The US Congress for Kids: Over 200 Years of Lawmaking, Deal-Breaking, and Compromising, with 21 Activities (55)

by Ronald A. Reis, Rep. Henry A. Waxman (Foreword), Rep. Kristi Noem (Afterword)

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.

Genres: Government

144 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2014

About the author

I have been writing professionally for 30 years. I started with college textbooks in my field of electronics. I then moved on to books on careers. For the past ten years I have written non-fiction books for kids and young adults, on subjects as varied as "African Americans and the Civil War" to "Christoper Columbus and the Age of Exploration for Kids." My newest book, "The US Congress for Kids: Over 200 Years of Lawmaking, Deal-Breaking, and Compromising," to be published by the Chicago Review Press, will be out in November. All the best.

Reviews

[Samantha]

This was a great informational text about the history of Congress and why Congress is unique but important to our amazing country. It has information on the inner workings of Congress (like how a bill becomes a law and how lobbying works). This would be greatly beneficial for my 8th graders when we get the Legislative Branch unit.

[Terry]

My friend used this as a resource in teaching her class about the function of Congress and why there is so much disdain for the Members of Congress today. The class found parts of the book and some of the activities interesting.

I liked the balance of past and present material. Current Members of Congress are mentioned, so the book may be updated in the future to reflect the current composition of the Legislative Branch.

Read our full review and add yours at the Reading Tub.