Children's Book Review: History's Mysteries By Kitson Jazynka - Summer Read-to-Learn Series

HISTORY'S MYSTERIES
Curious Clues, Cold Cases, and Puzzles from the Past

By: Kitson Jazynka

Published: October 17, 2017

Publisher: National Geographic Kis

Non-Fiction

National Geographic has taken some of the biggest mysteries in the history of our world and dug deeper into what may or may not have happened. Think Stonehenge, Amelia Earhart, the Yeti, and UFOs. These mysteries aren't solved in the pages of this book, but instead, the book offers the theories, the research, and the best guess for the what may or may not have happened.

A lot of the mysteries were ones I had already heard of, but there were several that I had never heard of before. I had no idea there was a monument in Elberton, Georgia that no one knows how it got there. You assume that this monument had been there for ages, but no, it appeared in 1980. No one knows who had this large granite sculpture created and moved to this spot and what its message means.

For curious children, this book encourages critical thinking and problem-solving. Children and parents can read the mysteries and then talk about all the possibilities. By comparing their solutions with those by the researchers your child can come up with their best guess as to why the mystery occurred. If your child likes solving puzzles, asking all the questions, and satisfying all their curiosities then this book is for them. The end of the book includes an interview with National Geographic explorer and archeologist, Chris Fisher. Kids may find this is a dream career for them.

To find out all about the author, Kitson Jazynka, check out her website, HERE.


To purchase a copy of HISTORY'S MYSTERIES, click the photo below:

All summer I'll be sharing books for children and youths that are great choices to keep your children interested in reading and learning. These may be books that encourage reading, play, and kindness as well as keeping kids interested in science and history all while continuing to read. The summer slide is real and teachers will appreciate kids that continue to keep their minds active along with their bodies. See all the Summer Read-to-Learn books, HERE. 

I will be linking up this review on Booking Mama's regular Saturday feature, Kid Konnection. This is a place for bloggers to share posts related to children's and YA books. You will find spotlights, reviews, and sometimes even giveaways by clicking HERE, every Saturday.



Other books you may be interested in:

Bet You Didn't Know

Ultimate Dinopedia

National Geographic Kids Almanac 2018

Shackles from the Deep

How Things Work

History Series from Carole P. Roman

The Boo-Boos that Changed the World




Thanks to the publisher for sending a copy of this book for the purpose of this review. This review is my honest opinion. If you choose to purchase this book through the above link, I may receive a small commission without you having to pay a cent more for your purchase. 

Children's Book Review: The Boo-Boos that Changed the World By Barry Wittenstein

THE BOO-BOOS THAT CHANGED THE WORLD
A True Story About An Accidental Invention (Really!)

By: Barry Wittenstein

Illustrated by: Chris Hsu

Published: February 13, 2018

Publisher: Charlesbridge

Non-Fiction

Who knew the story of how band-aids were invented would be so interesting! Wittenstein has a way of telling a story from history but injecting enough humor to keep kids interested in finding out what happened next. Earle Dickson came up with the idea for a band-aid because his wife was often cutting herself while making his dinner. He felt bad and worried about her wounds getting infected. One night, he had a bright idea and went to his boss, James Johnson, to tell him his idea. But, the band-aids didn't immediately become a best-selling item and there were a few bumps along the way.

I think this is a great story for kids to learn about because even though Earle Dickson had a great idea and worked for the right company to make the idea happen, he still had rejection and frustration. After getting the idea to actually work, then he had to figure out a way for customers to buy into it. It took trial and error and perseverance to keep working on selling his item. By deciding to give band-aids away to just the right group of people, his idea finally took off.

The end of the book includes an author's note with a bit more detailed history on Earle Dickson and a timeline of events in Earle's life. There is also a timeline of other medical-related inventions from the 1920's and 1930's and a list of websites that kids can go to to find more information and watch videos about band-aids. Wittenstein took a little liberty with the story of Earle Dickson and his invention, but the important piece for kids to learn is to not give up and keep finding a solution to the problem all while having a bit of humor.

