Customer Reviews

AMERICA: The Making of a Nation

5 star:		(3)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
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1 star:		(1)

 

 

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!

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."

"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"

I have worked in an elementary school for years in special education and then moved to high school level. This is still a greatly appreciated book for children of all ages as everytime they look at it the find something new. There are so many flaps, tabs, pockets, and overall useful informational areas that can be explored that you never grow tired. I had purchased this for myself and then saw how much these students enjoyed that I had to share it with them. Also, I purchased one for my great nephew who will be starting kindergarten and he just loves learning about the history of the United States that he can't put it down. After receiving notice of a price reduction I had to order another one that I will give to the elementary school that I left so students can continue to enjoy.

Purchase the book as a present and it came with the binding of the book torn. Can't give as a gift. Very disappointed!