SERIES MADE SIMPLE

The Pledge of Allegiance

by Tamra B. ORR
9781491482278. ea vol: 32p. (Introducing Primary Sources). chart. further reading. glossary. index. photos. websites. Capstone. 2016. lib. ed. $20.49. pap. $6.95.
COPY ISBN
K-Gr 2—This series does a crackerjack job of exploring the back stories of some of America's most beloved documents and monuments. Most kids know the Pledge of Allegiance by heart, but here they learn that originally the pledge was published in a children's magazine in order to honor Columbus Day. Similarly, most kids recognize the Statue of Liberty by sight, but here they discover how the statue's creator, Frédéric Auguste Bartholdi, raised the money to build it. With one concise paragraph and a few illustrations per page, these titles are ideally suited for early fluent readers. Illustrations consist of paintings and photographs, all of which enrich the text. For example, in Star-Spangled Banner, one 1873 photo shows a soldier standing in front of the threadbare flag that flew over Fort McHenry in 1814. By focusing on the passage of time, the author draws readers' attention to the concept that the flag has been honored and appreciated throughout the years.
VERDICT While not a must-purchase, this series does offer a colorful, engaging presentation.
This engaging series strikes the right balance between information and images. Each volume focuses on a primary source, examining the events that led to its creation, its evolving role throughout history, and its current status. Well-captioned photographs, maps, documents, and paintings are featured prominently throughout, breaking up the age-appropriate texts. Common Core critical thinking questions are appended. Reading list, timeline. Glos., ind. Review covers the following Smithsonian Little Explorer: Introducing Primary Sources titles: The U.S. Constitution, The Liberty Bell, and That Statue of Liberty.
Reviewed by Staff , Apr 01, 2016

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