I have had a number of requests for books that highlight some of the heroes, symbols, and history of the United States of America. Children need to know about our country and what it means to be an American. They also need to understand that the USA is made up of people from all over the world, people from different countries, ethnic groups, cultures, and religions. Since the Statue of Liberty has become the symbol of all those who have come to America seeking a better life, I would recommend the book
Liberty. There are many symbols and stories important to our history, many of which are covered in
Uncle Sam and Old Glory. The heroism of firefighters was highlighted in the September 11, 2001 tragedy and this general book on firefighters,
Firemen A to Z will appeal to both younger and older children.
Liberty
"Liberty Enlightening the World," or the "Statue of Liberty," as it is more commonly known, is one of the most well-known and loved symbols of the United States. Before the 9/11/01 terrorist attacks many families visited the Statue of Liberty on trips to New York City. Still others tend to think of the statue in terms of poet Emma Lazarus' stirring words,
"Give me your tired, your poor,
Your huddled masses yearning to breathe free"
However, too few people know the fascinating story of how the statue, a gift from the people of France, came to be built. The author and illustrator, Lynn Curlee, does an excellent job of communicating the dramatic story, using full pages of text, each complemented with a full page acrylic painting reproduced in full color from transparencies. At the end of the 40+ page book are a page of specifications for the statue, a timeline, and a bibliography. Liberty was published by Atheneum Books for Young Readers in 2000. (ISBN: 9780689856839) Compare prices.
Uncle Sam and Old Glory
Delno C. West and Jean M. West provide one page overviews of 15 different American symbols, each illustrated with a handsome woodcut that was cut, printed, and painted by artist Christopher Manson. The authors chose a wide variety of symbols, from the Mayflower to Smokey the Bear. However, many of the symbols are those most closely associated with patriotism: the American flag, the Great Seal of the United States, the American Bald Eagle, the Liberty Bell, the Statue of Liberty, and Uncle Sam.
At the end of the 40-page book is a page of recommended reading for those interested in learning more. In compiling the book, the authors chose symbols they felt "...give us a sense of community and show other countries some of the things that are important about America: freedom, democracy, and a spirit of optimism." While I would not necessarily have selected all of the symbols the authors chose, this is an interesting book, one I think children from 8 to 12 would particularly enjoy. Uncle Sam and Old Glory was published by Atheneum Books for Young Readers in 2000. (ISBN: 9780689820434) Compare prices.
Firefighters A to Z
Despite the fact that this is an ABC book, written in simple rhyme, it will be of interest to children of all ages. The reason is that it accurately portrays, in words and pictures, a firefighter's day.
Firefighters A to Z was written and illustrated by Chris L. Demarest, an active member of the Meriden, New Hampshire, volunteer fire department. The full page illustrations, done in vibrant pastels, convey the drama and the seriousness of firefighting.
At the beginning of the book is a pen and ink sketch of a firefighter, with all of his clothing and equipment labeled. The 2½ page "Author's Note" at the end of the book is illustrated with a photograph of Demarest in his firefighter's uniform. In his note, Demarest provides a detailed description of some of the terms used in the book that may be unfamiliar to readers and states, "I hope this book will introduce readers to the serious side of fires and firefighting." Firefighters A to Z was published by Margaret K. McElderry Books in 2000. (ISBN: 9780689837982) Compare prices.
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