O, Say Can You See?

Title: O, Say Can You See: America's Symbols, Landmarks, and Inspiring Words
Author: Sheila Keenan

Illustrator: Ann Boyajian
Type: Non-Fiction
Approximate Interest Level: 5th-12th
Publisher: Scholastic

Date of Publication: 2004
ISBN: 978-0439424509

Synopsis: A nonfiction compilation of the important places, interesting objects, inspiring words, and holidays that contribute to, or comprise American culture.  Each item is explained in detail using student-friendly language and illustrations.  The book includes a glossary, an index, and suggestions for further reading.

Lesson Plan link

Possible Teaching Points: 1) American symbols, 2) American history, 3) American holidays

America: A Patriotic Primer

Title: America: A Patriotic Primer
Author: Lynne Cheney

Illustrator: Robin Preiss Glasser
Type: Non-Fiction
Approximate Interest Level: 3rd-8th
Publisher: Simon & Schuster

Date of Publication: 2002
ISBN: 978-0689851926

Synopsis: An alphabet book with American symbols, history, and trivia for each letter.  A wide range of topics are covered including, but not limited to, the Constitution, American heroes, Native Americans, rights, suffrage, and patriotism.

Lesson plan links

Possible Teaching Points: 1) civics, 2) American history, 3) American symbols 

See How They Run

Title: See How They Run: Campaign Dreams, Election Schemes, and the Race to the White House
Author: Susan E. Goodman
Illustrator: Elwood H. Smith
Type:  Non-Fiction
Approximate Interest Level: 5th-adult
Publisher: Bloomsbury Children's Books

Date of Publication: 2008
ISBN: 978-1599902852

Synopsis: A witty and entertaining look at how the election process works in the United States.  The first section of the book covers the history of democracy including its Roman roots, the rise of democracy in the United States, and the formation of political parties and their symbols.  The second section details how campaigning works from how someone goes about running for president, to primaries and conventions, to the involvement of the media in the process.  Sections three and four discuss how the presidency is won, fraud in the election process, and what happens on inauguration day.  Section five covers the importance of voting.  The writing throughout the book is student-friendly and engaging.  There are multiple anecdotes, bits of trivia, and entertaining facts accompanied by cartoon drawings and photos.

Lesson plan link

Possible Teaching Points: 1) American civics, and 2) the election process