As we go into the Election Week there will be many lessons on the election process, patriotic units, and all things American. Here are four children's books about the American flag that have information that even adults may not know! After reading these four books and more, students will come away knowing information about Betsy Ross, what the stripes on the flag stand for, how many stripes, how many stars and what each star stands for, what the colors red, white, and blue mean, and so much more!
F is for Flag by Wendy Cheyette Lewison and illustrated by Barbara Duke, published in 2002. From the back cover, "The American flag fills us with hope and pride. Our flag reminds us that we are strong. We are united. We are Americans. This book gently explains to young children how our flag brings together everyone in American, in good times and bad times."
The Flag We Love by Pam Munoz Ryan and illustrated by Ralph Masiello, published in 1996 is a book I've used as a mentor text to show the format the author uses to showcase information. The book told in a rhyming text has a box at the bottom of each page with non-fiction fast facts about the flag related to the topic on that page - from the flag being draped on President Lincoln's casket to Neil Armstrong planting the American flag on the moon. From the back cover: "Vivid illustrations and inspiring text reveal the history behind our nation's most enduring symbol. Enjoy a red-white-and-blue introduction to our country's steadfast ideals: pride, individual rights, respect, honor, patriotism, and more. This memorable book will remind you that you do indeed have a flag to love!"
From Publishers Weekly (February 5, 1996) "Strike up the band and prepare to salute - this patriotic picture book unabashedly celebrates the Stars and Stripes...the result should delight Yankee Doodle dandies everywhere." This books is also the recipient of:
1997 NCSS/CBC Notable Children's Trade Book in the Field of Social Studies
1997 Early Childhood News Director's Choice Award
Betsy Ross and the Silver Thimble by Stephanie Green and illustrated by Diana Magnuson, published in 2002 is a Ready-To-Read Level 2 (students are beginning to read independently) book in the Childhood of Famous Americans series. In this story Betsy ends up proving something to herself as she was trying to prove to her brother that she can do whatever he can!
Meet Our Flag, Old Glory by April Jones Prince and illustrated by Joan Paley, published in 2002 is full of information about the American flag! From the front cover book jacket, "Meet Our Flag, Old Glory.
She's red and blue and white. Her stripes are like a peppermint's; Her stars and big and bright.
For generations, Americans have looked to Old Glory's brilliant colors and graceful lines and have found a steadfast symbol of freedom, hope, unity, pride, and strength. With lively verse and bold, dramatic illustrations, Meet Our Flag, Old Glory invites young Americans to explore the meaning of their flag, both in their communities and in their own lives. A visual and narrative account of Old Glory's history completes this moving tribute to our spirit and purpose as a nation."
F is for Flag by Wendy Cheyette Lewison and illustrated by Barbara Duke, published in 2002. From the back cover, "The American flag fills us with hope and pride. Our flag reminds us that we are strong. We are united. We are Americans. This book gently explains to young children how our flag brings together everyone in American, in good times and bad times."
The Flag We Love by Pam Munoz Ryan and illustrated by Ralph Masiello, published in 1996 is a book I've used as a mentor text to show the format the author uses to showcase information. The book told in a rhyming text has a box at the bottom of each page with non-fiction fast facts about the flag related to the topic on that page - from the flag being draped on President Lincoln's casket to Neil Armstrong planting the American flag on the moon. From the back cover: "Vivid illustrations and inspiring text reveal the history behind our nation's most enduring symbol. Enjoy a red-white-and-blue introduction to our country's steadfast ideals: pride, individual rights, respect, honor, patriotism, and more. This memorable book will remind you that you do indeed have a flag to love!"
From Publishers Weekly (February 5, 1996) "Strike up the band and prepare to salute - this patriotic picture book unabashedly celebrates the Stars and Stripes...the result should delight Yankee Doodle dandies everywhere." This books is also the recipient of:
1997 NCSS/CBC Notable Children's Trade Book in the Field of Social Studies
1997 Early Childhood News Director's Choice Award
Betsy Ross and the Silver Thimble by Stephanie Green and illustrated by Diana Magnuson, published in 2002 is a Ready-To-Read Level 2 (students are beginning to read independently) book in the Childhood of Famous Americans series. In this story Betsy ends up proving something to herself as she was trying to prove to her brother that she can do whatever he can!
Meet Our Flag, Old Glory by April Jones Prince and illustrated by Joan Paley, published in 2002 is full of information about the American flag! From the front cover book jacket, "Meet Our Flag, Old Glory.
She's red and blue and white. Her stripes are like a peppermint's; Her stars and big and bright.
For generations, Americans have looked to Old Glory's brilliant colors and graceful lines and have found a steadfast symbol of freedom, hope, unity, pride, and strength. With lively verse and bold, dramatic illustrations, Meet Our Flag, Old Glory invites young Americans to explore the meaning of their flag, both in their communities and in their own lives. A visual and narrative account of Old Glory's history completes this moving tribute to our spirit and purpose as a nation."