Themed Reviews (American Symbols)

Themed Reviews

American Symbols

America is a country with a diverse landscape, wildlife, and people. Even symbols of our country and history are diverse. We have songs, flags, monuments, art, poetry, documents, and sculptures. Many of these we learn about from a young age, like how to sing our National Anthem or say the Pledge of Allegiance. Others we are taught about later on, such as the Declaration of Independence or the Constitution, whose beginning phrase, "We the People..." we immediately recognize.

We visit some of our symbols in person, like the Statues of Liberty, Mount Rushmore, and the Liberty Bell. The National Mall in Washington, D.C. is home to many famous American symbols: the Washington Monument, the White House, and the Capital; its museums are filled with treasures celebrating our history, government, and culture; and memorials that honor our fallen soldiers.

The selections below are recent books created to introduce children to the symbols that celebrate what America stands for. To search for more titles, discover awards, and find curriculum tools use the CLCD database at www.childrenslit.com.

To learn more about American history and symbols visit:
http://kids.nationalgeographic.com/kids/places/find/united-states-of-america/
http://www.history.com/interactives/place-the-state-game
http://www.kids.gov/

Contributor: Emily Griffin

Reviews

109 Forgotten American Heroes: Plus Nine or So Villains
Chris Ying and Brian McMullen
This compendium celebrates the contributions of 109 American people, animals, institutions, products, symbols, etc. This 8 u" x 11" volume features a whimsical, zany format of photos, cartoons, and illustrations of every color and variety. The entries appear in historical order and are ethnically diverse. The tone is jocular and light-hearted, but always accords respect to the achievements and achievers. Many articles honor inventors of such items as popsicles, adhesive tape, Botts dots (for highways), and the Brannock device for shoe measurement. Another category includes unknown heroes who accomplished things for which someone else is better known. Examples include Negro Leagues slugger Josh Gibson who hit more home runs than Babe Ruth, and teenager Sibyl Ludington who rode farther and longer than Paul Revere to warn colonists of the Redcoat invasion. Not all heroes are unknown, such as Nellie Bly who not only circumnavigated the globe, but also wrote a pioneering expose on insane asylums by becoming a resident of one--or Thomas Jefferson, here noted for importing the first macaroni machine. Other honorees include Cher Ami (a World War I carrier pigeon), Spam (the meat), labor unions (for putting an end to child labor), the no-longer planet Pluto, and the Pinkerton Detective Agency. Reading this book is a rip-roaring, entertaining experience with a lot of American history woven through its pages. Some articles might inspire further research and report topics. VOYA CODES: 4Q 4P M J S (Better than most, marred only by occasional lapses; Broad general YA appeal; Middle School, defined as grades 6 to 8; Junior High, defined as grades 7 to 9; Senior High, defined as grades 10 to 12). 2009, Dorling Kindersley Publishing, 92p.; Illus. Photos. Maps., $19.99. Ages 11 to 18. Reviewer: Florence Munat (VOYA, June 2010 (Vol. 33, No. 2)).
ISBN: 9780756654054

American Flag Q&A
Sarah L. Thomson
This colorful book is filled with information about flags in general and the American flag in particular. Balancing illustration and text, all 20 sections are headed by questions that are clearly answered in a page or two. The early sections explain the symbolism of flags, define the terms for their physical parts, and discuss why flags were first used in battle and on ships. Then the book describes early flags flown in America, including Great Britain's Union Jack, some of the colonies' flags, the Grand Union flag, and the initial Stars and Stripes designed in 1777. A few sections depict additional early versions of the flag, including the one that flew over Fort McHenry while Francis Scott Key wrote his famous poem. Other sections describe the confederate flag and Lincoln's refusal to remove the stars that stood for confederate states from the Stars and Stripes. The final sections explain how the number and placement of the stars changes when new states come into the union, what Flag Day is, how the Pledge of Allegiance came about, what the rules for displaying the flag are, and in what unusual places the flag has been flown. At the end of the book, a two-page spread introduces Jennifer L. Jones, curator of the Smithsonian Institution's National Museum of American History. A glossary, a list of websites and suggested readings, and an index follow the text. 2008, Collins/HarperCollins, $6.99. Ages 5 to 8. Reviewer: Judy DaPolito (Children's Literature).
ISBN: 9780060899585
ISBN: 9780060899592