Barry Wittenstein - source

Barry Wittenstein has always been involved with writing, from contributing to his high school and college newspapers, to writing and performing poetry on stage in San Francisco, songwriting, sports writing, and now picture books.

He has worked at CBS Records, CBS News, and was a web editor and writer for Major League Baseball. He is now an elementary-school substitute teacher and children's author.

Barry particularly likes nonfiction, and profiling mostly unknown people and events whose stories have never been told in children's literature. He is the author of Waiting for Pumpsie and The Boo-Boos That Changed the World. He lives in New York City. To learn more, visit his website, HERE, or on Twitter: @bwittbooks.  

You can also listen to Barry talk about the book on the Charlesbridge podcast, HERE.

To purchase a copy of THE BOO-BOOS THAT CHANGED THE WORLD, click the photo below:

I will be linking up this review on Booking Mama's regular Saturday feature, Kid Konnection. This is a place for bloggers to share posts related to children's and YA books. You will find spotlights, reviews, and sometimes even giveaways by clicking HERE, every Saturday.


You may also like these posts:

HOW THINGS WORK

BENJAMIN FRANKLIN'S WISE WORDS

ELLIE, ENGINEER

Children's Book Review: Remember the Ladies By Callista Gingrich

REMEMBER THE LADIES

By: Callista Gingrich

Illustrated by: Susan Arciero

Published: October 10, 2017

Publisher: Regnery Kids

Non-Fiction


Ellis the Elephant loves to learn about important moments in our history. In previous books, he has learned about the Pilgrims and the Presidents as well as many other events. Now he is sharing all he learned about our fabulous First Ladies.

Our First Ladies' contributions to history have been quite significant and yet they seem to take a back seat to the Presidents. Ellis takes us back in time to several First Ladies and with a lyrical rhyme shares important highlights from their time in office. From Dolly Madison saving Washington's portrait in a fire to Abigail Fillmore adding a library to the White House to Edith Wilson helping her husband run the country during his illness, Ellis shows us the important roles of the First Ladies. The writing is absolutely creative and informative in usually just four sentences for each First Lady. There is just enough information to keep the kids interested in each of their achievements.

Abigail Fillmore in the library

What really impressed me were the illustrations. I could identify each First Lady just by looking at the pictures. Arciero is extremely talented and creates images of the First Ladies as well as the inside of the White House that are as close as a photograph, yet softer.

Even though not every First Lady is featured in the story, the end of the book features a paragraph about every First Lady and their contributions while in office, including the current First Lady, Melania Trump. This is truly a wonderful book

This book is perfect for younger elementary-aged children and would make a great addition to school and home libraries. I'll be gifting my copy to the elementary school I substitute teach in.

Callista Gingrich - source

Callista Gingrich is the president of Gingrich Productions. She and her husband, Newt, host and produce documentary films. She is the author of the national bestselling children's series featuring Ellis the Elephant. Mrs. Gingrich is the voice for several audio books as well. She is also the president of the Gingrich Foundation, a charitable nonprofit corporation. Mrs. Gingrich and her husband reside in McLean, Virginia. For more information, check out Ellis the Elephant's website, HERE.

Susan Arciero - source

Susan Arciero is an award-willing illustrator of numerous children's books. Arciero grew up in Massachusetts and traveled the world as a member of a military family. Susan lives in Pinehurst, North Carolina, with her husband, three children, and two basset hounds.

To purchase a copy of REMEMBER THE LADIES, click the photo below:

I will be linking up this review on Booking Mama's regular Saturday feature, Kid Konnection. This is a place for bloggers to share posts related to children's and YA books. You will find spotlights, reviews, and sometimes even giveaways by clicking HERE, every Saturday.


Thanks to the publisher for sending a copy of this book for the purpose of this review. This review is my honest opinion. If you choose to purchase the book through the above links, I may receive a small commission without you having to pay a cent more for your purchase. Thanks for supporting SincerelyStacie.com.  

