Helen Plum Library

"If you watch the majestic American bald eagle fly above the treetops, its easy to see why it stands for freedom and strength in the United States. As the national emblem, its seen on government buildings and documents, and is often used to symbolize national pride. Readers learn how the American bald eagle came to be the national bird of the United States and the many ways its image is used. Full-color photographs of the American bald eagle highlight...

Standing tall over New York Harbor, the Statue of Liberty shines her light for all to see. This US monument isn't just a great place to visit on a trip to New York City. It has represented US freedom for more than 125 years! Readers learn that this US symbol was a gift from France for the country's centennial. They also learn about the construction of this beautiful statue and other important historical context. Full-color and historical images showcase...

"The final resting place for many of America's heroes is located only a few miles from our nation's capital. This high-interest text will take readers on a tour of the cemetery and point out the graves of some well-known patriots, including President John F. Kennedy, Jr. A detailed map guides readers as they locate sections and specific grave sites. Descriptions of ceremonies help readers understand how these events show respect for those who gave...

"Abraham Lincoln was a giant of a president, so it befits him to have a 19 x 19-feet marble statue enclosed in an enormous building on the mall in Washington, DC. Each spread in this book is packed with interesting, accessible text and photos that bring the story of Abraham Lincoln's Memorial to life. Readers will feel like they are on a virtual tour of the statue, building, and grounds as they learn about Lincoln and the builders of his historic...

"Was there really an Uncle Sam? Yes! He was Samuel Wilson, who sent barrels of meat marked "U.S." to American soldiers during the War of 1812.The soldiers called it "Uncle Sam's" meat, and an icon was born. Cartoonist Thomas Nast drew the familiar portrait of the man in a top hat and striped pants. Uncle Sam's image has appeared in political ads and on postage stamps. Costumed interpreters take on his persona at historic sites, including Mount Vernon....

"Presidents' Day started out on George Washington's birthday and was established as a federal holiday in 1885. Today, it celebrates all U.S. presidents and is always celebrated on the third Monday in February. How and why was this change made? In this book, readers find out the answer and more. Carefully chosen photographs correlate with the text written especially for young readers. The historical context included complements the early elementary...

"Children often assume that being fair means that everyone gets the same number of cookies. But at the heart of fairness is consideration, respect, and caring for others. In this book, readers encounter real-life situations in which young people figure out how to act fairly: Ben and Jane are playing on the swings at recess while other children wait to use the swings. What is the fair thing to do? Each spread consists of one of these relatable scenarios...

"Knowing when to say we're sorry means knowing when we've hurt someone, whether it was intentional or not. This is not always easy to do, especially for children. This book presents readers with a variety of relatable scenarios in which young people recognize the need for an apology: Louis shares an embarrassing secret about Aaron with his other classmates, who make fun of Aaron. Louis feels bad for sharing Aaron's secret. What can he do? Each colorful...