America the Beautiful

PreS-Gr 3–Though “America the ­Beautiful” is not the official national anthem of the United States, the poem-turned-song memorably portrays the country’s ideals and inherent natural beauty. Using the lyrics as a foundation, this lovingly rendered picture book breathes new life into Katharine Lee Bates’s iconic words. Select lines of the poem ­appear on each page and are accompanied by vivid illustrations that support the meaning of the text in ways readers of all ages will appreciate. As the tone shifts, so do the visual components of the book, and readers may be surprised to learn that there are additional lyics to the song. Though written over 100 years ago, these famous words resonate in a profound way, especially when placed beside images that reflect the visual realities of life in the US. A variety of skin tones and settings reflects the diverse landscape of present-day America and invites all readers to find themselves within it.