The true essence of the American spirit is captured in this informative account of people, places, and ideals. Through 13 different vantage points, the author includes succinct information about the people, places, and events that will appeal to readers. Offset by scratchboard illustrations, this collection will serve as a rich resource for classroom teachers and contains websites and additional reading lists for further classroom inquiry.

This thoughtful work highlights the ideals and beliefs we hold dear: liberty, equality, diversity, courage, honor, legal rights, rule of law, free enterprise, pioneer spirit, education for all and hard work. Each attribute is briefly described in simple language and attractive scratch-board drawings. Carefully selected examples further explain each American trait. Nonfiction writing at its best.

"Diversity," "Honor," "Courage," and "Liberty" are a sampling of the 13 "ideals and dreams" that shape the American spirit. Artfully designed scratchboard-and-watercolor illustrations move across browsable double-page spreads offering brief paragraphs describing the people and places selected to represent each topic.

This title highlights 13 ideals inherent in American life, including diversity, the creative spirit, free enterprise, education for all, hard work, legal rights, equality, etc. A lavishly illustrated spread is devoted to each one. The attribute is introduced in a paragraph followed by descriptions of people to read about or places to visit. For example, the section on legal rights discusses Federal Hall Memorial in New York City and union leader Cesar Chavez. The large, bold, scratchboard-and-watercolor art sometimes has a clever twist--the Capitol Building is depicted with a friendly face; a red, white, and blue tie; and an upper portico that turns into an arm holding children. This is a lovely browsing title for students interested in different parts of the U.S. and the variety of people and places that have contributed to its history and culture, and teachers might want to use it for a project on values. The further reading suggestions include nonfiction titles by such authors as Jean Fritz, James Cross Giblin, and Patricia and Fred McKissack. An appealing way to explore U.S. history and democracy.

The author has done an excellent job of conveying his theme, the American spirit, by presenting a rich selection of people and places from American history. The patchwork of elements is creatively anchored under a succession of concepts like liberty, equality, diversity, hard work, etc. For example, under "Education for All" we learn about the one-room schoolhouse, Oberlin College, the Tuskeegee Institute, and the McGuffey reader. Each example is presented succinctly, in easily understood language, with a background of plenty of white space for an uncluttered effect. The delightfully upbeat scratchboard illustrations contribute to the book's appeal. The people and places structure allows for an eclectic collection including such diverse people as Thomas Jefferson, Christa McAuliffe, and Madame C.J. Walker, as well as places like Disney's Magic Kingdom, Fort Sumter, and the Vietnam Veteran's Memorial. While the book is certainly a tribute to America, it does say, "There have been times when we American have forgotten our ideals." The Manzanar internment camp is included in this section. The book would be a valuable resource for teachers wanting to present a dramatic or artistic presentation of American history. A useful chronology is provided as well as a resource section including many books by well-known children's authors. This is a positive introduction to American history.

This lively account of the people, places, and ideals that make up America captures the true essence of the American spirit. Engaging text and illustrations.