With the United States celebrating its 250th anniversary on July 4th this year, I was sent a roundup of books about the United States. As I read them, I realized I didn't want to do just one huge roundup. The books are for different ages and teach about specific Americans, country history, states as well as about why we celebrate 4th of July. They are for different ages and a variety of types of books - from board books to middle grade books and even a graphic novel. Today we are sharing two books by the same team that give information about people. places and more. The first book is America's Dreaming by Ben McKinnon and illustrated by Thai My Phuong. It is recommended for ages 4 to 8.
About the Book:
A stunning, uniquely told story about seeking inspiration from our past to become our best selves in the present, from the New York Times bestselling author of Three Little Engines. A beautiful way to celebrate America’s 250th anniversary!Have you ever felt alone? Have you ever desperately wanted to fit in? America understands how you feel.
America dreams of adventures, making new friends, and being strong. But America’s first day at a new school turns out to be a nightmare.
Fortunately, America’s new teacher introduces the Welcome Wagon—a cart filled with books about real-life historical figures who also had trouble feeling accepted. When America falls asleep that night, Amelia Earhart, Sojourner Truth, Martin Luther King Jr., and Emma Lazarus jump off the pages to share their stories—inspiring America to return to school the next day and make their dreams come true.
While we never see America, Bob McKinnon’s lyrical writing and Thai My Phuong’s unique, sweeping art helps readers see the world through America’s eyes and encourages us all to be as kind as we are brave, because everyone always deserves to feel welcome.
From Me:
In this book we meet America. It is America's first day at a new school. America is nervous and doesn't quite feel like he/she belongs. We never see or find out America's gender in the book. The teacher Mr. Downs has the kids introduce themselves and share something they dream of. America freezes and the kids laugh at him/her. Mr. Downs is very nice and reminds people it is important to be kind to everyone in the classroom. However, America does not want to go outside for recess. He/she stays inside and Mr. Downs shows him/her the Welcome Wagon. It is a red wagon filled with books that share the stories of all kinds of different people who have trouble being accepted. America brings home four books from the Welcome Wagon and reads them that night. They are about Amelia Earhart, Sojourner Truth, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., and Emma Lazarus. America learns about each of them and learns to have courage, look for adventures, being strong, making friends and starting over again. America goes into school the next day and does the introduction activity again and shares these dreams and the kids are welcoming.
I love how the books about these amazing Americans are used to help America find his/her courage and comfort. It is a story about how amazing books can be especially when they share real people's lives and dreams. At the end of the book there is the Author's Note that explains Bob McKinnon's own inspiration for the book which was moving at a young age from Boston to Pennsylvania and being the new kid himself. Next are short bios of the historical characters mentioned in the book which includes the four from the books as well as Abraham Lincoln. The final page shares information about the Welcome Wagon including a list of books that are great to include.
This book shares important messages about America without being about the United States. It shares five different American people and their stories and how there are lessons in historical people. Books make these people feel like friends as the reader gets to know them better. It is a magical book in that way. The book is perfect for the classroom or at home. It is a book that teaches history, kindness as well as the importance and fun of reading!
The second book features America and his/her class. Mr. Downs is still the teacher, but the class is going on a field trip to Washington, D.C. The book is America Gives Thanks by Bob McKinnon and illustrated by Thai My Phuong. It is also recommended for ages 4 to 8.
About the Book:
In this stand-alone companion to America’s Dreaming, New York Times bestselling author Bob McKinnon and celebrated illustrator Thai My Phuong craft a beautiful, sweeping story about the importance of speaking up for what really matters.Have you ever wondered why people complain so much?
America is very excited for their class’s upcoming field trip to Washington, DC. But when the other kids start complaining about how not excited they are, America is confused. Their teacher, Mr. Downs, uses this as a learning opportunity: sometimes complaining—when done right—can actually be useful.
As the class walks through historic halls like the Supreme Court and around the National Mall where they visit celebrated monuments like the Lincoln Memorial, historical figures come alive for America (that portrait of Ruth Bader Ginsburg is definitely winking). Each figure offers tales on how complaining can lead to long-lasting change and hope for a better world. For that, America is so thankful.
From Me:
In this book America is back, and Mr. Downs is taking the class on a field trip to Washington, DC. America notices all the other kids complaining about the trip and wonders why. Mr. Downs tells America to listen and see if he/she can hear complaints that changed the country for good. The first stop is the Supreme Court. America sees a portrait of Ruth Bader Ginsburg. At first America does not hear anything, but RBG whispers, "You can disagree without being disagreeable," to America. Next stop is the National Mall. The kids are excited to shop. Of course, there are many complaints when they discover the National Mall is not a shopping mall. Mr. Downs tells the class about Marian Anderson performing there when she could not perform at Constitution Hall because she was Black. Mr. Downs explains an action is like a ripple in the water. It can spread freedom until it covers the whole world and America wonders what ripples he/she will make. Then they go to the Lincoln Memorial. Mr. Downs tells the kids about the protests. America imagines the giant statue of Abraham Lincoln watching all the protests. America is sure Abraham reminds him/her that we should always stand with anybody who stand right. When it is lunch time, one of America's classmates forgot her lunch. With some advice from President Franklin Delano Roosevelt, America shares his/her lunch. The final stop is the US Capitol. Mr. Downs tells the kids about the members of Congress and how they complain and argue to make America better for all. He tells the class about Senator Claiborne Pell and how he eventually helped pass the Pell Grants law. After getting back on the bus, America thinks of everyone he/she saw and their advice and is thankful for their complaints and work to make the country better.
This is a powerful book with many great Americans and their additions to the country. At the back of the book is the Author's Note explaining how this book is based on a field trip to Washington DC as an adult. The book was written to remind readers of the people who voiced their complaints in order to help make society better and more just. America is again not shown or given a gender so America can represent the parts of us that are frustrated with what is currently happening in the country. I love how this book shares a way that complaints can be used in a positive way. It reminds the reader of the power of voicing opinions and taking action.
This book is perfect for the classroom but also for at home. It is also a great read before a trip to Washington, DC. It may help kids look for some of the things America saw and learned about. It will help prepare them for some of the things they will see. And if you are not heading to DC, it gives kids an idea of what is there as well as some of the history of Washington!
