Famous Americans
52 Stories to Read with a Child
by Calvert School
Reviewed by Martha Robinson
Purchase details: Famous Americans, 52 Stories to Read with a Child by Calvert School. Spiral bound paperback, $40. Available from Calvert School.
Famous Americans, 52 Stories to Read with a Child is a read-aloud book featuring great leaders of the past. Included in Calvert School's third grade program, Famous Americans is now available as a supplement to any curriculum.
The stories are grouped into revolutionary war figures; presidents and leaders; scientist and inventors; humanitarians; writers; explorers; artists; and athletes. Well-known figures such as Patrick Henry, George Washington, and Albert Einstein are included, as well as lesser-known people like Jim Thorpe, Emily Dickinson, and William Penn. People of color are represented by Chief Joseph, Jesse Owens, Margaret Mead, George Washington Carver, and Martin Luther King, Jr. Many of the stories allude to the actions of the person being controversial during their lifetime.
Stories range in length from one page to three pages, and each story has a full page drawing to color. Simple sentence structure and vocabulary are used. The coloring pictures include the historic figure and something else representing an event or other information from the story.
Recommendation: Famous Americans is a pleasant way to introduce young children to their country and to promote patriotism. The easy vocabulary and simple stories are suited to children much younger than third grade, though the coloring pictures are a bit intricate for the smallest children. At $40, this program is a bit expensive for a coloring/story book, but it is an excellent way to spark a child's interest in United States' history.
HomeschoolChristian.com resources related to this review:
HomeschoolChristian.com's History Section where you will find many "living" history resources!Review of American history books by Lost Classics
Review of The Artner Reader's Guide to American History
Review of Drive Thru History America, Foundations of Character
Review of Child's History of the World by Hillyer
Review of Child's History of the World CD-ROM
Review of Song of America's Presidents
Review of Song of America's Freedoms
Review of History Songs
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