School Library Journal

Gr 1-3-This series describes well-known symbols of the United States. The white pages, which use an American flag border, feature a short paragraph and a historical drawing or photo. The history of each symbol, what it stands for, and who it was named for are explained. If the symbol is man-made (Independence Hall) or synonymous with the U.S. (such as the bald eagle), the process of the symbol's creation is described. Although watered down for younger readers, the injustices committed against Native people in the context of American symbols are described, such as Mount Rushmore being built on the sacred land of Native nations in the Black Hills. A glossary and a list of books and websites for further reading are listed. VERDICT An introduction to historic American symbols without whitewashing actual events. Recommended for classrooms and libraries that need factual information for younger readers.?(c) Copyright 2011. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.