Symbols of Freedom

Pictures of America Reader Grade 4-8

Symbols of Freedom

Pictures of America Reader Grade 4-8

32 pages
Grade 4-8 / Ages 9-14
Product ID:
9781627178587
$9.95

This title lets students build reading comprehension skills while also learning about some of our nation's landmarks and symbols.

While reading Pictures in America, students will learn about the images and symbols that have come to represent America as a whole. This 32-page title uses a variety of teaching components to help young readers strengthen their reading comprehension skills.

The Symbols of Freedom series will allow students to explain events or concepts in a historical, scientific, or technical text, using language that pertains to time, sequence, and cause versus effect. Each title features photographs, maps, and informational sidebars that work with a Show What You Know section to help readers build their understanding of the topic.

A fun, informative venue for learning about significant places in U.S. history. Clear, engaging writing and a dynamic, easy-to-follow layout go far to explain the significance of each symbol and its place in American history. Occasional “Freedom Fact!” sidebars call readers' attention to incidental details (for instance, the first public school in America, the Boston Latin School, “admitted only boys for more than 300 years. Girls couldn't attend the school until 1972!”). The inclusion of the fort at St. Augustine and Angel Island is especially useful, as typically these important landmarks receive scant coverage in children's literature. Star-spangled borders and neatly framed illustrations prettify the presentation. “Before Reading” and “After Reading” questions and activities in each title make these natural choices for use in the classroom. Though the content is strong, the series title is misleading; some readers may find “Symbols of Freedom” an odd or even inappropriate label for locations such as the World Trade Center or Angel Island. VERDICT Solid options.