Children's Book Review: If You Were Me and Lived in Middle Ages and Viking Europe By Carole P. Roman

IF YOU WERE ME AND LIVED IN...MIDDLE AGES

By: Carole P. Roman

Illustrated by: Mateya Arkova

Published: July 9, 2016

Publisher: CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform

Non-Fiction

I would expect that most kids who read this book would feel grateful to not have grown up during the Middle Ages. Life was quite difficult and if you were not a family of power and wealth, then life was pretty difficult for you.

Roman focus's on life as a thirteen-year-old girl of privilege in her examples from the Middle Ages. Life for her consisted of sewing and praying. There were rituals and rules that must be kept every day. Life of others in the village was not quite as comfortable. The peasants lived simple lives full of hard work. Their children also had to work very hard.

Girls who read this might be shocked to hear that most daughters were married off as young as thirteen and there was little choice in who they would be marrying. Girls were also not allowed to go to school unless it was to a convent to read the Bible. I was surprised by the medical treatments when someone was ill, including blood-letting or bleeding out the old blood until new blood could be formed. The patient would be weak for months. Can you imagine if we had to do that now?

Life in the Middle Ages was difficult and yet somewhat simple. But, I would bet most kids reading this would be quite glad they are growing up now rather than 900 years ago. The end of the book includes a listing of famous people from the Middle Ages and a glossary of terms. There are several that will be new to most readers.

These books are meant for upper elementary to middle school-aged kids, but offer lots of information and learning for children that enjoy history and learning.

IF YOU WERE ME AND LIVED IN...VIKING EUROPE

By: Carole P. Roman

Illustrated by: Mateya Arkova

Published: September 5, 2016

Publisher: CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform

Non-Fiction

In a way, families who lived in Viking Europe seemed to live that idyllic simple life many of us yearn for today. They lived off the land (and sea) and nothing was wasted. Everyone contributed to running the home and helping each other.

There were just two seasons...Summer, a time of light, and Winter, a time of darkness and you determined your age by how many winters you had survived. Winters were harsh and took much preparation during the Summer to survive. Much like the time of the Middle Ages, girls were chosen for marriage after age twelve. Matches were made based on alliances and protection and girls had little say in who they would marry. But, I was surprised to find divorce was possible and abuse or mistreatment was a huge dishonor.
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The end of the book includes a listing of Norse Gods and other important people in Viking history. There is also a glossary of terms to explain the many unfamiliar words used throughout the book.

Roman is extremely talented in her research and retelling of history for children to understand. This book is perfect for older school-aged kids and especially for those who love learning about ancient history. Making it personal by putting the reader in the mind of a child their age makes the learning even more interesting.

Carole P. Roman is the award-winning author of the Captain No Beard series. Both Captain No Beard-An Imaginary Tale of a Pirate's Life and Captain No Beard and the Aurora Borealis have received the Kirkus Star of Exceptional Merit. The first book in the series was named to Kirkus Reviews Best 2012. Captain No Beard and the Aurora Borealis has been named to Kirkus Reviews Best of 2015. Each book in the series has won numerous awards including the NABE Pinnacle Award, IAN Award, Moonbeam Award 2014, National Indie Excellence Award Finalist, Shelf Media Outstanding Series Award, ForeWord Review Five Star and Finalist in the Book of the Year, and Reader's Views Children's Book of the Year 2013.

Carole P. Roman is also the author of the award-winning non-fiction culture series, "If You Were Me and Lived in..." that explores customs and cultures around the world. She has co-authored a self-help book, Navigating Indieworld A Beginners Guide to Self-Publishing and Marketing. She lives on Long Island with her husband and near her children and grandchildren. Carole invites readers to connect with her via her website

To see all my other posts on Roman's books, click HERE.

To purchase a copy of these books, click the photos below:

I will be linking up this review on Booking Mama's regular Saturday feature, Kid Konnection. This is a place for bloggers to share posts related to children's and YA books. You will find spotlights, reviews, and sometimes even giveaways by clicking HERE, every Saturday.



Thanks to the publisher for sending copies of these books for the purpose of this review. This review is my honest opinion. If you choose to purchase the books through the above links, I may receive a small commission without you having to pay a cent more for your purchase. Thanks for supporting SincerelyStacie.com. 

