Children's Book Review: Time for Kids Awesome America by Katy Steinmetz

TIME FOR KIDS: AWESOME AMERICA
Everything You Ever Wanted to Know about the History, People, and Culture

By: Katy Steinmetz

Published: May 31, 2016

Publisher: Time for Kids

Non-Fiction

Stop what you are doing. You don't even need to read any farther. Just BUY THIS BOOK!

Seriously, this book is so....AWESOME! It covers everything you ever wanted to know about our great country. From our great beginning through all our trials and wars, to the present, nothing has been left out. This book is targeted to kids but the whole family will enjoy reading through it. I sure did!

Of course, my favorite parts of the book involved the historical events that made our country great including the Women's Suffrage Movement and the first immigrants who came through Ellis Island. 

As you can see, the pages are full of easy to read details and actual photographs. Younger kids will enjoy the bullet texts while older kids and adults will find the paragraphs full of interesting information.

I sat down one evening and went through each page of this book, enamoured with the photos and facts reminding me of things I had forgotten and other times teaching me things I somehow didn't know. I could not put it down and was anxious to see what the next chapter would teach me. In fact, just the night before I had read this book, we were talking with friends about the history of the Disney movies and the order they were made. If only I had read this page before that evening!

One chapter features each state including its nickname and claim to fame. Another section features the wild animals that inhabit the states and regions of our country.

I also found the inventions page interesting as I learned how certain regular household items were developed and who the inventor was. From jobs to family life to the Olympics to our Natural Wonders, this book covers all you need to know about the United States of America. This book should be in every classroom, library, and home.

There is an eighteen-page curriculum guide to go along with the book that is perfect for teachers, homeschooling parents, or for those who want to keep their brain busy this summer. The FREE curriculum guide is downloadable to your computer, by clicking, HERE.

To purchase a copy of AWESOME AMERICA, click the photo below:

On Saturday, I'll be linking up this review with Booking Mama's Kid Konnection. Click HERE, to see posts from other bloggers related to children's or YA books.



A post from today, 5 years ago - Things I Love - Sleep Pants 
A post from today, 4 years ago - Scenes from Out Week - Week 39
A post from today, 3 years ago - Book Review: The Bracelet by Roberta Gately
A post from today, 2 years ago - Book Review: Grand Central - Original Stories of Post War Love and Reunion 





Thanks to the publisher for sending a copy of this book for the purpose of this review. This review is my honest opinion. I was not compensated in any way for this review. If you choose to purchase the 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.

Your Sacrifice is Not Forgotten

Today, I am remembering all the Veterans in our family 

and those I don't know 

who have sacrificed and fought 

to keep even the most basic of freedoms safe for us in America.

I will never be able to comprehend 

the sacrifice so many men and women have made.

I will never be able to thank 

all the children that have lived life 

without a parent to attend their sporting events, 

greet them after school, 

help them with homework, or 

tuck them in at night because

they are protecting our country overseas.

Your sacrifice is not forgotten. 

I will never be able to thank 

all the husbands and wives 

who are taking on the role of a single parent, 

managing the household, 

and silently handling life on their own 

because their spouse's job takes them away for months and years at a time.

Your sacrifice is not forgotten. 

I will never be able to thank all the moms and dads 

who didn't see their child come into this world, 

haven't seen their child take that first step, 

can't read to them while rocking in a chair, 

can't shoot hoops with them outside, 

and can't snuggle in for a movie 

because their only contact is through a computer screen 

while they are serving overseas.

Your sacrifice is not forgotten. 

I will never be able to thank 

all the men and women who haven't hugged their mom 

or kissed their spouse in months. 

All those who haven't had a taste 

of their favorite homemade chocolate chip cookies 

or a steak, grilled to perfection in months.

Your sacrifice is not forgotten. 

My husband and I will be attending 

the Veteran's Day program at our children's school today.

We look forward to it every year and is one of our favorite school events.

It is am amazing program that always brings tears to my eyes.

As they play the Army song, 

I will be thinking of my dad and his service to our country during the Korean War.

