Recommended Books for Teaching Patriotism and Americanism
The Declaration of Independence by Elaine Landau
Published by Children’s Press, Scholastic, 2008
Nicely illustrated, this gives easy-to-understand historical background about colonial times, edicts and taxes from King George III (including the Stamp Act and the Quartering Act in 1765), the Boston Tea Party, the Second Continental Congress, the Revolutionary War, and the Declaration of Independence.
"Shh! We’re Writing the Constitution" by Jean Fritz
Published by Puffin Books, 1987
Another good resource for kids, this book talks about the disagreements between states and the way they were resolved through compromise. It discusses Articles of Confederation and the reasons the new country needed a stronger form of government, the importance of secrecy in writing the new document, and working throughout a very hot summer in Philadelphia with windows nailed shut. The concept of divided government and balance of power are explained, and the role of several Founding Fathers is highlighted. The book ends with a copy of the U.S. Constitution. Notes at the end also provide additional details, including the compromise regarding slaves.
The Bill of Rights by Syl Solel, J.D.
Published by Barron’s, 2008
This is an excellent introduction to the creation of the U.S. Constitution, including the Confederation of States and the need for a stronger union of sates, the Constitutional Convention, disagreements, and compromises. It also explains the concepts of federalism, separation of powers, checks and balances, and the Bill of Rights. The book explains what freedoms are guaranteed by the Bill of Rights - the first ten amendments to the Constitution.
Rush Limbaugh’s “Rush Revere” Series
Available in both in written form and as CDs in which Limbaugh himself delightfully reads the stories.
“The Declaration of Independence" "Constitution of the United States of America” by Cato Institute
“George Washington’s Secret Six” and “Thomas Jefferson and the Tripoli Pirates” by Brian Kilmeade
"We Elect a President: The Story of Our Electoral College" by Tara Ross
America's unique presidential election system is often misunderstood-and perhaps especially hard to explain to our children. "We Elect a President: The Story of Our Electoral College" will help you and your family discover more about the Electoral College and its remarkable history. Why was it created in the first place? Does it still work today? Written in straightforward language and complemented with playful illustrations, "We Elect a President" explains how the Electoral College works and why it is still needed in a great, diverse country such as our own: As the Founders intended, the system continues to protect our republic and promote our liberty. "We Elect a President" is written by Electoral College expert Tara Ross and illustrated by Kate E. Cooper. It presents a fun, yet educational way to learn more about America's too-often misunderstood presidential election system.
Kate Cooper (Illustrator)