parade. They are in such a rush that they do not even stop to see Marco's grandfather which he thought was most unusual. Mama has told him that there will be a really big surprise for him. As they get to the street and he sees his best friend, he asks if that is the surprise, but it isn't. Is it the bands playing or meeting a real firefighter or the candy that was throw at the crowd. No, none of these things are the really big surprise. Suddenly the crowd starts to clap and Marco sees the men and women in uniform marching down the street. Up at the head of the group in his wheelchair was Marco's grandfather in his uniform and with medals across his chest. Marco is thrilled and shares the candy he saved with his wonderful grandfather. A book that brings the meaning of the holiday to a level that kids can understand without getting into the issues relating to wars and their causes. 2004, Boyds Mills Press, Ages 3 to 8, $15.95. Reviewer: Marilyn Courtot
ISBN: 1-59078-048-5
Our National Holidays
Patricia J. Murphy
With the Iwo Jima memorial, the Capitol, and fireworks blasting on the front cover, this book talks about the days Americans celebrate their history, remembering an "important person or group of people...or an important event." The tradition of parades and fireworks on the fourth of July began with the very first Independence Day celebration in 1777. An interesting painting in the book shows the centennial celebration in Philadelphia. There is a photo and several paragraphs of text on each page. An unusual and touching Memorial Day photo shows a soldier placing American flags on the graves at Arlington National Cemetery. The book also explains Labor Day, the difference between Veterans Day ("like a thank-you card from America to its armed forces") and Memorial Day, and the fact that the only holiday celebrated around the world is New Year's Day on January 1. The book would be a useful starting point to provide information and generate discussion about any federal school holidays. Other books in the Compass Point "Let's See" series cover the different branches of government as well as monuments and national parks. The series has both a social studies and a reading education adviser. Each title includes a three or four word glossary, an index, additional resources and a "did you know" section of fun facts. Some of the books touch on subjects that are of natural interest to children--the White House, the flag and the Statue of Liberty--others provide simple explanations of the most important elements of American democracy such as voting and elections, the Presidency, Congress. The series would be an excellent addition to a classroom or school library for browsing, first-time research, or use by older readers who need a simplified rendition of major American concepts and symbols. 2002, Compass Point Books, $18.60. Ages 6 to 12. Karen Leggett
ISBN: 0-7565-0194-6
Added 04/30/03
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