Two years ago I shared a story about my dad.

His Army uniform and medals were stolen after returning from the Korean War.

With the help of Senator Grassley, I was able to get those medals back for him.

Click HERE, to see the story about my dad. 

Take a moment today to pray for, thank, or hug a Veteran. 

Your sacrifice is not forgotten.

A Little Monday Inspiration - Memorial Day

Today,

in many communities across the United States,

we are celebrating Memorial Day.

On this day, we recognize the men and women 

who died while serving in the Armed Forces. 

The original name, Decoration Day,

 was to remember soldiers who died during the Civil War. 

Today, many use it as a day to remember all loved ones who have died, visiting cemeteries and placing flowers on loved ones graves.

Our family has often spent the day visiting cemeteries and remembering our heritage.  We have shared stories with our children about our family members and visited their final resting place, leaving flowers behind. 

Even though I am not attending the Memorial Day service that my parents host at the country church near their home, I am remembering those who served and gave their life for me and our children.

I'm also remembering the loved ones that stayed behind, while their husband or wife, mother or father, son or daughter, served our country and never returned.  The sadness and pain that was felt can never be replaced but our gratitude remains.  

Thank you will never be enough.  

But enjoying the freedoms that we have been given, 

earned by bloodshed, battles, tears, and sacrifice, 

will be appreciated for years to come. 

God Bless America

Book Review: Stories in Uniform

STORIES IN UNIFORM
A Look at the Heroics, Sacrifices, and Triumphs of Our Soldiers

A Reader's Digest Publication

Published:  May 2, 2013



STORIES IN UNIFORM is a chronological retrospective of the best military pieces Reader's Digest has run; pieces that will make you weep, make your heart sing, inspire you, enrage you, and make you laugh. Beginning in World War I and continuing though to the war in Iraq, readers will follow soldiers into the trenches, peer in on emergency surgery taking place in the depths of the ocean, watch heroes carry the bodies of fallen brethren, trail Eisenhower for the three days leading up to  D-Day, and be inspired as men and women rise above and beyond normal human limits to preserve our rights and save  their friends.

I was offered the opportunity to read and review this book.  As the daughter of a Korean War vet, I was honored to be able to read and share these stories with you.  As I turned the pages, I tried to imagine my dad in situations like these.  I wondered what he was thinking as he fought for his life and for the lives of many others.  Did he worry about his family back home and how did he cope as he dreamed of seeing them again?

Beginning with WWI, I started reading the stories of amazing heroism, friendship, devotion, and camaraderie.  Many times my eyes filled with tears.  After reading many novels of historical fiction set among the different wars, I had to remind myself these were true stories of real men and women and their bravery.  

One of my favorite stories was "No Medals for Joe" from WWII.  Joe worked tirelessly to save his fellow men.  He was a Navy shipyard worker and was shocked when he saw overhead, Japanese planes setting loose a pandemonium that will forever remain in the history of our nation.  After the firestorm, destruction was all around him.  He was ordered to the ship, Oklahoma, to save trapped men.  After hours of drilling, cutting, chiseling, and eventually crawling through, he was able to save 32 men by carrying each one out on his back.  After receiving a Navy citation, it was then stolen along with his suitcase.  Many unsuccessful attempts later he never received his medal but didn't finally get a copy of his citation.  But, more importantly, he was able to meet three of the men he saved just months before he died in a Navy reunion.  That was all the medal he needed.

My other favorite story came from the Korean War, 1000 Men and a Baby.  It was the story of a blue-eyed baby left behind on a Korean street.  The baby, taken to an orphanage, would never survive being half-American.  Finally, thanks to a American Chaplain, the baby "George" was sent to live on the USS Point Cruz and was raised by 1000 Navy men who changed his diapers, bottle fed him and cooed over him for months.  "George" was eventually adopted by an American surgeon who had also met him at the orphanage and "George" became Daniel and grew up in America.  In 1993, Daniel was able to be reunited with many of the men who cared for him and essentially saved his life.