The Bald Eagle
Norman Pearl
Told through the person of Bill, the bird keeper, Pearl begins with an historic look at this national symbol, noting the Founding Fathers' desire for a bird which embodied the noble traits of the new nation, including "strength, courage, and freedom." After narrowly beating out Ben Franklin's nomination, the wild turkey, the men decided on the bald eagle. Since then, this bird has become a permanent fixture on American currency and other important government documents. Bill then touches on the bald eagle's eating and mating patterns, the efforts to protect it, and what kids can do in order to insure they will be around for others to enjoy. Initially protected under the Eagle Protection Act of 1940, the bald eagle population still declined. Not until the use of DDT was banned in the United States did the number of birds start to increase. Now after a long battle, this beautiful bird is making a comeback, and Pearl's work encourages kids to learn more with his list of library and web resources. When paired with lessons on preserving our national forests and the Endangered Species List, the work can be shared during Science or History lessons. Pearl and Skeens provide a versatile, crisp look at a usually dusty and overlooked subject, this "American Symbols" title is great for public and school libraries alike. 2007, Picture Window, $23.93. Ages 5 to 9. Reviewer: Kristy Lyn Sutorius (Children's Literature).
ISBN: 9781404826427

The Bill of Rights
Dennis Brindell Fradin
If the Declaration of Independence is the birth certificate of the United States, the Constitution is its skeleton, setting forth the framework of the new country. But many delegates to the Constitutional Convention in 1787 felt that the Constitution lacked an essential component, a Bill of Rights that protected citizens' basic rights. James Madison led the effort to identify and construct the list of ten rights that would become the first ten amendments to the Constitution. These amendments made the United States unique in history, as it became the first country to found its national identity on individual rights. Each of the ten amendments is discussed briefly, with sidebars added to expand on relevant points or to give additional background on an individual right. Color illustrations, photographs, reproductions of period artwork, sidebars, and maps provide visual commentary. This book is part of the "Turning Points in U.S. History" series. It concludes with a glossary of words that are highlighted in the text, a timeline, a list of books and websites for further information, a bibliography, and an index. 2009, Marshall Cavendish Benchmark, $21.95. Ages 8 to 12. Reviewer: Hazel Buys (Children's Literature).
ISBN: 9780761430094

The Declaration of Independence from A to Z
Catherine L. Osornio
Illustrated by Layne Johnson
The Declaration of Independence from A to Z" is the perfect Fourth of July primer for preschoolers and elementary age children. It is the easiest way to teach American history since 1776. "A is for America," of course, and "B is for Boston Tea Party, C is for Continental Congress," these are all givens and basics in Revolutionary history. But did you know "T is for Timothy Matlack," the assistant to Secretary Charles Thomson, who carefully copied the Declaration of Independence? How about "G is for grievances," or "O is for oath," or "M is for Majority?" There are a few surprises or well kept secrets even at the heart of America's Revolutionary past that come to light in "The Declaration of Independence from A to Z." the pageantry of history is well portrayed in full color two page paintings throughout this amazing alphabet American history primer. "The Declaration of Independence from A to Z" is bound to make a splash of fireworks wherever it lands, in libraries, schools, and private homes. The American History Shelf ...., Pelican Publishing Co., $16.99. ages 3+. Reviewer: Midwest Book Review (Children's Bookwatch, March 2010).
ISBN: 9781589806764

