V is for Volunteer: A Tennessee Alphabet (Discover America State by State) [Hardcover]

Michael Shoulders (Author), Bruce Langton (Illustrator)

Book Description

Age Level: 6 and up | Grade Level: 1 and up | Series: Discover America State by State

When Govenor Brown called for 2,800 Tennesseans to fight in the Mexican war in 1847 and more than 30,000 volunteered, Tennessee earned the nickname "The Volunteer State." Discover Tennessee's nautral wonders and fascinating history. "V is for Volunteer" stimulates children to learn about their state through familiar Tennessee icons such as the Grand Ole Opry and Graceland. And lifelong Tennesseans will enjoy reading about the Jubilee singers and W.C. Handy.

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Having been involved in education for more than 30 years, Dr. Michael Shoulders travels extensively, visiting schools and speaking at conferences across the country. In addition to authoring the companion title, Say Daddy!, he has written several books for Sleeping Bear Press, including G is for Gladiator: An Ancient Rome Alphabet. Mike lives in Clarksville, Tennessee.

Following successful careers as a commercial illustrator and a wildlife artist, Bruce Langton started illustrating children's books. His books include P is for Putt: A Golf Alphabet and Win One for the Gipper: America's Football Hero. Bruce lives in Granger, Indiana.

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 6 and up
  
• Hardcover: 40 pages
• Publisher: Sleeping Bear Press (April 23, 2001)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1585360333
• ISBN-13: 978-1585360338
• Product Dimensions: 9.5 x 11.3 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (6 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #397,959 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Mike spent his childhood traveling in an army family to Fort Knox, KY, Fort Chaffee, AR, two visits to Germany, and Fort Campbell, KY. Mike graduated from Northwest High School (Clarksville, TN) in 1972 and earned a degree in education from Austin Peay State University (Clarksville, TN) in 1976. He taught for 14 years and then worked as an instructional supervisor until 2005. Mike earned his doctoral degree from Tennessee State University (Nashville, TN) in 2004.

Mike married Debbie Adams in 1974. They have three grown children: Jason, Ryan and Meghann. They have a standard poodle named Maggie, cat named Audrey, and a hedgehog named Dezi.

Mike attended the Governor's Academy for Teachers of Writing in 1995. He was bitten by the writing bug and has written for publication ever since! In 1997 he created a column called "Story Time" for Tennessee's oldest paper, The Clarksville Leaf-Chronicle. In that weekly column, Mike reviewed children's literature, with an educator's slant. The column continues today, but, because of a demanding traveling schedule, his wife took over the column in 2003.

Mike visits nearly one hundred schools each year spreading his message that "Reading IS Magic."


Books:
Say Daddy!
Goodnight, Baby Bear
V is for Volunteer - A Tennessee Alphabet
Count on Us: A Tennessee Number Book
N is for Natural State - An Arkansas Alphabet
Natural Numbers - An Arkansas Number Book
M is for Magnolia - A Mississippi Alphabet
1Mississippi, 2 Mississippi - A Mississippi Number Book
D is for Drum - A Native American Alphabet
ABC Book of North American Homes
G is for Gladiator - An Ancient Rome Alphabet
E is for Eucharist - A Catholic Alphabet
T is for Titanic

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

8 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars G is for Great Book!, May 10, 2001

By 

Melinda Riggins (Clarksville, TN USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: V is for Volunteer: A Tennessee Alphabet (Discover America State by State) (Hardcover)

"V is for Volunteer" is a wonderful new addition to the selection of books about Tennessee. As a teacher and librarian, I can see many uses for this book. As a Tennesseean, Michael Shoulders has done an excellent job of finding interesting Tennessee people, places, and items for each letter of the alphabet. Even young children will recognize people they know of, such as Elvis, or places they have visited such as Nashville. The text provides an excellent read-aloud for any grade level, but the information on the end pages provides extra information that would be valueable for reports for upper grades. Adults and children alike will love this book!

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent - far exceeds expectations, July 4, 2006

By 

P. von Clef "Catholic home educator" (Knoxville, TN) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: V is for Volunteer: A Tennessee Alphabet (Discover America State by State) (Hardcover)

We received this book as a gift and it really makes the A+ grade. My ds 8 and dd 9 love it - and with the additional information it provides (e.g. state rock, state animal, prominent landmarks)it could be used at much older ages. With attractive pictures and interesting text, this is a enjoyable supplement for homeschoolers - a way to make Geography lessons fun. This is a book to read and reread. We do hope to acquire more of this series!

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Not just for Tennesseeans, June 12, 2001

By 

Margaret "maggimae" (Utah) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: V is for Volunteer: A Tennessee Alphabet (Discover America State by State) (Hardcover)

This book can be enjoyed by anyone who wants to learn more about the state of Tennessee. The neat thing about it is that the rhyming text will delight toddlers, but the information in the sidebars can be enjoyed by people of all ages. Mr. Shoulders takes us from Beale Street to the Trail of Tears. It's an informative journey enhanced by Langton's illustrations. Especially pleasing are those that deal with nature. I highly recommend this book.