Posted on 02/24/2012 7:37:19 AM PST by Kaslin
While the writing and illustrations in Amelia Hamiltons, One Nation Under God: A Book for Little Patriots, are catered towards children, the books message is anything but childish. Patriotic to its core, the book teaches children about the basic and essential elements of U.S. government and history in an engaging and delightful manner. From One Nation Under God to Ten Amendments in the Bill of Rights, the book counts its way through the significant building blocks of America.
Hamiltons background in both English and 18th century history shows, as she knows how to fuse fact with fun when writing about the chambers in Congress, presidents on Mt. Rushmore, Supreme Court justices and more. A devout patriot herself, she writes in a way that has the potential to both teach and remind those listening to and reading One Nation Under God, why its so great to be an American. Perhaps more importantly, however, the book captures the notion that all the rights we enjoy in this country came at a cost and that freedom is not in fact, free (a point we could all manage to reflect on more). Consider this excerpt, for example:
When you know youre safe in your own home,When you dont have to pray alone,
When you say just what you feel,
It might not seem like a big deal.
Just remember that these rights werent free.
Many fought for you and me.
Children will no doubt enjoy this book for its catchy rhymes, patriotic zing and didactic illustrations; but the messages in One Nation Under God will also resonate with adults. Living in the midst of an ever divisive political landscape in America, reading this was certainly refreshing. The book upholds the greatness of our political structure and history even while the nature of modern politics tends to tarnish those images. Better yet though, One Nation Under God allows our children to learn the basics behind America - without all the baloney.
Love it!
Librarians and Book Store Clerks everywhere will be turning this book around so no one who wants to buy it can see it.
Thank you, Kaslin, for this article.It is so important to teach ideas and ideals to young children. It is difficult to find good books for the 7-12 year old grandchildren.
Glad to know about this one. I have grandchildren 5, 3,& 1; their Mom is home schooling, the 5 yr old and the 3 sits and draws or colors. She set up a room as a regular class room, blackboard, posters, tables chairs, regular time for school, etc. Her degree is in teaching (elementary). I am very proud of her for this decision.
Thanks for posting the ISB number ... will be purchasing two copies for grandkids.
One Nation Under God: A Book for Little Patriots [Color] [Paperback]
ping for later
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