America's Favorite Symbols

The Statue of Liberty has welcomed immigrants and visitors alike to New York Harbor since 1886. Each part of the statue, from the lit torch to the weighty tablet, has meaning. Your readers will learn why France gave the Statue of Liberty to the U.S. and who designed it. They'll be riveted while learning how it was constructed. Bright photographs boldly display this amazing symbol of friendship and freedom.

The Liberty Bell has been a symbol of America's independence even before the United States was formed. However, the bell rang for the last time for George Washington's birthday in 1846. With this informative book, readers learn why and how the Liberty Bell was made, how it cracked, and how it received its name. Historical photographs and a timeline help readers understand the importance of the Liberty Bell.

The presidential seal is a stamp placed on all messages from the president to the U.S. Congress. The seal is also on the presidential flag. Its origins go back, in part, to the earliest days of the United States. Young history buffs will learn the background of the presidential seal, its design features, and its usage. A graphic organizer further explains this important American symbol.

The American bald eagle is the United States' national bird and emblem. You can see eagles on United States currency, official mail, and other important documents. Just how did it receive such an honor? Your curious readers will learn why the United States needed an emblem and how the bald eagle was chosen. A timeline helps readers see how this spectacular bird became so important to the American people.

Many children learn "The Star-Spangled Banner" in school, but some might not know the history behind the song. Today, most people only know the first of the four verses of the anthem. This colorful and accessible book explains this famous song's history, including who chose to make it the national anthem. Readers will sing along as they learn about one of America's most stirring and patriotic songs.

The American flag has a long and storied history. The first United States flag had 13 stars and 13 stripes. So, how did the current flag come to have 50 stars and 13 stripes? Your young historians will learn about the flag's development and the meaning behind the colors, stars, and stripes. Eye-catching photographs show how the flag has changed over time and how Americans honor their country's flag.