Children's Book Review: History Series from Carole P. Roman

IF YOU WERE ME AND LIVED IN...ANCIENT GREECE

By: Carole P. Roman

Illustrated by: Mateya Arkova

Published: March 24, 2016

Publisher: CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform

Non-Fiction

Roman has taken her much loved cultural series IF YOU WERE ME AND LIVED IN...and changed it to a historical look at ancient civilizations. The first in the series, Ancient Greece, explores the history of its culture through words and pictures. This series of books is written for an older group of kids rather than her series on countries. This series includes more historical details with more words on the pages. But, it still gives us the perspective of a child during that time in history to put kids into the time-period.

Ancient Greece is an important part of our own history including the foundation of our legal and government systems, our literature and philosophy, and even the Olympics. This is a perfect way to start the series by introducing children to one of the oldest cultures in our history.

The books are arranged much like the cultural series offering examples of names, the food you would eat, and what a typical day would look like if you grew up during the time of Ancient Greece. Children will learn examples of the language and be able to visualize the setting with the softly drawn illustrations.

I think kids would be surprised to read that children during Ancient Greece could drink wine because they were worried about water carrying diseases. I bet they would also think it is silly to imagine their father eating while reclining on a cushion and eating with only one hand during their supper time.

Children will also learn about the clothing people wore and the jobs their parents would do. There is also information about the gods that were worshiped during this time and what kids did for fun.

This book offers lots of information in an easy-to-learn format for upper elementary kids. This series is perfect for classroom reports or homeschool settings.

IF YOU WERE ME AND LIVED IN...ANCIENT CHINA
The Han Dynasty

By: Carole P. Roman

Illustrated by: Mateya Arkova

Published: June 26, 2016

Publisher: CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform

Non-Fiction

Ancient China goes back almost two thousand years to the year 150 AD. From 206 BC to 220 AD, the Han Dynasty ruled over China organizing the government and establishing one of the longest dynasties in its culture. During this time, poetry and literature were encouraged and porcelain was created.

Everyone in the family had an important role to play and the father was the head of the household. Other family members would also live in the house with you and your grandparents would hold a very respectful role in your family.

Arkova's illustrations show the beautiful silk kimonos worn by the women on ancient China as well as the furnishings in the home. Girls education was much different from the boys as girls were thought to not need an opinion and only need to know how to be a good wife and mother.

Religion and culture were very important to the Chinese and the back of the book includes a list of important people during ancient China as well as a glossary of terms. I think children will be fascinated by the extreme differences from the ancient China culture and today.

IF YOU WERE ME AND LIVED IN...THE ANCIENT MALI EMPIRE

By: Carole P. Roman

Illustrated by: Mateya Arkova

Published: December 13, 2016

Publisher: CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform

Non-Fiction

This piece of history is one most children will probably not know much about. Roman gives us the perspective of a child's life during the ancient Mali Empire. She chose to feature a child that grew up with privilege and is whose father was a general in the army. Because of this, readers will learn about the government and how kings and other respected leaders (like her grandfather) ran their empire.

I realized that I had much to learn from this book and found it's culture to be quite interesting. It didn't surprise me that much like the other books in this series, girls are not as respected as boys and their roles focus more on household and family chores. I think this series opens up an opportunity to have a conversation with girls and boys about how the roles of women and men have changed over that last several thousand years.

Arkova's illustrations show the vivid colors in their clothing and the simply shaped homes that were common in Mali, Her attention to detail including wrinkles in the grandfather's face and tears to show his emotion will show kids the importance of the history and retelling stories.

This particular book has won the 2016 Blue Ribbon Award from the Homeschool Review Crew as a Favorite History Supplement. It has also won the Best Series away for 2016 by Shelf Unbound. It's also been named a Top Back to Homeschool Resource.

