Thomson, S. L., Dacey, B., & Bandelin, D. (2003). Stars and stripes: The story of the American flag. New York: HarperCollinsPublishers.
Gr. 1-3. This colorful presentation traces the history of the American flag from its development during the Revolutionary War and early Federal period through the renewed enthusiasm for displaying it after September 11, 2001. One side of each double-page spread carries a few lines or paragraphs of text, facing a bordered, full-page illustration. Apart from the text, a page of notes details the stories behind some of the flags illustrated and an author' s note relates what is known about the flag and Elizabeth "Betsy" Ross and what is not known (who made the first American flag?). The dramatic compositions and bright, heraldic colors that characterize the illustrations give the book great visual appeal.
Keenan, S., & Boyajian, A. (2007). O, say can you see?: America's symbols, landmarks, and inspiring words. New York: Scholastic.
Gr. 2-5. Keenan recounts the history of 9 patriotic U.S. holidays and 19 symbolic places, objects, and inspiring phrases. Ranging from Plymouth Rock and the bald eagle to the Pledge of Allegiance and Veteran's Day, Keenan offers basic information and fascinating trivia: who knew, for example, that the original Uncle Sam was a meat packer from New York who supplied the government with food during the War of 1812? Boyajian's attractive, pastel-and-colored pencil artwork appears on every page, providing clarification for the text and humor when appropriate.
Penner, L. R., & Rowland, J. (1996). The Statue of Liberty. New York: Random House.
Celebrate the 125th birthday of our beloved Statue of Liberty with the story of how she came to stand in New York Harbor. Filled with illustrations and all-new photographs, this Step 2 reader tells of how the American icon was sculpted, transported from France, and unveiled 125 years ago.