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As reviewed on "KidStuff" on Martha Stewart Living Radio, Sirius 112, on November 7, 2006:

Topic: Patriotism

Red, White, and BlueRed, White and Blue
by Laurie Lazzaro Knowlton
Ages 5-8
1-5898-0055-9 PB $7.95
Pelican Publishing
Red, White, and Blue celebrates the American flag by describing what it means to one small child. Using innovative textile artwork, Laurie Lazzaro Knowlton illustrates the poetic text as she explains what the flag's three colors represent, "sacrifice, loyalty, pride." As the young heroine pedals her bike under a rippling flag, she declares, "our people may be of every color, but we are united by the Red, White, and Blue." This visual treat will introduce the meaning of our flag to even the youngest patriot.

Now & BenNow & Ben: The Modern Adventures of Benjamin Franklin
by Gene Barretta
Ages 5-9
0-8050-7917-3 HC $16.95
Henry Holt Books for Young Readers
This rollicking picture book explores the inventions and inspiration of Benjamin Franklin and how his influence lives on. What would you do if you lived in a community without a library, hospital, post office, or fire department? If you were Benjamin Franklin, youd set up these organizations yourself. Franklin also designed the lightning rod, suggested the idea of daylight savings time, and invented bifocals all inspired by his common sense and intelligence. In this informative book, Gene Barretta brings Benjamin Franklin's genius to life, deepening our appreciation for one of the most influential figures in American history.

The American Story: 100 True Tales from American History
by Jennifer Armstrong
Illustrated by Roger Roth
Ages 6 and up
0-375-81256-3 HC $34.95
Random House Children's Books
This magnificent treasury tells the story of America through 100 true tales. Some are tales of triumph—the midnight ride of Paul Revere, the Wright brothers taking to the air, Neil Armstrong's first steps on the moon. Some are tales of tragedy—the fate of the Donner party, the great fire in Chicago, the eruption of Mt. Saint Helens. There are stories of inventors and athletes, and abolitionists and artists, stories about struggling for freedom—again and again, in so many ways. With full-color illustrations on nearly every page and short, exciting stories, this book is perfect for browsing by the entire family. Notes at the end of each story direct readers to related stories, and a guide to thematic story arcs offers readers (and teachers) an easy way to follow their particular interests throughout the book.

50 American Heroes Every Kid Should Know50 American Heroes Every Kid Should Meet
by Dennis Denenberg and Lorraine Roscoe
Ages 11-18
0-7613-9548-2 PB $14.95
Millbrook Press/Lerner Publishing
Filled with short biographies of American heroes—teachers, artists, scientists, world leaders, neighborhood activists, celebrities, and more—this title will inspire young readers with examples of making a difference in the lives of others.

George Did ItGeorge Did It
by Suzanne Tripp Jurmain
Illustrated by Larry Day
Ages 5 and up
0-525-47560-5 HC $16.99
Dutton Children's Books
George Washington was not afraid of responsibility. When the Colonies needed a commander-in-chief to build an army, George did it. And when they needed his army to fight the British, George did it. But when Americans asked George to be the first president of the brand-new United States, he politely said, "No, thank you." Here is the whimsical story of how our first president tried to avoid his most important job. Filled with little-known and funny facts, this book reveals a more personal side of Washington—a great leader who could also be a little nervous.