This Is America

May 1, 2005
Gr 3-5 -This title highlights 13 ideals inherent in American life, including diversity, the creative spirit, free enterprise, education for all, hard work, legal rights, equality, etc. A lavishly illustrated spread is devoted to each one. The attribute is introduced in a paragraph followed by descriptions of people to read about or places to visit. For example, the section on legal rights discusses Federal Hall Memorial in New York City and union leader Cesar Chavez. The large, bold, scratchboard-and-watercolor art sometimes has a clever twist -the Capitol Building is depicted with a friendly face; a red, white, and blue tie; and an upper portico that turns into an arm holding children. This is a lovely browsing title for students interested in different parts of the U.S. and the variety of people and places that have contributed to its history and culture, and teachers might want to use it for a project on values. The further reading suggestions include nonfiction titles by such authors as Jean Fritz, James Cross Giblin, and Patricia and Fred McKissack. An appealing way to explore U.S. history and democracy. -"Susan Lissim, Dwight School, New York City"

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