AMERICA: The Making of a Nation [Library Binding]

Charlie Samuels (Author)

Book Description

Grade Level: P and up

AMERICA takes a fresh and compelling look at the birth of our nation, with lavish illustrations and interactive novelty spreads on every page.

Revealed through the lens of an anonymous journal, readers will take a chronological journey through watershed moments of American History. From the Founding Fathers' signing of the Declaration of Independence through current events of the 21st century, AMERICA offers an in-depth look at the making of our nation in an accessible volume that will speak to readers of every age.

Chockfull of innovative novelty components, including lift-the-flap postcards, removable song lyrics, and even a foldout replica of the Declaration of Independence, AMERICA offers readers a captivating exploration of the ideals and values our nation was built upon.

Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal

Grade 3–6—This volume walks in the footsteps of the popular "ology books" (Candlewick), but its construction is more suited to libraries, with most pieces glued down, rather than fully removable. With many bright graphics, colorful foldout flaps, and interesting trivia, the book will appeal to teachers and students alike. It includes a range of facts from the common (Declaration of Independence's signers and our national symbols) to the often-neglected (the significance of songs such as "Oh, Shenandoah," and "Ol' Man River"). Even the time line is done with an interesting twist, imagining the lifespan of our nation represented in the rings of an old tree. Well-written, well-researched, and interestingly laid out, this book is sure to be a hit.—Sarah Provence, Churchill Road Elementary School, McLean, VA
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Product Details

• Library Binding: 30 pages
• Publisher: LB Kids (September 1, 2008)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0316031704
• ISBN-13: 978-0316031707
• Product Dimensions: 12.2 x 1 x 10.1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 2 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (5 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #107,755 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Breathtaking! Beautiful!, September 4, 2008

By 

Bookworm "from Bookworm's Booklist" (USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: AMERICA: The Making of a Nation (Library Binding)

We came upon this book at our local library a week ago. My 5 year old son has picked it up and looked through it every single day since then! He frequently brings it to me and asks me to read something to him. We even read through parts of it at bedtime one night. ~He LOVES it! We've learned so much about our country in just a week!

I love how the author draws you in on the very first page. It's captivating! He tells a story of how he found a suitcase up in the corner of his attic. The suitcase was full of all of the momentos that you will find throughout the book! ~A heartwarming journal, postcards, an American Flag, a $2 bill, a ticket and many other "souvenirs." You feel as though you are rumagging through this suitcase yourself! At the very end, there is a beautiful timeline set on top of the annual rings of a tree, probably an elm, The Liberty Tree.

This is more than a "lift the flap" book. Read it and really get into it WITH your child and you and he both will not be able to contain your enthusiasm about what our AWESOME GOD has been doing in and for our country!

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars AMERICA: A reminder of the power of this county's beginnings, October 8, 2008

By 

Mary Haft - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: AMERICA: The Making of a Nation (Library Binding)

This book had just arrived at Mitchell's Book Corner in Nantucket and, interested in depictions of American History for children, I picked it up.I was stunned by the original graphic design, the interactive elements that thread through to tell the story of America, and by the punch of this author's real emotion about the power of the American idea--and ideals. This is a beautifully produced, keepsake book that represents an extraordinary value. I don't think I've seen another book like it. At a moment in our history where we need to evaluate and examine the ideals that shape this country, this book is a powerful reminder of our country's beginnings. And in those beginnings, we should all affirm and embrace the spirit of an American ideal. And that is one that includes these words, "We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by the Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness."

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Courtesy of Teens Read Too, January 22, 2009

By 

TeensReadToo "Eat. Drink. Read. Be Merrier." (All Over the US & Canada) - See all my reviews

This review is from: AMERICA: The Making of a Nation (Library Binding)

"Do not destroy that immortal emblem of humanity, the Declaration of Independence." - Abraham Lincoln

Although the United States of America did not begin as a country and a nation just with the signing of the Declaration of Independence, it can be said that it was a pivotal moment in our history.

As Calvin Coolidge noted, "To live under the American Constitution is the greatest political privilege that was ever accorded to the human race." Especially now, with the inauguration of a new US President only days past, AMERICA: THE MAKING OF A NATION is a wonderful reminder as to how our great nation came about.

This wonderful tome is filled with information that any US history buff would be proud to read about: how The Star-Spangled Banner came to be written, the making of the flag, information on "Uncle Sam," the creation of Mount Rushmore, and much, much more.

The book even includes a copy of the Declaration of Independence, which would make it valuable to a personal or classroom library on its own. But add in all of the wonderful timelines, lift-the-flap information, and amazing facts just waiting to be discovered, and this is one book on American History that kids will want to read on their own, without having to be forced to do so by their teachers!

Reviewed by: Jennifer Wardrip, aka "The Genius"