Discover National Monuments, National Parks: Natural Wonders
Blair Shedd
The national wonders of the United States are some of the most breathtaking sites in the country. Now children can learn the specifics of the ones designated as national monuments and parks. As most of the monuments and parks described in this book were formed by plate tectonics, the first chapter is dedicated to explaining this process, including instructions on how to build an edible model of the Earth. The other chapters are each devoted to a different monument, including the Petrified Forest, the Grand Canyon, Devils Tower, and Buck Island Reef. Each chapter includes numerous photographs, a "Words to Know" list, and relevant facts relating to the history, biology, and/or geology needed to understand more about the monument. There are also experiments and models for each chapter; some are even made of chocolate and can be eaten after the experiment is completed. In addition to the monument-specific information, there is also a general glossary and timeline for all of the places described in the book. A very good reference both for children who have visited the parks and want to know more as well as children who have not yet had a chance to see these amazing sites. 2008, Nomad Press, $19.95. Ages 8 to 12. Reviewer: Amie Rose Rotruck (Children's Literature).
ISBN: 9781934670286

Emma's Poem: The Voice of the Statue of Liberty
Linda Glaser
Illustrated by Claire A. Nivola
Although she grew up in a wealthy, loving family, lacking nothing, when Emma Lazarus met poor immigrants in New York Harbor she determined to help them. Many New Yorkers did not want these ragged people in their city, but Emma, already a well-known writer, tried to call attention to their plight in her newspaper articles and poems. In the 1880's, when France was building a huge statue as a gift for the United States to be built in New York Harbor, money was needed for a pedestal. Writers like Mark Twain, Walt Whitman, and others like Emma were asked to write something to raise funds. Thinking of the immigrants and how the statue might greet them, Emma wrote the inspirational welcoming words now engraved on a plaque at the entrance to the pedestal. Nivola's stylized but naturalistic illustrations in watercolors and gouache depict the people of the period in appropriate dress and settings, from the Lazarus family and their fashionable home to the immigrants in their life struggles. A couple of scenes depict the statue being constructed and finished. On the front of the cover, a group of immigrants peers over at the distant statue, while on the back an immigrant family walks past Emma's house as she writes upstairs. The end papers reproduce her sonnet as she wrote it. A note adds information about her. 2010, Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company, $17.00. Ages 5 to 8. Reviewer: Ken Marantz and Sylvia Marantz (Children's Literature).
Awards, Honors, Prizes:
Jane Addams Children's Book Award, 2011 Winner Younger Children United States
Sydney Taylor Book Award, 2011 Honor Book Younger Readers United States
ISBN: 9780547171845

Independence Day
Molly Aloian
This book starts with a table of contents that includes fifteen different subjects ranging from a definition of "Independence Day" to the Declaration of Independence to the American flag, parades, and fireworks. Each subject is covered on two pages, with words in bold (that are found in the Glossary) and a "Did You Know?" on each subject to direct the reader's attention. A child will learn about America being ruled by Great Britain, in language easy to read and comprehend. In the section "Early Celebrations," readers will learn that the first Independence Day was held in Boston, MA in 1783. The bolded glossary words will direct them to the resource page in the back. Readers are encouraged to take trips with their families, especially to Mount Rushmore in S. Dakota to view the faces of the four Presidents carved into the mountain. The National Archives Building in Washington, D.C. is not only free to tour, but also holds the Declaration of Independence. One of the things I learned in reading for this review is that there is a National Independence Day Parade held in Washington D.C., which just goes to show how universal the knowledge contained within this book is. I highly recommend it for grades K to 2, but whoever reads it will learn something that was probably previously forgotten. This is an educational book worth keeping at home, for home school, in public schools, and public libraries. My only problem with this book is the back cover indicates it as a Guided Reading: M, yet the title does not appear on the publisher's web site for Guided Reading. 2010, Crabtree Publishing Company, $26.60 and $8.95. Ages 5 to 7. Reviewer: Debby Willett (Children's Literature).
ISBN: 9780778747543
ISBN: 9780778747727

