Review

The Patriotic Symbols is a wonderful series to use with young children during discussion, especially during Constitution Week. Each book in the series is on a different American symbol (Lincoln Memorial, Capitol Building, Mount Rushmore, National Anthem, and the Washington Monument). They begin with the question, "What is a symbol?" so young children will begin to grasp the concept of a symbol. The author then goes into a short history of the symbol and why it is important to America and her citizens. Recommended--Kristi Betts, Librarian, Kinkeade ECS, Irving Independent School District--9/26/2008-- "Irving Independent School District"
These simple texts are designed for children to read themselves. In making them accessible to beginning readers, however, many concepts are over-simplified, including the introductory premise, "A symbol is a type of sign." "A symbol shows you something." Although four of the books are about monuments and buildings, they include few details about design or construction. National Anthem does not discuss the music or include a full listing of the words. Most of the volumes contain excellent large, color photographs, current enough to include figures such as Nancy Pelosi and Barack Obama. Lincoln Memorial, however, features several poorly executed period paintings, including one depicting the African-American people (but not Lincoln, who appears in the same picture) with oddly bright lips. On only a slightly higher reading level, the American Symbols series(Capstone) addresses many of the same topics in a more compelling and educational manner. Recommended--School Library Journal-- "School Library Journal"
Part of the series Patriotic Symbols set 2 Includes Table of Contents and glossary. Very useful for first grade American symbols unit. I will include the entire set in our collection. In a note parents and teachers are guided to support children's nonfiction literacy skills by helping the students use the table of contents, heading, picture glossary, and index. Recommended--Karen Pulver, Library Media Specialist Arlington Independent School District1/20/2009-- "Arlington Independent School District"

Review Quote

These simple texts are designed for children to read themselves. In making them accessible to beginning readers, however, many concepts are over-simplified, including the introductory premise, "A symbol is a type of sign." "A symbol shows you something." Although four of the books are about monuments and buildings, they include few details about design or construction. National Anthem does not discuss the music or include a full listing of the words. Most of the volumes contain excellent large, color photographs, current enough to include figures such as Nancy Pelosi and Barack Obama. Lincoln Memorial, however, features several poorly executed period paintings, including one depicting the African-American people (but not Lincoln, who appears in the same picture) with oddly bright lips. On only a slightly higher reading level, the American Symbols series(Capstone) addresses many of the same topics in a more compelling and educational manner. Recommended--School Library Journal

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