As you can see, this book is full of heartwarming stories that will remind you of all the sacrifices our men and women are making every single day.  We can't forget all those who served in the years past and those who are serving to protect us now.  This book is one small way to honor them and inspire us.    

If you would like to read about how I was able to help my dad get his medals, click HERE.


Thanks to FSB Associates for sending a copy of this book for review.  This review is my honest opinion. I was not compensated in any other way for this review.

Day #21 of Sumner Vacation

Happy Flag Day everyone!  Our daughter, Reagan, made up these Flag Day cards a couple weeks ago and couldn't wait to pass them out in the neighborhood today.  She wore her favorite patriotic shirt and went door to door passing out her cards.  I imagine she brought a smile to their face and she even reminded and helped our next door neighbor put her flags out.

Day #4 of Summer Vacation

Putting flowers on Grandma and Grandpa's grave.  Grandpa served in WW II and passed in 1999.  Grandma died in 2006.  Oh how we miss them.

Flag Essay

Our son, Bennett won 1st Prize for the following essay and I thought today was an appropriate day to share it with you.  The following essay was written by Bennett and I have copied it just as he wrote it.  He won $30 from the American Legion for this essay.

THE FLAG
By Bennett - 5th Grade


You get to the game at the high school and you buy your popcorn at the concession stand.  Then take your seat by your buddies.  The home team comes out to do their warm-ups.  Next, after awhile, they announce the starting lineup.  Then finally everyone puts their hand over their heart and the men take off their caps.  Everyone stares at the flag while the National Anthem is being sung.  At that moment is when I feel proud about my country.


To me, the American flag means freedom. Brave heroes fought in wars and other things to keep our country safe and strong.  That we kept our independence after certain events affected our country.  These are some examples: 9/11, also the Pearl Harbor attack and even the Civil War (other wars also).  But all of these times we never gave up.  That makes me very proud to be an American citizen.


There are many symbols that I see each day that remind me about how proud I feel about my country.


In my perspective, I think that red stripes on the flag stand for the blood and the fighting in all the wars that we have had, and that the white stands for heaven and liberty.  The stars stand for the fifty states and to me the blue means freedom.


I'm very proud of my country, my freedom, and especially my flag. That is what the American flag means to me. 

My First Try at Making a Wreath - My Patriotic Wreath

I saw an idea for making a spring wreath on PINTEREST.  But, then spring came and went and I still really wanted to make it.  So, I made a trip to Michael's thinking I could find something to make some sort of wreath with.  I wasn't able to find the exact stuff I wanted, but while there, I had the idea to make a patriotic wreath.

Supplies:

• Foam wreath form - white or green
• Red, white, and blue flowers
• Patriotic ball sprays
• Sparkly yarn
• Patriotic ribbon
• Hot glue
• Wire cutter

I wish I had gotten a white wreath instead of green, but they were out of the white.  It just took more yarn to cover it.  I purchased three skeins of yarn but only used two.  You just start wrapping the yarn around the wreath...adding hot glue as you need it.  Continue wrapping until you have reached the desired fullness.  Then you can just start adding the embellishments and flowers as you want.   Make it yours!

I am truly not a crafty person, but I was happy with my wreath.  It took me only an hour to make it. All the supplies I bought cost about $30.   I plan to keep it out for Memorial Day through July 4th.

Have you made something that you saw on Pinterest?  How did it turn out?

Counting My Blessings In November

November is the time to count our many blessings - name them one by one.


I want to look at each day and name at least one blessing from that day. Something that happened or affected me on that day and not just in general. It can be so easy to igore those little blessings in our day, but sometimes it is the little blessings that can make the biggest impact.



November 11 - Thankful for those who have fought for our freedoms and rights.
Today, on Veteran's Day, I am thankful for so many family members and friends who have served for the armed forces and have fought to protect our freedoms.  Our school gives on OUTSTANDING Veteran's Day program with students K-12 involved.  All of the community is invited and is quite something to experience.  My folks were able to come this year and I was so proud as my dad stood while all those who served in the Army were recognized during their Army Song.  My dad served during the Korean War.  He gets frustrated sometimes when so much focus is given to vets from WWII and Vietnam.  The Korean War tends to be the forgotten war, but my dad's and other vets' service was just as important to our country as any other war.  My dad doesn't like to talk about that time in his life much, but when he does I make sure I drop everything and listen. 