Carole P. Roman

Carole P. Roman is the award-winning author of the Captain No Beard series. Both Captain No Beard-An Imaginary Tale of a Pirate's Life and Captain No Beard and the Aurora Borealis have received the Kirkus Star of Exceptional Merit. The first book in the series was named to Kirkus Reviews Best 2012. Captain No Beard and the Aurora Borealis has just been named to Kirkus Reviews Best of 2015. Each book in the series has won numerous awards including the NABE Pinnacle Award, ERIK Award for 2013, ForeWord Review Five Star and Finalist in the Book of the Year, and Reader's Views Children's Book of the Year 2013, Shelf Unbound Best Series, Back to School Resource Winner, IAN, National Indie Excellence Award, MoonBeam Award for If You Were Me and Lived in...Scotland. She is also the author of the award-winning non-fiction culture series If You Were Me and Lived in...exploring customs and culture around the world. She co-authored Navigating Indieworld: A Beginner's Guide To Self-Publishing and Marketing Your Book, which earned a 5 Star ForeWord Review Clarion Review. Roman lives on Long Island with her husband and near her children and grandchildren. Check out Carole's website, HERE. To see all the books I've reviewed by Roman, click HERE. 

To purchase the above books, click the photos below:

I will be linking up this review on Booking Mama's regular Saturday feature, Kid Konnection. This is a place for bloggers to share posts related to children's and YA books. You will find spotlights, reviews, and sometimes even giveaways by clicking HERE, every Saturday.


Thanks to the author for sending a copy of these books for the purpose of this review. These reviews are my honest opinion. If you choose to purchase the books through the above links, I may receive a small commission without you having to pay a cent more for your purchase. Thanks for supporting SincerelyStacie.com. 

Book Review: Women Heroes of World War I By Kathryn J. Atwood

WOMEN HEROES OF WORLD WAR I
16 Remarkable Resisters, Soldiers, Spies, and Medics

By: Kathryn J. Atwood

Published: June 1, 2014

Publisher: Chicago Review Press

Non-Fiction/Historical Non-Fiction

As Women's History Month comes to a close, I have been thrilled to have the opportunity to read about women who did great things to leave a mark on history. Last week, I shared about MOTOR GIRLS and today, I'm sharing about women who contributed in many ways during WWI.

Most of the time when I read about war, I tend to read fictional accounts of WWII. But, sadly, war is war and no matter what timeframe you are reading about there will be horrific details and stories of heroic people who risked their lives to help others. Atwood's research shows that women were definitely prominent in saving the lives of numerous people during war-time and not just in a hospital or in the home. Numerous women took on the role of spies and resisters helping to hide soldiers or to move information across enemy lines to leak details of plans like to blow up the British tunnel. I think most people would be quite surprised at the level of danger many of these women put themselves in, much like their husbands, brothers, and fathers.

Atwood covers each woman in a chapter consisting of just a few pages, telling the story of how she got involved in the war, her heroic deeds, and what happened to her after the war. Sadly, many of the women were arrested and sentenced to life in prison or to death. In fact, due to one of the women featured in the book, Edith Cavell, death sentences for women were no longer ordered. Her execution was remembered as one of inspiration for women because Cavell took her duties seriously and faced death with a "calm dignity". Stories like this were tragic but also proved that women, much like men, were willing to fight for their freedoms.

This book sat on my shelf too long and I am so glad that I finally read it. It is definitely an inspiring look at history and the role women played in unexpected areas. Many of them could be an inspiration for a fictional novel based on the war. Since each chapter stands alone, it is a great book to keep in the car and read while waiting in the pick-up line at school or at the doctor's office.

This book like her others about women heroes are written for middle school readers on up. Even though they are considered a young adult series, adults will appreciate the history and facts as well. You can see all of Atwood's books, HERE.

Kathryn Atwood - source

Kathryn J. Atwood is the author of three young adult collective biographies of women and war as well as the editor of Code Name Pauline, the memoirs of WWII SOE agent Pearl Witherington. She has contributed to The Historian and War, Literature, and the Arts, and has been featured on America: Facts vs. Fiction and BBC America.  For more information on her books, visit her online at www.kathrynatwood.com.


