PPBF: I Pledge Allegiance

Today's Perfect Picture Book Friday pick

I Pledge Allegiance, by Bill Martin Jr,
Michael Sampson, and Chris Raschka

I Pledge Allegiance
Written by Bill Martin, Jr. and Michael Sampson
Illustrated by Chris Raschka
Candlewick, 2002
Grade K-2, Reading level 4.9, 576 words

Themes:
History, Patriotism


Opening:
I pledge . . .

Synopsis:
I Pledge Allegiance, by Bill Martin, Jr. and Chris Raschka is a beautiful and simple nonfiction picture book. One or two words of the Pledge are printed on every page with graphic illustrations. Below each word or phrase, the author has explained in simple language the meaning or breadth of that section of the Pledge. Some sidebars appear throughout the text, but the information presented there is kept general for a young audience. Some history, notes on Francis Bellamy, and tips on Patriotic etiquette are added to give substance to the book.

What I Love:
A beautifully diverse rendition of the Pledge of Allegiance which is both moving and elementary, it teaches younger readers respect for citizenship and reminds older readers to consider as they recite the pledge. I loved how the author included flag etiquette, which as far as I know, is rarely taught to students. I also learned the reason Francis Bellamy wrote the Pledge of Allegiance. (You'll have to read it to find out!) And as a writer myself, I was fascinated with the way Bill Martin took a simple plot and a challenging subject, and turned them into a valuable and fun picture book. Thanks, too, to Chris Raschka for his vision of the American people.

Bonus: 

1. At Teacher Vision, you'll find rebus-type worksheets on the American Pledge of Allegiance.

Courtesy Lisa Storms

2. MPM School Supplies offers printing worksheets of the text of the pledge.
3. Commoncore blogger offers the pledge in both Spanish and American Sign Language.

4. Lisa Storms has created a healthy snack version of the American flag.

5. Read more about the history of the pledge on US History.org
6. PBS chronicles the history of the flag itself.

7. Check out these and more Perfect Picture Books at your local library.

Reviewed by Carrie

Reviewed by Beth

Reviewed by Joanne

Reviewed by Barbara

Reviewed by Susanna

Reviewed by The Picture Book Review

Have you reviewed a Perfect Picture Book along this theme? Please leave the link in the comments below. Thanks!

Check out all the recommended titles for Perfect Picture Book Friday
for May 29, 2015 available on Susanna Leonard Hill's blog.