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It's a topic that may rank alongside tooth flossing in terms of excitement generated among kids, but history is good for them, even if they don't know it yet. As the saying goes, if we don't study our history, we are doomed to repeat it. This month's collection of books focuses on American history, including some of its most painful passages; the wonders of the ancient world; and the last-century atrocities of World War II - something for which this century's children should have a working knowledge. For all ages America: A Patriotic Primer Written by Lynne Cheney; illustrated by Robin Preiss Glasser (Simon & Schuster, hardcover, $16.95, 32 pages) Simple enough to be understood by a child, and a mindful refresher for any adult, this primer written by Lynne Cheney, the vice president's wife, and illustrated by Newport Beach resident Robin Preiss Glasser is a succinct yet thorough history of America and some of the ideals and people that make it great. The joyful drawings by Glasser, done in ink, watercolor and pencil, are exuberant. Cheney does well in covering many important principles and people - and Native Americans, the civil-rights movement and the women's suffrage are not forgotten. I Pledge Allegiance Written by Bill Martin Jr. and Michael Sampson; illustrated by Chris Raschka (Candlewick Press, hardcover, $15.99, 32 pages) Children have been reciting the Pledge of Allegiance since 1892, the year Francis Bellamy published it in a children's magazine. But how many really understand its words? In this delightful book, well-known authors Bill Martin Jr. ("Brown Bear, Brown Bear") and Michael Sampson break the pledge down word by word. They explain the meanings of some of the lofty ideas that are sometimes rotely recited: liberty, indivisible, republic. The clever illustrations, done in ink and torn paper, are simple yet compelling. Capital Written and illustrated by Lynn Curlee (Atheneum Books for Young Readers, $17.95, 40 pages) This is a fascinating history of the creation of Washington, D.C., its buildings and its monuments. In relaying the story of their creation, Lynn Curlee hits on some of the highest points and most revered figures in the nation's history. Stunningly illustrated with paintings done in acrylic on canvas, the book begins with George Washington's founding of the district, and his selection of engineer and architect Pierre-Charles L'Enfant as its designer. The building of the Capitol, the White House and the major memorials are all covered here. This is an essential read for kids who will be visiting the nation's capital. New York's Bravest Written by Mary Pope Osborne; illustrated by Steve Johnson and Lou Fancher (Alfred A. Knopf, hardcover, $15,95, 32 pages) In the 1840s in New York City, a real-life firefighter named Mose Humphreys was renowned for his strength and bravery. His heroics grew to the stature of legend, and Mary Pope Osborne, known for her Magic Tree House series for children, lovingly embellishes the story. Mose in this story is 8 feet tall, with "hands as big as Virginia hams." He valiantly saves people from burning buildings. But after saving the occupants of a burning hotel, Mose was never seen again. The firefighters figure his spirit has never left. Written in honor of the 343 New York City firefighters who lost their lives on Sept. 11, this is a wonderful tribute. The paintings are vivid and spirited, and will be sure to capture the imagination of children. For ages 8 and older Off to Fight On the Trail of John Brown's Body Send 'Em South Written by Alan N. Kay (White Mane Books, paperback, $5.95, 150 pages) High school history teacher Alan Kay wrote these books, tracing the progression of the Civil War as part of a Young Heroes of History series, in response to uninterested students who questioned why they needed to bother learning this stuff. Kay's books follow the path of one family caught in the conflict, with the narrative voice passing to young members of the family. The books are simply written, with compelling story lines, to appeal to kids. Adding to their user-friendliness is a listing of the cast of characters and a bibliography in each book. The Roman Colosseum: The Great Wall Written by Elizabeth Mann; illustrated by Michael Racz ("The Roman Colosseum") and Alan Witschonke ("The Great Wall") (Mikaya Press, hardcover, $19.95, 44 pages) The work of a brilliant yet brutal civilization, the Roman Colosseum was one of the most incredible buildings in the ancient world, a wonder of engineering that is still admired today. Yet what went on inside was horrific, as thousands of slaves and criminals were slaughtered for the entertainment of the people. Elizabeth Mann carefully weaves the story of the building with the reality of the gladiators. In the Great Wall, she chronicles the struggle of the Chinese people to ensure themselves some sort of security in the dangerous world of Mongol raiders. It took 200 years and untold thousands of workers, but the wall was completed. The carefully illustrated text includes maps and timelines. These two books are part of a Wonders of the World series by Mann. Fields of Fury Written by James M. McPherson (Atheneum Books for Young Readers, $22.95, 96 pages) Pulitzer Prize-winning author James McPherson has written a compelling history of the Civil War geared toward young readers. Not only does he touch on the familiar - the firing on Fort Sumpter, Gen. Pickett's charge at Gettysburg, and the Union's victory at Appomattox - but it also includes personal anecdotes of soldiers in the field and profiles of historical luminaries. Included are some incredible illustrations and photographs. A brief warning, though: There are some graphic photos, such as a skeletal survivor of the notorious Andersonville prison, that may upset some readers. For ages 11 and older Auschwitz: The Story of a Nazi Death Camp Written by Clive A. Lawton (Candlewick Press, hardcover, $17.99, 48 pages) During World War II, more than 1.5 million people were killed at the death camps in Auschwitz, an abandoned army barracks in Oswiecim, Poland. How did this sleepy site become the infamous death camp, who transformed it, and who died there? These important questions are answered by Clive Lawton through first-person narratives and photographs. Included are sections on the day-to-day operation of the camp, its guards and "trustees," the selection process. Be warned: As would be expected in a book on Auschwitz, some of the pictures and text are quite graphic and disturbing. The Look-It-Up Book of the 50 States Written by Bill Gutman; illustrated by Anne Wertheim (Random House, paperback, $19.95, 160 pages) This is a thorough, well-researched reference to each of the 50 states that should serve a student well during a report on a state; it is also colorfully illustrated and full of fun facts that make it a pleasure to simply browse through. For example, the chapter of Missouri not only gives a primer on the state's history, but throws in some fun facts about the Pony Express and the St. Louis Cardinals. For ages 12 and older Frederick Douglass: For the Great Family of Man Written by Peter Burchard (Atheneum Books for Young Readers, hardcover, $18.95, 226 pages) Frederick Douglass is one of the most fascinating Americans of the the 19th century. Here, his life is examined by Peter Burchard in this swift-moving and well-researched biography that takes readers from his childhood as a slave to his years as an speaker and writer who worked tirelessly to abolish slavery, to his lauded days as a counselor to presidents and senators. Burchard includes a bibliographical essay and notes on his sources. |
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