Table of Contents

What is the Liberty Bell? -- A call to gather-- The bell makers -- Ring of freedom -- Keeping it safe -- Who named the bell? -- A final ring -- The bell travels -- Celebrating freedom.

Review

The editors at Picture Window Books must have been reading librarians' and educators' minds when they put together the American Symbols series. The 974s (Dewey) are thin on inspiring read-alouds and Firestone's guided tour of the Liberty Bell hits the nail on the head. Beginning with the purpose of bells in Colonial times, readers are taken on the complex journey of this national symbol. After a dud of a bell arrived from England, two founders, or metal smiths, John Pass and John Stow, were charged with recasting the bell for the State House in Pennsylvania. We follow the Liberty Bell as it moves from the State House, to a basement in Allentown, all over the country to unite people after the Civil War, and back to its home in Philadelphia. Firestone provides a short list of print and online resources for kids who want to go above and beyond. Skeens' illustrations have a cubist, wood-carved look to them that makes this one of the most appealing patriotic titles for young readers. A nice complement to John, Paul, George and Ben by Jon Scieszka and Paul Revere's Ride by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow, students will be transported back to the days of our founding fathers. This book is recommended for both school and public libraries.-- "CLCD Newsletter"
These attractively illustrated books introduce the history and significance of two of America's national symbols. In Liberty Bell, students will learn about the purchase of the bell, its Revolutionary War history, its symbolic use by abolitionists, and its famous fissure. Bald Eagle reviews the historical debate over the national bird, common traits associated with it, depictions of the bald eagle on currency and on the Great Seal, and facts about the species itself. Skeen's contemporary watercolors give a friendly and accessible cast to the symbols and events under consideration. With their large font, short sections, and clear writing, these titles will satisfy teachers looking for straightforward introductions to core democratic symbols for early primary-grade students or for elementary-aged new Americans.-- "School Library Journal"

Review Quote

These attractively illustrated books introduce the history and significance of two of America's national symbols. In Liberty Bell, students will learn about the purchase of the bell, its Revolutionary War history, its symbolic use by abolitionists, and its famous fissure. Bald Eagle reviews the historical debate over the national bird, common traits associated with it, depictions of the bald eagle on currency and on the Great Seal, and facts about the species itself. Skeen's contemporary watercolors give a friendly and accessible cast to the symbols and events under consideration. With their large font, short sections, and clear writing, these titles will satisfy teachers looking for straightforward introductions to core democratic symbols for early primary-grade students or for elementary-aged new Americans.

Description for Teachers/Educators

Reading Level: 1-2 Interest Level: 1-3 GRL: O Lexile Level: IG 720L Accelerated Reader ATOS Level: 4.3 AR Points: 0.5 AR Quiz Number: 112478

Details