If you've never taken a trip to Washington, D.C., it's really a fantastic trip for families. There is so much to do and see, not to mention how much there is to learn. Just looking at each of the monuments can be a very powerful experience, and it's an incredible feeling to be surrounded by so much history!
I can still remember seeing the White House for the first time as a child, and I had the opportunity to share the experience with my children a couple of years ago. We were disappointed not to see the inside, but it's such a place of mystery for people of all ages, that I think there's something to be said for just imagining what it looks like on the inside!
Really, though, when you stop and think about how many American heroes have called this house their home, it gives you a sense of optimism and hope. That's why I think we all could use a trip to the White House these days, starting right in our own homes. Today I'll share some amazing picture books and web sites that will help you start your journey.
We all know that "you can't judge a book by its cover," but sometimes you just know how special a book is just by looking at the cover. Such is the case with each of the books I'm about to recommend. I love them all so much, that I'm struggling to figure out which one to mention first!
Usually, I mention books for younger children first, but today there's one complete book about the White House that really is the focal point of this post. It's a book that was "created by 108 renowned authors and illustrators and the National Children's Book and Literacy Alliance."
Our White House: Looking In, Looking Out was put together by so many authors, illustrators, and organizations, that you really won't be able to understand the time, effort, and collaboration that must have gone into the creation of this book unless you see it with your own eyes. It's truly a comprehensive resource of such beauty and versatility, that I must suggest that it's one book that you will be proud to display on your coffee table or in your classroom.
There is truly something in this one-of-a-kind picture book for everyone, but it will be most appealing to children between the ages of 9 and 14. It's a perfect book to read a little bit at a time, whether you do so in a home or classroom. Not only that, but it will spark many meaningful discussions and pave the way for true critical thinking. I consider this book to be one of the greatest gifts ever given to parents, children, and teachers who enjoy reading about American history. For more information, and a wonderful web site full of related resources, click here.
If there is a certain resident of the White House who fascinates you or your child, there are many biographies which you might enjoy. For children between the ages of 8 and 12, there are two recently published biographies that are so beautifully written and illustrated that they will delight people of all ages. I could tell just by looking at the cover of each of these books that they were special. Why? The covers are portraits that are so penetrating that there are no words. The back cover has the title, author and illustrator! Truly, you feel like you're in a museum when you look at the portraits. I'll show you a picture of one of them, and leave the other as a surprise.
I love that both books, by Doreen Rappaport, are filled with powerful quotes. For example:
"I have never felt that anything really mattered but knowing that you stood for the things in which you believed and had done the very best you could." ~Eleanor Roosevelt (as quoted per last page of Eleanor, Quiet No More: The Life of Eleanor Roosevelt, by Doreen Rappaport and illustrated by Gary Kelley)
"I never, in my life, felt more certain that I was doing right, than I do in signing this paper. My whole soul is in it." ~Abraham Lincoln (as quoted within the book, Abe's Honest Words: The Life of Abraham Lincoln, by Doreen Rappaport and illustrated by Kadir Nelson)
How inspirational are those words? For a teacher, entire lessons can be planned around one of these quotes. For a parent, they can be used to spark an interesting family dinner conversation. Hey, some teachers like to post a "quote of the day," so why can't a family have a jar of quotes to be used for dinner conversation?
Real quotes, stories, photographs, artwork, and artifacts bring history to life. We may not all live near a museum or a major city, but many of us have access to a public library and the internet. Why not use these free resources? Hey, I know there's nothing like seeing the real thing, but I'm sure you will agree that these picture books will take you on a journey that you will never forget!
One more thing: if you are planning a trip to Washington D.C., you might want to read the book, Capital, by Lynn Curlee. It's a fascinating book about the creation of the structures which make up the National Mall. It can be read over a few evenings, and is most appropriate for children between the ages of 8 and 12. Also, for another post relating to American history, click here.
If anyone knows of any great books for younger or older readers, please feel free to share! Also, stories about trips to Washington, D.C. would be great, as well.