America : A Patriotic Primer

To choose the twenty-six people and ideas that comprise the book, Lynne Cheney has drawn on a lifetime of learning about the American past, and on the inspiration that comes from witnessing recent history firsthand. Illustrator Robin Preiss Glasser imbues Mrs. Cheney's words with childlike joy through her exuberant drawings. Together they have created a patriotic primer, a book that teaches history by celebrating the diversity, tenacity, and faith of the American people.

This A to Z of America frames the story -- and the miracle -- of our country.

This is a book best read with your child not as a story book from cover to cover, but rather savored in an unhurried fashion by jumping from place to place. I think it is best to let one of Ms. Glasser's wonderfully cheerful illustrations draw your child in, and then let the discussion go from there.

This is a great first book on American history for any family with young children (whether that family leans "left" or "right") looking for a fun, informative, and simple approach to American patriotism.


An wonderful, important book for readers young and old   May 24, 2002
26 out of 31 found this review helpful

I was skeptical of a "Patriotic Primer" written by Mrs. Cheney, but I have to say that this is a wonderful book for readers ages 4-8, especially. I think elementary school teachers, who are struggling to work history into their curriculum, will find this book to be a treasure-trove of information and stepping off points for classroom discussion and projects. I find it refreshing that a "celebrity" book is an informative history book. Whatever you think of Mrs. Cheney, you can't argue with her on the need for our children to be better educated on American history. This is a book that will enlighten young readers as well as their parents. The detailed research notes in the back were of particular interest to me as an adult reader, and my 5 year old daugher loved the exuberant illustrations. Put your politics aside...this is a book for
all--young and old!


Appreciation   May 25, 2002
28 out of 34 found this review helpful

First of all, I'm a teacher and I'd like to mention
that the best alphabet books are ones with clear memory
cues such as A is for apple, i. e. if you are using a
book to teach the alphabet. Each picture gives a clear
memory cue for the letter. We associate what we need
to learn with something we already know. That's what
the memory experts say! It works!

I even have had great success by having parents create
their own alphabet books by having their children cut
pictures from magazines for each letter. It is a great
learning experience and the children love to have their
own books! Taping pictures and having an adult print
letters in a composition book works fine, or you can get
more fancy.

The main goal of this book is NOT to teach the alphabet.
The goal is to teach very young children an appreciation
of US heritage. Notice, the ages are for 4-8. This book
is a great springboard for discussion, songs, and other books.

My children and I appreciate the book very much. ...


Wish my kids were small again!   July 14, 2002
Deannie Rule (Elk City, OK USA)
28 out of 34 found this review helpful

As I read America, A Patriotic Primer, I found myself wishing I could have a "do over" on instilling an interest in American history in my own children. I see that the book is written so that it can be read to a 4 year old or a 10 year old. There is as little or as much information as the age requires.

I see that this book would evoke curiosity in children.

I own a copy and will keep it handy for as yet unborn grandchildren. I think it is a fitting Grandmother's shelf volume to be read when they arrive.

Ms. Glasser's illustrations are wonderfully interesting and beautifully showcased.

I love that Mrs. Cheney used the alphabet to instill important concepts, institutions, and figures in our country's history. I appreciate that she gave fair attention to women, minorities, leaders, soldiers, patriots, founders, artists........when you start really reading the 'fine print' the list is quite impressive. The beauty of the book is that it can be read over and over with a little more 'noticed' and learned each time.

I think this book should be available to every child in America. It is a book that will instill deeper understanding and ownership of our American heritage.


A thoughtful book at a difficult time in history   August 15, 2002
12 out of 13 found this review helpful

I'm thinking back to a year ago at this time and remembering how spoiled we Americans felt. And then along came 9/11 and shocked us all into shifting our priorities. If there is a book for children that manages to capture the scope of our greatness, it is this wonderful book by Lynne Cheney. It should be given to every child, every elementary school teacher and librarian on the first day of school this year.