M E R I D I A N     M A G A Z I N E

Books with a Presidential Flavor
By Holly E. Newton

Presidents’ Day is just around the corner, and with all of the political activity going on in order to elect a new president, it’s a great time to read outstanding books about great Americans. 

The first two books are perfect for ages 9 through adult.  Tales of Famous Americans, by Connie and Peter Roop, and illustrated by Charlie Powell, showcases 17 well known, and not so well known, Americans who have made an impact on our country.  One outstanding American profiled is our first president, George Washington.  The information about this great man is brief and covers his life in about four pages, but the lasting impression is significant as you read about his great leadership and many sacrifices for his country. 

Other famous Americans include Abraham Lincoln, Madam C.J. Walker and Helen Keller.  Each person profiled worked hard and overcame major challenges in order to achieve their desired goals.  There are illustrations and photographs on every page that make this a terrific kid-friendly book! 

And while we’re on the subject of famous Americans, James Cross Giblin has written a fascinating biography of Paul Revere.  The Many Rides of Paul Revere reads like a story that will pull in even the most reluctant reader.  Revere is mostly remembered from Longfellow’s famous poem for the midnight ride that started the Revolutionary War.  But what few know is that he actually rode several more times throughout the war to inform troops about oncoming opposition. 

We soon learn that this was a man who loved his country and risked his life for it. There are photos, maps and documents throughout which help set the tone of the 1700’s.  There’s also an excellent timeline of his life, as well as information about various historical sites that is found in the back of the book. 

The next four books are good for ages 9 through 12.  Susan Buckly and Elspeth Leacock have written two picture books that take the reader (ages 9 through adult) through an informational and pictorial timeline.  Journeys for Freedom:  A New Look at America’s Story includes the colonial settlements, immigration from Russia in the late 1890’s and events in 1988 and the mass exodus from Sudan to America.  Rodica Prato magnificently illustrated the many pictures and maps found throughout.

Kids Make History:  A New Look at America’s Story is an innovative look at this historical timeline of America through the young men and women that helped shape our country.  It begins with Powhatan’s favorite daughter in 1607 and ends with 9/11, when the towers fell.  Randy Jones illustrated the pictures that can be found on every page.

Who’s Saying what in Jamestown, Thomas Savage?, by Jean Fritz, and illustrated by Sally Wern Comport, gives an account about this little known young 13-year-old when he came to live in this new land.  He became a very important part of the community because he lived with the native people in order to learn their language and soon became an interpreter.  Here is an account that will enlighten our understanding of life 400 years ago, when Jamestown was first settled.

Blast to the Past:  Betsy Ross’s Star, by Stacia Deutsch and Rhody Cohon, and illustrated by Guy Francis, has the same kids in this series of fantasy mixed with history.  When the kids hear that maybe Betsy Ross didn’t make the first flag, they go back in time to really find out!  The book is best for ages 7 to 10.

The Cemetery Keepers of Gettysburg, by Linda Oatman High, and beautifully painted by Laura Francesca Fillipucci, is based on the cemetery keepers who buried the dead in the Gettysburg area.  It became very difficult for the pregnant wife and her three young sons after her husband was called into the Union Army.  Several months after he left, their home came under attack by rebel soldiers.  The young family fled — only to return after the battle of Gettysburg to find more than 100 men lying dead on their property.  This is a great read!

Dadblamed Union Army Cow, by Susan Fletcher, and painted by Kimberly Bulcken Root, is another story based on a true account — this one about a cow that follows her soldier into the Civil War.  The soldier is upset that his cow is following him, but he soon changes his mind as the cow offers more than just company.  This is a terrific read-aloud for ages 5 through 10.

My America, by Jan Spivey Gilchrist, and illustrated by Ashley Bryan and Jan Spivey Gilchrist, is a wonderful celebration of the huge diversity of this great country.  From the changes of beautiful scenery to the change of colors of skin, this book glorifies all of the great elements of this land!  This book is best for ages 4 through 8.

Wonders of America:  The Statue of Liberty — Ready-to-Read Level 1, by Marion Dane Bauer, and illustrated by John Wallace, is a great little read to help educate the new reader about the significance of our beloved statue.  All of the “Wonders of America” leveled books are outstanding for informing our youngest readers about America!

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