We Are America: A Tribute from the Heart [Hardcover]

Walter Dean Myers (Author), Christopher Myers (Illustrator)

Book Description

Publication Date: May 3, 2011 | Age Level: 7 and up | Grade Level: 2 and up

New York Times bestselling author Walter Dean Myers and Caldecott Honor artist Christopher Myers, the father-son team who created harlem, celebrate the freedom dream that is America: our struggles, our ideals, and our hope that we can live up to them.

What is it to be an American?

To live in a strange and beautiful land of complexity, with a tumultuous history of epic proportions, among the people who were here first, who came after, who will come tomorrow.

We were the youth that could not fail
Planting our high ideals in virgin lands and eager hearts
Making vows forever brighter than the story we would live . . .

The lyrical free verse evocative of Walt Whitman's Leaves of Grass and striking mural-like paintings are a testimonial to the heart and soul of our country: its ordinary and extraordinary people and the monumental events that have shaped our nation. With layered, sweeping panoramic paintings and text rich with historical allusion, this stunning picture book features passionate writings and vivid portraits of political Americans, from Tecumseh, the Shawnee chief, to Abraham Lincoln to Jimi Hendrix.

Editorial Reviews

Review

Praise for Ida B. Wells: “Masterful.” (ALA Booklist )

Praise for Muhammad Ali:“The spirit of prizefighter Muhammad Ali, formerly known as Cassius Clay, permeates the action-filled pages.” (School Library Journal )

Praise for Ida B. Wells: “Accessible to younger elementary audiences.” (Bulletin of the Center for Children’s Books )

Praise for Ida B. Wells:“Important and inspiring.” (School Library Journal (starred review) )

About the Author

Walter Dean Myers is the New York Times bestselling author of Monster, winner of the first Michael L. Printz award, and Harlem, a Caldecott Honor and Coretta Scott King Honor Book. The inaugural recipient of the Coretta Scott King-Virginia Hamilton Award for Lifetime Achievement, he is considered one of the preeminent writers for children. He lives in New Jersey with his family.

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 7 and up
  
• Hardcover: 40 pages
• Publisher: Collins (May 3, 2011)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0060523085
• ISBN-13: 978-0060523084
• Product Dimensions: 10.4 x 11.2 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.6 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (5 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #353,759 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Walter Dean Myers is a New York Times bestselling and critically acclaimed author who has garnered much respect and admiration for his fiction, nonfiction, and poetry for young people. Winner of the first Michael L. Printz Award, he is considered one of the preeminent writers for children. He lives in Jersey City, New Jersey, with his family.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A Beautiful Keepsake, A Wonderful Tribute!, May 30, 2011

By 

Denise Bolds "Lion Who Reads A Lot!" (New York United States) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)    (REAL NAME)   

This review is from: We Are America: A Tribute from the Heart (Hardcover)

This oversized childens picture book is a visual/verbal feast for adults - I find myself looking at my copy at least once a day. The artwork is amazing and I LOVE picking out the many history makers that you will find throughout this amazing book. The artwork, the poems, the quotes are all combined to make a book that is a story within a story - this book is a wonderful gift and a great keepsake.

5.0 out of 5 stars Budding History Teacher Recommends, November 8, 2011

By 

Alexandra Vicchio (New Jersey) - See all my reviews

This review is from: We Are America: A Tribute from the Heart (Hardcover)

Found this book at the elementary school's book fair and am using it in my class. Absolutely beautiful. A great hook when introducing a unit lesson, especially on immigration (for older children) or American history in general (4th grade). A variety of project one can use with this book as well. An outstanding book!

5.0 out of 5 stars Teachers, you want this book., August 17, 2011

By 

Rasha Hamid (New York, NY) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: We Are America: A Tribute from the Heart (Hardcover)

I shared this beautifully written and illustrated book with 3rd and 4th graders. They loved the artwork and recognized many historical figures. I used the book to initiate whole-class conversations on what it means to be American in a largely first/second generation immigrant school community. The children were thoroughly engaged and fascinated by this gorgeous book and the discussion that ensued. Many children saw themselves/their families/home countries in the illustrations. The read-aloud also elicited many questions about the time periods in which various scenes took place. While there's more text than I would read to younger kids in one sitting, I'm sure younger children would gain lots from talking about the illustrations and reading selected portions of the text. This would be a thought-provoking independent read, read-aloud or group read for older students, as well.