Literature+List

Nicole's Literature List:
 * //The Declaration of Independence A to Z// by, Catherine Osorino and illustrated by Layne Johnson. This book goes through the different aspects of the Declaration of Independence in a format from A-Z. This book would be a great tool to introduce young __students__ into the many parts of this time period and can also be used with older students as a beginning point to class discussions.
 * // The Declaration of Independence: How 13 Colonies Became the United States // by, Syl Sobel J.D. This book is a great overview of the Declaration of Independence told in a way children can actually understand. This text is directed for children in grades 3-5 who are able to understand the premises behind the Declaration of Independence. Four questions are addressed and answered throughout the pages of the book.
 * //If You Were There In 1776// written and illustrated by, Barbara Brenner. This story begins with a brief overview of colonial history leading up to the colonies break with England. The rest of the book immerses the readers into colonial life in 1776 and the many different parts of everyday life from clothes to the American Natives. The book travels through the six major cities of Colonial territory for readers to fully place themselves in the time and places of the period.
 * //Thomas Jefferson: A Picture Book Biography// by James Cross Giblin, illustrated by Michael Dooling. This picture book welcomes students into the life of Thomas Jefferson from a writer, statesman, inventor, educator, architect, author of the Declaration of Independence, and the third president of the United States. This picture book is also a great way for students to interact with the genre of biographies in a fun and informative way.

Lauren W's Literature List:
 * //American Government: How it Works// by, Marilyn Thypin and Lynne Glasner: This book is part of a series meant to give students a better idea about how the government really works. This volume in particular focuses on what a government is, the levels of government in our country, the three branches of government and their checks and balances, the US as a world power, and what state and local governments have the power to do. I really like the way that the book explains everything using examples, charts, and pictures that children can relate to. For example, when discussing how the federal and state governments work together, they relate the situation to how an __interstate highway__ would be built and paid for. Some parts of the book get very detailed, but every possibly new vocabulary term is defined in the glossary. This book would be an excellent resource for students.
 * //The Declaration of Independence// by, Judith Lloyd Yero: This is a National Geographic book that explains the history of how this country started and how we claimed our independence. The artwork alone in this book gives the reader so much insight into what times were like when the colonies were seeking independence. It starts out explaining how the 13 colonies started under British control, how taxes from King George III caused tension to build and it led to several revolts, the first battles with British soldiers, the drafting of the Declaration, and the war that followed. At the end, it breaks down the declaration by looking at its four parts: the preamble, the list of basic beliefs, the list of complaints, and the formal statement of independence. This book included excerpts about everything and everyone involved. It described many interesting facts, such as strengths and weaknesses of the British and American army, how Thomas Paine was involved, and some interesting stories about who did and did not sign the declaration. This is truly one of the best children’s resources I have ever seen, and I would definitely use it in my unit.
 * //American Government: Teacher’s Guide// by,Florida Department of Education; Sue Fresen and Kelly Wilson: This book is a Florida Department of Education teacher’s guide on government from 2000. It describes in detail 10 different units, including the structure and function of government, foundations of government, civil rights, politics, and several others. Each unit explains the focus, makes suggestions for enrichment, and gives several different ways of assessing students, from group activities to worksheets to actual paper and pencil tests. The activities, rubrics, and answer keys were all very helpful, but at the end of the book there was even a section on instructional strategies and suggestions. The book explained how different graphic organizers, mini-museums, learning logs, and many others could be applied to the units. There are also accommodation suggestions, as well as the correlating sunshine state standards listed. This would be a very helpful resource when planning and teaching these subjects.
 * //Civil Liberties// by, Bcott Gillam: This book was geared towards students and focused on rights and liberties of the American people. It covers government power, a history of civil liberties, the bill of rights, several different amendments, and some specific rights we have such as the right to a speedy and public trial by jury. The appendices of the book includes several timelines, quotes, dates, facts, additional resources, and even places for students to visit where they can learn more. What I really liked about this book was that it was written in 2008, so it covers very current issues. Some of the content in this book is more challenging to understand, but the pictures, charts, and bullet pointed facts make it much easier to break down for students. I would definitely use this book to help my students understand these issues.

Lauren P's Literature List:


 *  Multimedia: School House Rock, [|http://www.schoolhouserock.tv/][|;] Song Related to the Preamble of the Constitution: [] Song Related to the Three Branches of Government: []; Music & Lyrics: Lynn Ahrens, Performed by: Lynn Ahrens; Animation: Phil Kimmelman & Associates: The School House Rock Multimedia Source is a great way for students learn about different topics through song. The website has a wide range of songs related to Math, Science, and Social Studies. The Social Studies songs are on the Preamble of the Constitution and the Three Branches of Government. Each School House Rock song comes with lyrics and a Youtube Video. These songs provide a vivid description of the timeline and history of when the Preamble and the three branches of government were created. These songs are made so that they are easy and fun to learn, helping students learn and retain the material.
 * //How the U.S Government Works b//y, Betty Debnam: This book is geared more towards primary elementary grade levels. It is written in a comic-book format. The interactive conversation between the characters in the book enable students to gain insight on the workings of Congress, the Constitution, the Executive Branch, and the Judicial Branch. The information that is shared is written in a comprehensible manner with a variety of drawings and photos.
 * //Shh! We’re Writing The Constitution by,// Jean Fritz: This book is geared towards grades 2-5. This book is especially neat because it provides a “behind the scenes” look of the different trials and work of the Founding Fathers while they were designing the Constitution. It also includes some of the personalities of the Founding Fathers and debates that went on while the Constitution was being drafted. Additionally, the book includes information about the Federalist and Anti-Federalist Forces, the ratification process, debate over the Bill of Rights, and provides a full text of the Constitution.
 *  //We The Kids : The Preamble to the U.S Constitution of the United States b//y, David Catrow: This piece of literature is geared towards grades K-5. The content of the Constitution may be harder to understand, especially for younger students. Therefore, this book is designed to provide an explanation of the preamble to the U.S Constitution in language that kids can understand. The book also has a glossary in the book for kids to refer to if they do not understand the meaning of a word, such as “justice.” The information on the Constitution is tied in with a narrative story and the illustrations relate to each phrase in the preamble.

Sarah's Literature List:


 * <span style="font-family: Verdana,Geneva,sans-serif; font-size: 130%;">//Who was Franklin Roosevelt by//, Margaret Frith: This book gives an overview about how Franklin D. Roosevelt led the country through the hard times during the Great Depression.
 * <span style="font-family: Verdana,Geneva,sans-serif; font-size: 130%;">//The US Constitution and You b//y, Syl Sobel: This book explains what the Constitution does and how it effects and protects people every day. Explains to students that people have many different rights such as voting and the freedom of speech
 * <span style="font-family: Verdana,Geneva,sans-serif; font-size: 130%;">//The Story of Money b//y, Betsey Maestro: This book is a great way to introduce students to how money has changed from ancient times of money the barter system to the more recent Modern Monetary system.
 * <span style="font-family: Verdana,Geneva,sans-serif; font-size: 130%;">//How the US Government Works// by, Syl Sobel: This book explains the US Government and how it works in today’s society. Explains how he Judicial, Legislative, and Executive Branch and what parties are in charge of them.