Lady Liberty: A Biography
Doreen Rappaport
Illustrated by Matt Tavares
This beautiful narrative in poems of the history of the Statue of Liberty and of those who created her or were impacted by her begins with the author sharing the story of her grandfather coming to America in the 1880s and wondering if "my grandfather even thought about how she came to be." The author then goes on to introduce us to the men, women, and children who helped to make the idea of the Statue of Liberty a reality. Told in verse, the author first focuses her poetry on statements delivered on "behalf " of the French contingent: Edouard De Laboulaye, the man who came up with the idea of the Lady Liberty; August Bartholdi, Liberty's sculptor; Marie Simon, Bartholdi's assistant; and Gustave Eiffel, the statue's structural engineer. Then her focus switches to the Americans working to bring the statue to the United States: Emma Lazarus, who wrote the famous poem beginning with the lines, "Give me your tired, your poor, your huddled masses longing to be free,"; Joseph Pulitzer, the publisher of the New York World who asked his readers to raise funds for the pedestal on which Liberty would stand; the various American citizens who provided that money; and the effort to help pay for and build the foundation on which the statue would survey New York Harbor. The color illustrations for this book are detailed and provide an accurate look at the various personages and places noted in the poems. The author also provides a time line as well as additional books that may be of interest to students after they have read this book. This book is a must read book for those interested in the history of the Statue of Liberty. 2008, Candlewick Press, $16.95. Ages 5 to 10. Reviewer: Jean Boreen, Ph.D. (Children's Literature).
Awards, Honors, Prizes:
Cybil Award, 2008 Finalist Non-Fiction Picture Books United States
Parents' Choice Award, 2008 Gold Historical Fiction United States
ISBN: 9780763625306

The Liberty Bell
Mary Firestone
Illustrated by Matthew Skeens
The editors at Picture Window Books must have been reading librarians' and educators' minds when they put together the "American Symbols" series. The 974s (Dewey) are thin on inspiring read-alouds and Firestone's guided tour of the Liberty Bell hits the nail on the head. Beginning with the purpose of bells in Colonial times, readers are taken on the complex journey of this national symbol. After a dud of a bell arrived from England, two founders, or metal smiths, John Pass and John Stow, were charged with recasting the bell for the State House in Pennsylvania. We follow the Liberty Bell as it moves from the State House, to a basement in Allentown, all over the country to unite people after the Civil War, and back to its home in Philadelphia. Firestone provides a short list of print and online resources for kids who want to go above and beyond. Skeens' illustrations have a cubist, wood-carved look to them that makes this one of the most appealing patriotic titles for young readers. A nice complement to John, Paul, George and Ben by Jon Scieszka and Paul Revere's Ride by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow, students will be transported back to the days of our founding fathers. This book is recommended for both school and public libraries. 2007, Picture Window, $23.93. Ages 5 to 9. Reviewer: Kristy Lyn Sutorius (Children's Literature).
ISBN: 9781404831018

The Making of America: The History of the United States from 1492 to the Present
Robert D. Johnston
This colorful and balanced glance at American history from 1492 to the present time touches on the most notable political, social and economic events of the last 500 years. Written as a vehicle to inspire interest in American history for older elementary students, it is an inclusive and realistic journey using a format that should interest young readers. The eight chapters include a thorough look at the Revolutionary War and the founding of the country, as well as westward expansion, the Civil War and reconstruction, the industrial age, the New Deal, labor relations, the nuclear age, and equal rights right up to contemporary America. Personal profiles and quotes from famous individuals through the years add interest, as well as the outstanding historical illustrations, art work, photographs and maps. Some important events such as Watergate and the Iraq War seem glossed over but overall the discussion is sufficient for the audience. A full reprinting of the Declaration of Independence, the Constitution, the Gettysburg Address and the Declaration of Sentiments are included at the end of the book as well as historical sites to visit, a list of dates states entered the Union, U.S. Presidents and their terms of office, pictures of the Great Seal of the United States, a bibliography and an index. Adults may find it interesting, as well. 2010, National Geographic Society, $29.95. Ages 9 to 12. Reviewer: Meredith Kiger, Ph.D. (Children's Literature).
ISBN: 9781426306631

