The American Revolution for Kids: A History with 21 Activities

Grade 4-6-Joining the ranks of those books recently published that combine history with crafts and hands-on activities, Herbert's book is one of the best of its kind. Reading it and doing some of the activities, or even just reading the activity directions, brings the character of this period into focus. Achieving a good balance between textual material, illustration, and projects, the book immerses children in the milieu of these years. The text discusses in detail the causes of the Revolution, the personalities involved, the formation of the new national government, and life in 18th-century America. The activities cover every aspect of revolutionary life, from making clothing, brewing root beer, and coding messages to battle reenactment, games, and dancing the minuet. The directions are detailed enough and adequately illustrated with pencil drawings to make them exciting and easy to follow. Short biographical sketches and portraits bring to life the notable people of the period, both male and female, European and American, and black and white. Numerous sidebars, such as the one analyzing the song "Yankee Doodle," add to the interesting details. Full-page art, as well as smaller illustrations, depict the battle scenes, people, and clothing of the day. The appendix includes the full text of the Declaration of Independence, four pages of thumbnail biographies, Revolutionary War sites to visit, and major Web sites. Whether they are studying the Revolution and need a project idea or are personally curious about this country's origins, children will be fascinated by the scope and detail of this book.