A More Perfect Union: The Story of Our Constitution, by Betsy and Giulio Maestro -- Day 13

The U.S. Constitution is an extraordinary document. Ten years after the Declaration of Independence was written it became clear to leaders of the thirteen states that comprehensive guidelines were needed to move forward from independence to governance. Betsy and Giulio Maestro’s A More Perfect Union: The Story of Our Constitution is an informative, easy-to-absorb description of the birth of this milestone document. Establishing the three branches of government as well as other enduring laws, it was soon amended by the Bill of Rights stating, in part, that “people have the right to say what they want, go where they want, and pray to God in the way that they want, without fear that the government will stop them.” Appended to the wonderful narrative are a timeline, plus a summary of the articles of the Constitution and twenty-six amendments. For ages 6-10, plus anyone seeking a very basic introduction to this era in our history.

The Founders: The 39 Stories Behind the Constitution by Dennis Brindell Fradin, illustrated by Michael McCurdy, provides a close look at the thirty-nine men who signed the Constitution in support of a balanced, strong federal government even as thirteen states had their individual interests. Constitution Translated for Kids by Cathy Travis is a "non ideological translation of the entire U.S. Constitution, side-by-side with the original 1787 text," a fabulous resource for explaining its meaning. Ages 10 to adult.


Related activities and interviews may be found at: TeachingBooks.net

Lady Liberty: A Biography, by Doreen Rappaport, illustrated by Matt Tavares -- Day 12

It took a great many people to bring into being our Statue of Liberty, which stands so majestically in New York harbor. In Lady Liberty: A Biography, author Doreen Rappaport describes the statue’s creation from numerous perspectives – among them that of Édouard Laboulaye, who in 1865 conceived it as a gift from France to celebrate America’s century of independence; sculptor Auguste Bartholdi; engineer Gustav Eiffel; poet Emma Lazarus; and advocate Joseph Pulitzer, who inspired over a hundred thousand ordinary citizens to contribute small amounts of money to complete the project. Matt Tavares adds his magnificent artwork to Rappaport’s authentic chronicle of a monument whose lamp held aloft has symbolized hope and freedom for generations of newcomers and citizens alike. Ideal for ages 8-12 but able to be appreciated by younger and older readers too.


Related activities and interviews may be found at: TeachingBooks.net

Home of the Brave, by Katherine Applegate -- Day 11

Young Kek is a Sudanese refugee, sent to a new home in Minnesota after losing his father and brother to civil war and getting separated from his mother. Arriving in the cold claw of winter, he wonders if he will ever feel at home. He finds friendship in schoolmate Hannah and in caring for a neighbor’s old cow, and, as hard as it is, he brings a sweet humor and perspective to mistakes he makes in language and custom. In Home of the Brave, a middle grade novel told in spare, lyrical prose, author Katherine Applegate crafts a memorable portrait of a newcomer to America. Ages 9-14.


Related activities and interviews may be found at: TeachingBooks.net