A Place Called America: A Story of the Land and People by Jennifer Thermes

Jennifer Thermes, a map illustrator and author-illustrator has created one of the best books I have ever encountered, A Place Called America: A Story of the Land and People. I love checking books out at the library. If I bought every book I loved, I would be penniless. Having said that, I encourage every parent and teacher to BUY this book. (No, this is not a paid advertisement!) This informational picture book is rife with gorgeous maps and people moving across those maps. Maps are my favorite, but in this book they hold a clear purpose - to demonstrate that American history is a story of people who lived on this land, people who came to this land, and people who were forced to this land. Thermes highlights the interactions between indigenous, immigrant and enslaved peoples and how those interactions shaped, and continue to shape, America. History topics covered in this amazing book: Turtle Island, Trans-Atlantic Slave Trade, The Indian Removal Act, Immigration, Manifest Destiny, California Gold Rush, Reconstruction, The Great Migration, The Great Depression, Immigration and Nationality Act of 1965, September 11th, and more! Read the timeline in the front and back of the book. It is excellent. I imagine many adults will learn a lot of new information. Note: This is not a book you will page through with your kids at bedtime. This is a resource you will use with your kids as they learn history. It can be used from elementary school through high school! 

Heart: In the afterword, Jennifer writes, “Learning about the past – and how people survived through both good and bad times – can lead to connections between then and now and a greater understanding and empathy for our fellow human beings.” That quote perfectly summarizes why I was a passionate social studies teacher and why I am writing manuscripts with civics and science themes for kids. 

Head: How long did it take Jennifer Thermes to research, write and illustrate this book? It would take me a lifetime to create something as excellent as this. I just LOVE this treasure trove of maps, history and civics for kids!