Naming Liberty
Jane Yolen
Illustrated by Jim Burke
Naming Liberty is a beautifully written and illustrated book of parallel stories. Jane Yolen masterfully interweaves the story of a family emigrating from Russia to America and the story of the conception, building, and transporting of the Statue of Liberty to America. Both stories are well researched. The book contains many interesting and sometimes surprising facts. Each story has an engaging main character: one, a young girl, is swept up in her family's big idea of moving to America, and the other, Frederic Auguste Bartholdi, an artist, is swept up in the big idea of celebrating America's hundredth birthday with a memorial to her independence. These characters give this historically accurate picture book warmth and make the facts relevant to readers of a wide age range. The rich, clean pictures clearly represent and enhance the story. 2008, Philomel Books/Penguin Young Readers Group, $16.99. Ages 4 to 12. Reviewer: L. A. Gallaway (Children's Literature).
Awards, Honors, Prizes:
Storytelling World Award, 2009 Honor Book Stories for Adolescent Listeners United States
Sydney Taylor Book Awards, 2009 Silver Younger Readers United States
ISBN: 9780399242502

Old Abe, Eagle Hero: The Civil War's Most Famous Mascot
Patrick Young
Illustrated by Anne Lee
Old Abe, the eagle hero of the Civil War, began life as an eaglet rescued by an American Indian in Wisconsin and traded to farmer Dan McCann. When the war begins, McCann cannot fight because he has a bad leg, so he sends his eagle instead. Wisconsin soldiers name him Old Abe and make him their mascot. Almost grown, Old Abe weighs eight pounds, but his wings spread seven feet. The Southern soldiers hate Old Abe because he inspires his Northern friends, but they cannot capture him. A bullet does graze him and he is cut from his perch, but he flies away to safety. He soon becomes famous. Despite being a trickster, he is loved by his fellow soldiers. He participates in many famous battles; he even helps capture a Southern camp. He has a fine retirement, never forgetting his soldier friends. Lee's scenes are painted in muted, light-hearted watercolors while an inked line creates character and action. Old Abe is the most important character, but we also see the battlefields, the camps, and even the "big fair in Chicago." The factual story is told directly; additional facts about eagles are included. 2010 (text orig. 1993), Kane Miller/ EDC Publishing, $15.99. Ages 5 to 9. Reviewer: Ken Marantz and Sylvia Marantz (Children's Literature).
ISBN: 9781935279235

Our Liberty Bell
Henry Jonas Magaziner
Illustrated by John O'Brien
Who would have predicted, given its inauspicious beginnings (cracked when first rung, cast twice more because of its horrendous sound), that the bell ordered to commemorate the fiftieth anniversary of Pennsylvania's Charter of Privileges would become one of America's most recognizable symbols? Magaziner details, often with understated humor, its use to alert citizens of news, its being hidden in a church during the Revolutionary War, its being a star attraction in the 1876 Centennial Exposition, its travels around the United States, and its image's use to promote other important causes like abolition of slavery and women's rights. This short book (twenty-nine pages of text) is content heavy, with reasonably sophisticated vocabulary (forty-six words in the glossary). Magaziner, for many years a regional historical historian for the National Park Service, definitely knows whereof he speaks and weaves a lot of U.S. history into the text. O'Brien's black-and-white sketches (color on the cover) add humor more than information. On page twenty he morphs the eagle into the Liberty Bell. The book's slimness makes it appear to be for younger readers, but its design, with longs stretches of text on many pages and its vocabulary suggest it would be best used with students in grade four or above. Teachers or parents of younger students could easily pull snippets for use with younger children who are interested in the bell. 2007, Holiday House, $15.95. Ages 8 to 12. Reviewer: Peg Glisson (Children's Literature).
ISBN: 9780823418923
ISBN: 9780823420810

