State/Country Readers

We often sing the 'Star Spangled Banner,' but what do the words mean? Why did Franklin Delano Roosevelt stay in office longer than any other U.S. president? Following the style of an old-fashioned primer, The American Reader answers such questions as it gives children a modern, well-rounded view of what it means to be a good citizen. Captivating prose, poems, short stories, and games entertain as they teach about the diverse regions of our country, the history of the Pledge of Allegiance, the story of Clara Barton, and the official nicknames for each of our states. A story about Smokey Bear promotes an appreciation of nature and the need to protect it, and another explains how to be helpful and respectful to people with disabilities. The American Reader's lively variety and broad scope will give children of all ages much to learn, think about and enjoy for hours on end.

Our Readers (also known as "primers") are modeled after the popular nineteenth-century McGuffey Readers, which were used to teach life lessons and reading skills to young children. Using colorful illustrations and a variety of writing forms, The New Jersey Reader showcases the state's rich heritage and natural charms, as well as its place in American history. Poems, state symbols, and riddles engage beginning readers. Prose, biographies, and short stories challenge more advanced readers. Topics include early Native American culture, the state nickname, famous citizens (Molly Pitcher and John Woolman), and the Revolutionary War. A timeline listing major events in state history is also featured.

From the author of B is for Buckeye: An Ohio Alphabet and Cardinal Numbers: An Ohio Number Book comes yet another reason to enjoy learning about the Buckeye State. In The Ohio Reader Marcia Schonberg expands the lessons from her two previous books and uses a variety of writing forms to showcase the state's history, people, symbols, and lore. Poetry (including a state pledge), word games, and Who Am I? animal riddles attract and engage beginning readers. Prose, biographies, and short stories (including a Civil War chapter story) challenge more advanced readers. With its broad scope and lively writing, The Ohio Reader offers "buckeyes" of all ages an armchair tour of the state and its wonders. Modeled after traditional primers, this book includes individual stories, riddles, and poems about Ohio's history, famous people, and state symbols. Patterned after the popular nineteenth-century McGuffey Readers, these multi-leveled books aim to teach life lessons and build reading skills. Colorful illustrations accompany lively prose, poetry, games, and short stories--working together to entertain as well as educate. Simple poems and riddles engage the beginning reader while older students are captivated by longer, more challenging fare including biographies and original fiction.