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Patriotic Kids' Books
Celebrating holidays like Fourth of July makes us think of red, white and blue --- and being patriotic. Here is a roundup of books that will give you more insight into our country's history and what it means to be an American.
 A IS FOR AMERICA: An American Alphabet
by Devin Scillian
illustrated by Pam Carroll
Sleeping Bear Press
ISBN: 1585360155
Ages 4-8
56 pages
Whimsically celebrating every aspect of American life, this alphabetized tour of our nation and its history places Jell-o next to Jamestown and Walt Disney next to Wagon Trains. Each two-page spread focuses on a letter's significance in history, geography, and pop culture; the richly detailed paintings by Pam Carroll bring Devin Scillian's carefully chosen anecdotes to life. Even adults will enjoy the light-hearted surprises that separate this book from the often over-used alphabet format.
 AMERICA: A Patriotic Primer
by Lynne Cheney, illustrated by Robin Preiss Glasser
Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers
ISBN: 0689851928
Ages 4-8
40 pages
Proving that the ABC Book genre is far from worn out, Second Lady Lynne Cheney brings young readers an information-packed look at American history through twenty-six illustrated vignettes. Brief biographies and inspiring anecdotes complement the simple alphabetical progression, and Cheney has complemented her own writing with quotes from some of America's great minds. Children of all ages can enjoy the wealth of information that this book provides.
• AMERICA: A Patriotic Primer Feature
 THE DECLARATION OF INDEPENDANCE: The Words That Made America
Illustrated and Inscribed by Sam Fink
Scholastic Nonfiction
ISBN: 0439407001
Ages 9-12
160 pages
At age eighty-six Sam Fink has masterfully created an accessible, illustrated version of America's first great patriotic document. The Declaration of Independence isn't well known by most Americans, but Fink's calligraphy and explanatory illustrations clearly explain the document's purpose and content. Amusing cartoons of America's founding fathers act out the grievances that made revolution necessary; both children and adults will gain a better understanding of our country's origins. A glossary and timeline are also included in this handsomely formatted work, so even less advanced readers can grasp some of the more difficult material.
 GOD BLESS AMERICA
by Irving Berlin, Illustrated by Lynn Musinger
Harper Collins
ISBN: 0060097892
Ages 4-8
32 pages
Elegant and heart-warming, this illustrated version of Irving Berlin's classic patriotic song modernizes an old favorite for today's young singers and readers. Lynn Musinger's illustrations bring the song's lyrics to life and reinforces their enduring power. Included with the book comes a CD recording of Barbara Streisand singing the famous song; a perfect complement to this celebration of the American spirit.
 ONE NATION: America by the Numbers
by Devin Scillian
illustrated by Pam Carroll
Sleeping Bear Press
ISBN: 1585360635
40 pages
The talented author/illustrator team that created A is for America; An American Alphabet has crafted another rich yet simple patriotic picture book for young readers. Combining history and counting is an odd task to be sure, but Scillian has picked numbers that hold a great deal of meaning for American society (for example, six correlates to the six New England states, and ten pinpoints the Bill of Rights' ten original amendments). The vivid illustrations, just as in A is for America, make the book a joy to read and to learn from.
More Books about America
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