Our White House: Looking In, Looking Out
Created by 108 renowned authors and illustrators and The National Children's Book and Literacy Alliance
This collection of original and compiled essays, poems, memoirs, graphic stories, illustrations and art takes the reader through the history of the White House, its inhabitants and its significance as an American icon. The contributions include such entries as a Meet the Press interview with Dick Cheney, an imagined conversation between John and Abigail Adams by Jane Yolen, a wordless illustrated tour of the backstairs by David Small, a letter from George H.W. Bush to his children, Robert F. Kennedy's remarks on the assassination of Martin Luther King, Jr., a short story by Meg Cabot, and poems by Walt Whitman, Jack Prelutsky and Jon Scieszka. Accompanying artists include Peter Sis, Ed Young, Jerry Pinkney, Emily Arnold McCully, Wendell Minor and more. The final pages contain a note from the NCBLA about the reasons for the book and how it fits into their mission, followed by some source information, brief bios of the various contributors and an index. Originally published in 2008, this newer edition has an additional entry commemorating the Obama inauguration. This is a fabulous collection, a must-have for classroom and personal libraries. 2010 (orig. 2008), Candlewick Press, $14.99. Ages 9 to 12. Reviewer: Amy McMillan (Children's Literature).
Awards, Honors, Prizes:
Cuffies: Children's Booksellers Choose Their Favorite (and not-so-favorite) Books of the Year, 2008 Honorable Mention Best Nonfiction Treatment of a Subject United States
Cybil Award, 2008 Finalist Non-Fiction Middle Grade/Young Adult Book United States
Mind the Gap Award, 2009 Best house tour United States
Parents' Choice Award, 2008 Recommended Non-fiction United States
ISBN: 9780763620677

The Scrambled States of America Talent Show
Laurie Keller
It may seem crazy and wild but the states of America are having a talent show. If you have already read and enjoyed The Scrambled States of America, you may also love this sequel with its multiple plots, antics, and jokes. For the show, some of the states work as the stage crew while other states provide the talent. For instance, Pennsylvannia plays the Liberty Bell, Michigan does a ventriloquist act, and Wyoming and Tennessee impersonate Oklahoma. While practicing her juggling act with California, Idaho, and Massachusetts, Georgia cannot seem to keep the fruits up in the air. She has a case of stage fright. What will she do? Is there a cure? Catch the act to find out what happens. Bright illustrations, interesting information, and side jokes are located throughout the book. The end-pages feature the statehood dates and abbreviations along with Vermont in comical spots asking different states their abbreviations. There is even humor to be found on the cataloging-in-publication page. For those who are familiar with the romance between Nevada and Mississippi, it continues in this sequel. 2008, Henry Holt and Company, $16.95. Ages 6 to 9. Reviewer: Carrie Hane Hung (Children's Literature).
Awards, Honors, Prizes:
Cybil Award, 2008 Finalist Fiction Picture Books United States
ISBN: 9780805079975

The Star-Spangled Banner in Translation: What it Really Means
Elizabeth Raum
The Star Spangled Banner is often described as a very difficult song because of both the melody and the words. This book attempts to make our national anthem more meaningful to children by explaining not only the unfamiliar words, but also the history and emotion behind them. As part of the "Kids' Translations" series, this book includes sections on the meaning of the document, five reasons to care about it, a history and timeline, a vocabulary review, and suggested internet sites. There is also a short index, so this book can be a useful reference tool. It includes a short, but clear summary of the War of 1812. It also provides some background information on Fort McHenry and Francis Scott Key. The graphics are engaging, using a good mix of photographs and drawings, including several battle scenes and pictures of the flag. The internet link at the end of the book leads to three excellent sites for further research and interactive educational games related to the song, the war, the flag, and related history. Although the sites are purportedly divided by grade level, the same sites are offered for both K-4 and older children. 2008, Capstone Press, $23.93. Ages 8 to 11. Reviewer: Leigh Geiger, Ph.D. (Children's Literature).
ISBN: 9781429619332
ISBN: 9781429628471

