American Places: From Vision to Reality
Series of 8 titles
Rising out of New York Harbor is a colossal statue that's as tall as a skyscraper. Each year, millions of visitors travel from around the world to gaze at its beauty and to celebrate liberty. But have you ever wondered how the Statue of Liberty and some of America's other famous landmarks came to be? In this riveting series, readers will learn about the history of iconic American places from concept to completion, including the Statue of Liberty, the Golden Gate Bridge, and the White House. Readers will also delve into the incredible feats of engineering that made their construction possible. Large color photos, maps, and fact boxes enrich the captivating stories, which are sure to engage even the most reluctant readers.
| Interest Level | Grade 2 - Grade 7 |
|---|---|
| Reading Level | Grade 3 |
| Subject | Social Studies |
| Copyright | 2017 |
| Publisher | Bearport Publishing |
| Imprint | Bearport Books |
| Language | English |
| Number of Pages | 32 |
| Publication Date | 2016-07-25 |
| Reading Counts! Level | 6.5 |
| Reading Counts! Points | 3.0 |
| BISACS | JNF025170 |
|---|---|
| Dewey | 385.3'14097471-975.5'4252 |
| Graphics | Full-color illustrations, Full-color photographs, Historical photographs |
| Dimensions | 8 x 10 |
| Lexile | 920-1000 |
| Guided Reading Level | P |
| ATOS Reading Level | 5.4-5.9 |
| ATOS Interest Level | MG |
| Accelerated Reader® Points | 0.5 |
| Features | Activities for further learning |
Awards
- 2018 Teachers' Choice Award
- Colonial Williamsburg: 2017 NCSS-CBC Notable Social Studies Trade Books for Young People
Reviews
School Library Connection Review for American Places: From Vision to Reality
This series features accessible volumes about great American places. Struggling readers will not be overwhelmed with lengthy text, as there is approximately one paragraph on each page. The text is supplemented with images, drawings, and clear diagrams. For those who are mathematically inclined, each book also includes a two-page “By the Numbers” spread. Words found in the glossary appear in bold type the first time they are used in the text. Additional Resources. Bibliography. Glossary. Index. Websites.
Recommended
School Library Journal Review for American Places: From Vision to Reality
Using eye-catching graphics, this series illuminates the fascinating histories of a few iconic U.S. sites. For instance, readers discover that in its infancy, the Statue of Liberty was so little regarded by the U.S. government that Congress refused to pay for the statue’s pedestal, thereby inspiring a nationwide fund-raising campaign among school children. Many images depict the early stages of planning and building, giving a rare insider’s look at how these famous places came to be. This mix of history and architecture with just a dash of archaeology allows students to encounter each subject from a variety of angles (e.g., how did archaeologists contribute to the rebuilding of Colonial Williamsburg, what are the architectural similarities between James Hoban’s design for the White House and the Leinster House in Dublin, Ireland?). VERDICT: A multifaceted look at some of the top historical destination spots in the United States. Recommended.
Booklist Review for The Empire State Building
This entry in the American Places: From Vision to Reality series offers a pleasing overview of the skyscraper, from its inspirational design to its status today. Many of the two-page spreads focus on the engineering involved, especially the use of concrete and steel to support weight, as well as the construction teams. Those workers, including Mohawk “sky boys,“ are featured at fearful heights without safety gear in period photographs. Goldish explains how the continued construction of the Empire State Building during the Stock Market Crash of 1929 made the skyscraper a symbol of hope. The remaining text discusses the building’s opening day in 1931, its continuing history, and its enduring popularity. A concluding, “By the Numbers” graphic relates fast facts. This well-organized resource adeptly integrates social studies and STEM.