To purchase a copy of WOMEN HEROES OF WWI, click the photo below:




Thanks to the publisher for sending a copy of this book for the purpose of this review. This review is my honest opinion. If you choose to purchase this book through the above link, I may receive a small commission without you having to pay a cent more for your purchase. Thanks for supporting SincerelyStacie.com. 

Children's Book Review: Shackles from the Deep By Michael Cottman

SHACKLES FROM THE DEEP
Tracing the Path of a Sunken Slave Ship, A Bitter Past, and a Rich Legacy

By: Michael Cottman

Published: January 3, 2017

Publisher: National Geographic

Non-Fiction

Avid scuba diver and journalist, Michael Cottman is sharing the remarkable discovery of a sunken ship that carried slaves to Europe and North/South America during the late 1600's. The ship was the Henrietta Marie and in early 1700, it sank in a storm off the coast of Key West, Florida. Nothing was known about this ship until 1972 when underwater treasure hunter Moe Molinar finds the wreckage while looking for some treasures from another ship. Hurricanes often stir up the sand around sunken treasures and this time, he came across something new....shackles, heavy manacles designed to handcuff slaves while traveling across the ocean to an unknown world. Ten years later, marine archaeologist, David Moore had heard of the shipwreck and began studying the slave trade. He made it a mission to find out more about this ship and the purpose of its journey.

In 1983, during an underwater exploration, he came across the bell. During that time, every ship had a bell with the ship's name on it to use as a watch bell that signaled changes to the crew on board of the ship. This find was a huge break because it helped them reveal the name of the ship, the Henrietta Marie. Cottman and Moore united to retrace the ship's journey around the world. For Cottman, it is quite an emotional journey as an African American man, wondering if there could have been his own ancestors that perished on this journey. His most upsetting find wasn't just finding the shackles made specifically to handcuff the slaves during the long journey across the ocean, but the numerous child-sized shackles. "Who would make child-sized shackles?", Cottman wondered.

While this is a non-fiction account of the fascinating finds related to this ship, Cottman willing shares his personal feelings while conducting this research. This reads as a narrative non-fiction and contains amazing photographs of both underwater images as well as the shackles and bell brought to the surface. He travels to several countries to access every piece of the story related to slavery trade during the 1600-1800's.

While reading this book, I was reminded of the story of Olaudah Equiano, a slave who came across the ocean on a ship much like the Henrietta Marie (maybe even one of the previous journeys) and landed in London. He was eventually freed by his owner after being allowed to trade and buy his freedom. I've often taught this story while subbing and I now have new knowledge to add to my lesson on the slave trade.

Having never heard of this sunken ship, I was fascinated by this amazing find. The level of research Moore and Cottman conducted to understand what happened to the ship, who perished on this ship, and the history of shipping slaves across the world was extensive.

If your child likes reading true historical stories, then this will be right up their alley. At just 120 pages, it isn't overwhelming for younger readers. If the reader becomes interested in this topic, the back of the book includes other books and websites to find more information about slave ships. scuba diving, and marine archaeology. Maybe this book will inspire them to become a researcher some day.

Michael Cottman - source

Michael H. Cottman, Pulitzer prize-winning journalist and author, is a former political reporter for the WashingtonPost. Cottman has appeared on National Public Radio's (NPR) "Tell Me More" with Michel Martin and also the Oprah Winfrey Show in 2000 to discuss his (adult) book THE WRECK OF THE HENRIETTA MARIE. Cottman also serves as a special consultant to the National Oceanic Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) for a national, multimedia project, "Voyage to Discovery," an education initiative that focuses on the African-American contribution to the maritime industry spanning 300 years and efforts to teach students of color about careers in marine biology and oceanography. For more info, check out his website, HERE. 

To purchase a copy of SHACKLES FROM THE DEEP, click the photo below:

I will be linking up this review on Booking Mama's regular Saturday feature, Kid Konnection. This is a place for bloggers to share posts related to children's and YA books. You will find spotlights, reviews, and sometimes even giveaways by clicking HERE, every Saturday.

Thanks to the publisher for providing a copy of this books for the purpose of this review. This review is my honest opinion. If you choose to purchase this book through the above link, I may receive a small commission without you having to pay a cent more for your purchase. Thanks for supporting SincerelyStacie.com. 