Understanding the Declaration of Independence
Sally Senzell Isaacs
This book begins with an explanation of the history of the United States. During the 1600s, Europeans moved to America hoping for freedom. When they settled, they were forced to live under British rule. Under the King's rule, they were expected to pay rising taxes and obey British laws while in America. So, the colonists met to form the First Continental Congress as they fought to separate from British rule. Relying heavily on many colored pictures, photos, charts, and short captions, this book explains how the Declaration of Independence came about. This chronological explanation includes the meeting of the "Famous Five" and Thomas Jefferson's responsibility as the writer for the people. A number of pages are dedicated to describing how Jefferson put the reasons for independence into words. The book further includes Jefferson's thoughts on why colonists should be granted liberty and, poignantly, why "all men are created equal." Rounding out the book, several pages include important dates and locations that highlight the historical importance of the voting and signing of Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776. Lists of websites and additional books for learning are included on the last page of the book. It is a part of the "Documenting Early America" series. This book is beneficial for early readers or English second language learners who are studying American history. 2009, Crabtree Publishing Company, $26.60 and $8.95. Ages 8 to 12. Reviewer: Jodie Peters (Children's Literature).
ISBN: 9780778743767
ISBN: 9780778743712

Washington, D.C.
Deborah Kent
Washington D.C. is the capitol of one of the most powerful nations in the history of mankind. However, Washington D.C is also a vibrant city filled with cultural options that afford visitors great opportunities to learn about many things. In this illustrated publication, Kent provides readers an illustrated trip through the nation's capital with a particular eye on the museums, national monuments, and people who made Washington such a vital part of the history of the United States. Beyond these guidebook features, Kent also traces the history of Washington D.C. from its initial settlement by Native Americans, through its growth from a dingy backwater town, to its eventual marble encasement as the capital of a superpower. Throughout this well written and carefully researched book the author takes the time to not only trace events but also add the people who made them memorable. For example, in describing the growth of Washington during the Civil War era such figures as Lincoln and Clara Barton are prominently discussed. This humanistic approach to history makes this a much more all encompassing look at Washington than might otherwise have occurred in the hands of a less talented writer. 2011, Scholastic, $39.00. Ages 10 to 14. Reviewer: Greg M. Romaneck (Children's Literature).
ISBN: 9780531185933

White House Q&A
Denise Rinaldo
The cover, with its insets and "headlines," tells us that this book is packed with information about all aspects of the White House, including "Historical questions! Presidential answers!" "Home Sweet White House!" "Meet a Historian." It even promises "Web Links Take You Inside the Smithsonian!" The sharp, clear photographs are accompanied by illustrations and insets of information and special interest items. The table of contents lists the questions that are covered in this book, from "What is the White House?," "How has the White House changed?" and "Who takes care of the White House?" to "Where does the first family live?," "How do first families relax?," and "Are pets allowed in the White House?" Factoids, details and tidbits appear as insets which are incorporated into the text without distracting from the body of information being presented in each section. During John Adams' term, only six of the thirty-six rooms were finished and the East Room was used to hang laundry. (How times change! It is currently one of the most highly-decorated rooms.) Covering everything from how the food is prepared to how a turkey is "spared" every Thanksgiving, this title is very inclusive in its coverage of White House topics. The scope is broad and appealing as we see the youngsters living in the White House in their daily life and even get a peek into their private quarters. The "What happens when you write to the White House?" page includes the address so that "when you write to the White House, your letter becomes part of history!" Backmatter includes a glossary, a lost of websites and books, "Meet the Curator," and an index. This would definitely be a first choice for any library building its non-fiction collection, as it is a perfect fit for students doing research on the White House. 2008, HarperCollins, $16.99. Ages 6 to 12. Reviewer: Sheilah Egan (Children's Literature).
ISBN: 9780060899653
ISBN: 9780060899660

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2005
2004

Updated 6/23/11

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