The Pledge of Allegiance: (American Symbols)

Provides a simple introduction to the Pledge of Allegiance, discussing how it was written, modifications made over the years, and its inclusion in the U.S. Flag Code.

About the Author :
Marc Tyler Nobleman has written books on everything from ghosts to Groundhog Day, belly flops to the Battle of the Little Bighorn, Superman to summertime activities. Besides writing books, he is also a cartoonist whose work has appeared in more than 100 magazines. OR**** Marc Tyler Nobleman is the author of more than 50 books for young people. He writes regularly for Nickelodeon Magazine and has written for The History Channel. He is also a cartoonist whose single panels have appeared in more than 100 international publications, including the Wall Street Journal, Good Housekeeping, and Forbes. He lives with his wife and daughter in Connecticut.

Review :
According to the publisher "The American Symbols" series explores the places and things that symbolize freedom and democracy in the United States and the series explores and supports standards under "The History of the United States," as required by the National Center for History in the Schools. The books follow a good pattern. There is a table of contents, a fast facts page, the text and a timeline, hands-on activity, words to know with a pronunciation guide and a listing of books and web sites. Actually, the publisher has set it up so that kids go to their site and type in the ISBN number, title or keyword from the book and the "Fact Hound" will bring back appropriate information. When I tried that for this book three sites came up--my first experience with a link that did not work (out of all that I tried that is still a very good hit rate), and two sites with interesting information including a section of the US Code entitled PATRIOTIC CUSTOMS. Kids learn who wrote the pledge, how it has changed twice and when and the proper way to stand and say the pledge. The book is well laid out with just enough facts to hold kids attention. Each colorful spread has a photograph or reproduction of a historical document. A useful and informative book for classrooms and libraries even without the web links. 2003, Capstone, $18.60. Ages 5 to 8.-- "Children's Literature Comprehensive Database" NULL-- "Library Media Connection" This series, American Symbols, introduces children to a variety of topics relating to U.S. history and patriotism. Liberty Bell is a simple history of the icon, beginning with its arrival from England in 1752. Yanuck explains how it cracked, the attempts to repair it, and how it is maintained today. In The Pledge of Allegiance, Nobleman describes Francis Bellamy's creation of the loyalty oath in 1892 to commemorate the 400th anniversary of Columbus' voyage and how it has changed, including its addition to the U.S. Flag Code and traditional recitation in schools across the country. Generously illustrated, mostly in color, with photographs, charts, and maps, the texts are brief and to the point; print size is large, and each chapter is confined to a double-page spread. There is no mention of current issues (court rulings on allowing students not to say the pledge), but the books will still serve as useful introductions for students new to the topics. "Fast Facts" begin each book; a time line, a game, a glossary, and a bibliography (including a publisher's Web page with related sites) conclude. See Series Roundup for more titles.-- "Booklist"