American Places: From Vision to Reality Complete Set
Reading Level Grades 3-4Interest Level Grades 2 – 7
Reviewed
Reading Level Grades 3-4Interest Level Grades 2 – 7
ReviewedRising out of York Harbor is a colossal statue that’s as tall as a skyscraper. Each year, millions of visitors travel from around the world to gaze at its beauty and to celebrate liberty. But have you ever wondered how the Statue of Liberty and some of America’s other famous landmarks came to be? In this riveting series, readers will learn about the history of iconic American places from concept to completion, including the Statue of Liberty, the Golden Gate Bridge, and the White House. Readers will also delve into the incredible feats of engineering that made their construction possible. Large color photos, maps, and fact boxes enrich the captivating stories, which are sure to engage even the most reluctant readers.
This series features accessible volumes about great American places. Struggling readers will not be overwhelmed with lengthy text, as there is approximately one paragraph on each page. The text is supplemented with images, drawings, and clear diagrams. For those who are mathematically inclined, each book also includes a twopageBy the Numbers spread. Words found in the glossary appear in bold type the first time they are used in the text. Additional Resources. Bibliography. Glossary. Index. Websites. Recommended
School Library Connection
Using eyecatching graphics, this series illuminates the fascinating histories of a few iconic U.S. sites. For instance, readers discover that in its infancy, the Statue of Liberty was so little regarded by the U.S. government that Congress refused to pay for the statue's pedestal, thereby inspiring a nationwide fundraising campaign among school children. Many images depict the early stages of planning and building, giving a rare insider's look at how these famous places came to be. This mix of history and architecture with just a dash of archaeology allows students to encounter each subject from a variety of angles (e.g., how did archaeologists contribute to the rebuilding of Colonial Williamsburg, what are the architectural similarities between James Hoban's design for the White House and the Leinster House in Dublin, Ireland?). VERDICT: A multifaceted look at some of the top historical destination spots in the United States. Recommended.
School Library Journal
