Customer Reviews

O, Say Can You See?: America's Symbols, Landmarks, and Inspiring Words

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4 star:		(1)
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My daughter is in 1st grade and absolutely LOVED this book. It is a non-fiction account of many of the important documents (Declaration of Independence, etc.), monuments (Washington, etc.), and events of the early days of United States. It gives plenty of information (there were 3 whole pages on the D of I) that could be useful as a resource for a school history project. The writing is factual, but my daughter, who is 7, was able to read it all and was enthralled by it. The illustrations are also wonderful. After checking it out 3 times from her school library, she is now putting this book on her wish-list for Christmas!

The many symbols of American liberty are part of our culture but rarely receive clear explanation for youngsters under one title, so choose Sheila Keenan's O Say Can You See? A fine survey of American historic symbols is provided, from an explanation and history of why the Liberty Bell is cracked to early designs for the US flag and why the current design was chosen. Color drawings throughout enhance /sgeuka Keenan's informative survey.

I love this book! This book is chalked full of 50 symbols/landmarks of America. Each great symbol/landmark is covered in a two page spread filled with witty informative text and beautiful colored penciled illustrations. A must have for every home library as far as I am concerned. I would say perfect for a 1st grader+ Some of the symbols it covers: plymouth rock, independence hall, the white house, capital building, supreme court, washington monument, lincoln memorial, statue of liberty, ellis island, mount rushmore, the flag, liberty bell, uncle sam, bald eagle, seal, decleration of independence, constitution & bill of right, national anthem, pledge of allegiance, and American holidays. This book has it all & even has some interesting facts that I as an adult did not know!

This book was very informative for my 8-year-old and it's written at a level that he understands which makes it fun to learn about America's symbols and landmarks.

It's been a long time since I've been in school so I hate to admit it but I learned things too.

The things it focused on are: Plymouth Rock, Independence Hall, living in the White House, Capitol Building, Supreme Court Building, Washington Monument, Lincoln Memorial, Statue of Liberty, Ellis Island, Mount Rushmore, the Flag, the Liberty Bell, Uncle Sam, why the national bird is the bald eagle, the Great Seal of the U.S., Declaration of Independence, U.S. Constitution, Bill of Rights, our National Anthem, the Pledge of Allegiance, and some of the national holidays we celebrate.

Here's an example:
"The Pilgrims didn't actually land on Plymouth Rock in 1620. Good thing! If they had, the 10-ton boulder would have ripped a hole in the Mayflower! The Pilgrims rowed to shore and settled nearby in what is now Plymouth, MA. But what about that rock?"