Children's Book Review: Two Presidential Books from Time for Kids and National Geographic Kids

PRESIDENTS OF THE UNITED STATES

By: The Editors of Time for Kids

Published: January 10, 2017

Publisher: Time for Kids

Non-Fiction

This small 9x6 inch book is packed full of information perfect for your middle grade through middle school aged child. Heck, I learned things from this book. It's the perfect size to keep in a purse or vehicle and your child can read about our former Presidents one-at-a-time.

The book begins with the history of how the presidency began. It then explains the three branches of government (I wish I would have had this book to study from in high school) and why we have political parties. Then it devotes one to two pages to each one of our 45 Presidents. For each President, there is a section on their basics: birth date and place of birth, date of death, family, years of presidency, political party and vice-president. It gives a brief biography of their time as President and key dates during their presidency. The information isn't overwhelming and there are photos of the Presidents and other noted items.

This book is up-to-date featuring our 45th President, President Donald Trump. Obviously, it talks mostly about his campaign and his life before becoming the President rather than his time as President like the other ones featured in the book. There is also a section in the book that covers the whole 2016 campaign including bios of two kid reporters at the conventions.

The end of the book gives a glimpse into the White House and a couple pages on the famous First Ladies. For your history and political-loving children, this is a great book to keep on hand. It would also be a great reference for all those school projects on Presidents.

Time for Kids offers 20 years of classroom experience and is a trusted leader in education resources for teachers, students, and parents. For more information, visit timeforkids.com.

To purchase a copy of PRESIDENTS OF THE UNITED STATES, click the photo below:

OUR COUNTRY'S PRESIDENTS
A Complete Encyclopedia of the U.S. Presidency

By: Ann Bausum

Published: January 10, 2017

Publisher: National Geographic

Non-Fiction

What I noticed right away when I first flipped through the pages of this book is the attention to detail. This book features full pages of the official portraits of each President, including President Donald Trump. This book is large, a little bigger than computer paper and thick. It's more of a coffee table book. The very first page of the book includes a photo of the oval office and President Donald Trump's victory speech. After an overview of the history of the presidency, it takes you right into the story of each President.

My favorite thing on each President's page was their official signature. I think my favorites were Theodore Roosevelt and Jimmy Carter....neat, readable, and unique. Sprinkled throughout the pages of the Presidents there is also notable historical information including the history of the white house, children who grew up in the white house, the Supreme Court, the First Ladies, Presidents who died in office, and much more.

I found the President Facts and Comparison section to be fascinating. There is a table that charts each President and the level of education, military service, political service, and careers before becoming President. Seven out of our 45 Presidents did not have a college education. Fifteen of them did not serve in our military. Only eight of them were former educators. These are all facts I wasn't aware of and found to be quite interesting.

This book covers it all and between the photos and pages of information on each President, your child will be filled with knowledge to cover any future report they may have to give on any President. This is comprehensive and detailed. But, due to its size, you'll want to just look at it in your home. Middle elementary through middle school students could definitely benefit from this book, but older students and parents will enjoy it too.

Ann Bausum - source

Ann Bausum writes about history for readers of all ages from her home in southern Wisconsin. Her works often focus on under-told stories from the past, and she frequently explores issues of social justice. For more on Bausum, visit her website, HERE. 


To purchase a copy of OUR COUNTRY'S PRESIDENTS, click the photo below:




Both of these books are so wonderful and unique in their own way. I highly recommend them for your own reference library or to purchase as a gift for your child's teacher. They are both a great resource and contain information that all our children should learn.

I will be linking up this review on Booking Mama's regular Saturday feature, Kid Konnection. This is a place for bloggers to share posts related to children's and YA books. You will find spotlights, reviews, and sometimes even giveaways by clicking HERE, every Saturday.


Thanks to the publishers for providing copies of these books for the purpose of this review. This review is my honest opinion. If you choose to purchase these books through the above links, I may receive a small commission without you having to pay a cent more for your purchase. Thanks for supporting SincerelyStacie.com.