Synopses & Reviews
Henry Ford for Kids provides an in-depth and refreshingly realistic portrait of the man who “put America on wheels” and, in so doing, helped create a modern America. Detailing Ford’s childhood as a precocious farm-boy mechanic, his revolutionary labor and production ideas, and the lasting legacy of his widespread philanthropy, author Ronald Reis also does not shy away from his eccentricities and the issues that stirred controversy, such as the industrialist’s anti-Semitism and his pacifist views. Packed with historic photos and illuminating sidebars, the book brings the turn of the 20th century to life, touching on related topics such as the popularity of “auto polo,” the Great War, the life of industrial architect Albert Kahn (“the man who built Detroit”), and more. Twenty-one hands-on activities encourage budding innovators to apply engineering and production ideas and learn more about the era. Kids will build a lemon-powered battery, make a moving assembly line, learn to dance the waltz, design an automobile dashboard, and much more.
Review
“A well-written, extensive history.” —Kirkus
Review
“It explores some big decisions by Congress, including votes to outlaw slavery and give voting rights to black men and then to women. It also includes 21 activities to help explain the day-to-day work on Capitol Hill.” —
The Washington PostReview
“Kids will be engaged by the focus on dramatic stories, personalities, and turning points while also benefitting from the clear discussions of Congressional purpose, structure, history, and ongoing issues.” —BookTrib
Review
“On what typically is a rather confusing and dry subject, author Ronald Reis breaks everything down so that it is both completely comprehensible and at the same time fascinating. In fact, the explanation of how the US Congress is organized and what its functions are, is the best written summary on the subject I’ve ever read, bar none.” —Smart Books for Smart Kids
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“This entry in the For Kids series offers both historical and timely perspectives of Congress.” —Booklist
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“[The book] offers procedural and structural information about Congress, but it also describes how the "human factor" plays into the way Congress works.” —The Reading Tub
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“It is difficult to not be very cynical when it comes to discussing the U.S. Congress and its members. We need a book like this to refocus us and help us show our young people what the institution is supposed to be all about.” —Bookloons
Synopsis
An interactive guidebook to the history and inner workings of the legislative branch of the U.S. Government
Providing a historical perspective on all that is going on today,
US Congress for Kids examines the major milestones in congressional history, including the abolition of slavery, extending the vote to African Americans and to women, and investigating misconduct in both government and private institutions. Kids will be engaged by the focus on dramatic stories, personalities, and turning points while also benefitting from the clear discussions of Congressional purpose, structure, history, and ongoing issues. Educational, hands-on activities that illuminate the workings of the U.S. Congress include making a House ceremonial mace, creating congressional money, making a capitol dome, and designing a Congressional Medal of Honor.
Synopsis
An interactive guidebook to the history and inner workings of the legislative branch of the U.S. Government
Providing a historical perspective on all that is going on today, US Congress for Kids examines the major milestones in congressional history, including the abolition of slavery, extending the vote to African Americans and to women, and investigating misconduct in both government and private institutions. Kids will be engaged by the focus on dramatic stories, personalities, and turning points while also benefitting from the clear discussions of Congressional purpose, structure, history, and ongoing issues. Educational, hands-on activities that illuminate the workings of the U.S. Congress include making a House ceremonial mace, creating congressional money, making a capitol dome, and designing a Congressional Medal of Honor.
About the Author
Ronald A. Reis is the author of numerous nonfiction books for kids and young adults, including Christopher Columbus and the Age of Exploration for Kids, with 21 Activities. His biography of Buffalo Bill Cody won the 2011 Spur Award for the best juvenile nonfiction biography about the west, from the Western Writers of America. He lives in Calabasas, California. Henry A. Waxman, a Democrat, is the U.S. representative for Californias 33rd congressional district. Kristi Noem, a Republican, is the U.S. representative for South Dakotas at-large congressional district.