Are kids interested in learning about the very first American census? Probably not. Do young readers clamor for stories set in the very, ver...
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reviews
Jan 28, 2010
Treasa
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With his motto "Count them I must and count them I will," Phineas Bump arrives at a town, ready to fulfill his job of counting everyone for the census of 1790. The town, however, has other ideas. Hoping to trick the government for the town's benefit, the townspeople try to disguise how many people really live there. They soon find, however, that telling the truth is the best policy.
While I enjoyed this story, I am not sure how much it would appeal to children as a fun read. More...
While I enjoyed this story, I am not sure how much it would appeal to children as a fun read. More...
May 22, 2010
Sarah
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Phineas Bump is a tallyman, one of 650 men sent out in 1790 to take the first United States census. Beleaguered by his travels, Phineas finds his problems only get worse when he tries to count the people of Tunbridge, Vermont. The townspeople have no desire to be counted for taxes and soldiers so he finds only one free woman there. Then the townspeople learn that the tally determines how many people are sent to the new government. Suddenly, Tunbridge has over 1700 residents to be counted. W
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Sep 02, 2009
Abigail
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Phineas Bump was "heartsick, saddle-sore, and down on his luck." One of 650 marshals dispatched by the federal government in 1790, in order to tally the population for the first national census, Phineas hadn't seen wife and home in many months, and was running out of supplies. But "Count them I must, and count them I will," he tells himself. Unfortunately, the people of Tunbridge, Vermont - led by Mrs. Samuel Pepper and her clever son, Boston - have no intention of making his
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Jan 07, 2010
Sarah
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Lately we've had a rush of high school kids wanting childrens books that are historical and tell stories. This would have been a good selection. It illustrates the beginnings of the census and how the fear of being overburdened with taxes was ballanced out by the desire for greater representation and power. This is a much easier example then say the 3/5 act and the impact of slavery on the census. This is a good title as the census is gearing up again.
Jun 15, 2009
Gwen the Librarian
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This is the perfect book to read during a census year - it tells the story of the first U.S. census and how people misunderstood what was being counted. Did the census decide their taxes? Did it determine how many man would go into the army? Did it let the government decide on the numbers of state representatives? While the citizens of Tunbridge, VT, try to figure it out, they pull all kinds of shenanigans on their tallyman.
Jan 06, 2010
Phoebe
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The best book I have ever seen for children on how and why the census was started. Marvelous, humorous illustrations give the book a friendly feel. An outstanding explanatory note at the end of the story is perfect for 3rd grade children and older.
Sep 30, 2009
Rory
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I saw this sitting around at work, being processed out of our now defunct "American History" picturebook bin. The census, as a concept AND practice, has always fascinated me, and this tale read both as fun history and silly fable. I dug it.
Mar 31, 2010
Victoria
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A small town in Vermont tries to trick the Tallyman during the first U. S. Census in 1790. Back matter gives information about the U.S. Census and its history.
Mar 03, 2010
Joy
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Perfect for the classroom or homeschoolers. A nice, easy picture book introduction to the first U.S. Census. I would have liked more facts at the end about the census.
May 29, 2009
Anne
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Comic look at the first census (1790) that slips in history, but mostly, entertains. Quirky illustrations add to the text's fun, irreverent attitude.
Jan 24, 2010
your neighborhood librarian
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Historical fiction that explains the census? Good to have. A little wordy for a read-aloud, and a little babyish for middle grades, though.
Apr 28, 2009
Rita
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This book comes just in time for the census that will be coming next year! I think it is a cute story that school age children will enjoy.
May 09, 2011
Ryan
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I remember reading this book in media in elementary school. it was when we were doing the begining oc the government.
Aug 07, 2010
Nomi
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Very cute and amusing telling of the origins of census taking. I loved the seemingly old fashioned/quaint illustrations
Sep 15, 2011
Valerie
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As a genealogist, I found this book about the 1790 census, fun and entertaining and informative! Enjoy!
Jan 06, 2010
Sam
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I love books like this - makes me think fondly of The Ox-Cart Man, one of my childhood favorites.
Feb 05, 2012
Joenna
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In 1790, the suspicious residents of a small Vermont town try to trick the man who has been sent to count their population for the first United States Census.
What a fun book to learn about this part of history!
What a fun book to learn about this part of history!