Thanks to our FCCLA chapter, to the Choir, and to the Band for putting on another wonderful program today.  If you have never attended a Veteran's Day program/event, I ask you to put it on your list for next year.  I guarantee there will be one held in your community or very close by.  You will leave moved and with a deeper appreciation for our country.



November Blessings #11

On November 1st, the saying on my calendar was
November is the time to count our many blessings - name them one by one.

So, I am going to do just that. I am going to take one blessing from each day. Something that really blessed me that day, not just a blessing in general, and write it out here. Sometimes we ignore the little blessings and that is what I am going to look for each day.

Blessings #11 - Today I am blessed that we live in a free country and that thousands of men and women have fought for our freedom.  Today our school put on their annual Veteran's Day program and as always, it was a wonderful way to honor our local Veterans.  This year my parents we able to come as well, and I was proud to sit with my dad during the program.  He is a Veteran of the Korean War and served in the Army.  I am so proud that our school takes the time to honor Veterans and instill that importance in the children.  The entire school comes together to put on the program and it is definately something to see.

God Bless America!

Mondays Matter: Week 11

Taken from the book Every Monday Matters: 52 Ways to Make A Difference by Matthew Emerzian and Kelly Bozza

Register To Vote

71 Million registered voters didn't vote in the 2004 presidential election.

ACTION STEPS:

1. Register to vote by using the national Mail Voter Registration Form. You can get this at http://www.rockthevote.com/ or http://www.eac.gov/

2. Register in Person at your local DMV, state offices that provide public assistance, official campaign headquarters, armed forces recruitment offices, public libraries, post offices, public high schools and universities.

3. Pay attention to registration deadlines in your state to ensure that you register in time to vote.

4. Make sure your friends, family, co-workers, or fellow students are registered.

5. Get informed on the issues and candidates.

6. VOTE!

Whether you are voting for your local county supervisor, mayor of your town, school board representative, senator, or President....take the time to learn about the candidates and be a voice. Many men and women have fought for our freedoms and voting is a privilege that too many of us take for granted. At your next opportunity, make your voice heard in your community and vote in your next election.

Honor our Veterans!

I was proud to attend the Veteran's Day program at our school this morning. We have gone every year since the boys were in school since they sing at the program. It is always a moving experience for me. Sometimes it is the songs that are sung, the speech that is given or the sight of all the elementary children waving flags. This year it was when the band was playing each of the Armed Forces individual songs. As each one was played, the veterans in the audience were to stand during their branches song. During the Air Force song, I noticed an elderly gentleman standing proudly and singing along to his song. I looked over to my sister-in-law to make sure she saw it too, and then the tears welled up in my eyes. Many years later, he is still obviously proud of his service and I am grateful for his service as well.

My father is a veteran of the Korean War as a member of the Army. He never wants to talk about it much and that is ok with me. Our son had to write a letter to a veteran for a school assignment. So, he wrote a letter to Grandpa B thanking him for his service to our country and for being brave for fighting in the Korean War. My dad received the letter this weekend and on Sunday he proudly showed it to us... in a frame. He was very surprised to receive the letter and I know will he was glad to be honored in that way.

I remember as a "tween" I went with my parents to Colorado Springs to the Air Force Academy. My cousin, Jamie, was graduating from the Air Force and were invited to be his guests. That weekend is something I won't forget. The patriotism, the music, the formality of the event are still clear in my mind. At the end of the ceremony, the graduates all threw their caps and I even got one of the caps that day!

Who knows what the future holds for our children, but I know I appreciate the freedoms they have now and the freedoms our service men and women are fighting to keep. Who knows if any of the kids will be interested in the military, but if they are, I will be one proud military mom! God Bless America and God watch over our service men and women!