The Capitol: A Meet the Nation’s Capitol Book

Gr 1-3–Fact-packed and populated with scenes of people who represent wide-ranging ethnicities, skin colors, and skills, this book is a good choice for children who have been hearing about headlines concerning the Capitol for over a year. They will uncover history about the three branches of government, the interiors of the Rotunda, who works there, the men and women of the Senate, and why it’s so important. What prevents this book from being exemplary nonfiction is a silly find-the-cat subplot and the planting of fictional school children among the representatives and scenes that are just too real to trivialize with make-believe. Also missing: varied body types, varied heights among the adults, wheelchairs, crutches, canes, sign language, hearing aids, or anything to indicate that the people at the Capitol truly represent an actual sample of a real-life population. Back matter includes a glossary, notable facts, and resources.