The Little Big Book of America

by Lena Tabori, Natasha Tabori Fried

This celebration of America recalls the highlights that define this country, and offers insight into what it means to be an American. Charming, accessible, and comprehensive, this jam-packed anthology takes you on a guided tour through the history of our great nation. Its elements include:
18 short stories and literary excerpts from the fictional works of Harper Lee, Ernest Hemingway, Herman Melville, Truman Capote, John Steinbeck, Alice Walker, J.D. Salinger, William Faulkner, Toni Morrison, and Louisa May Alcott, among others.
14 poems by such poets as Walt Whitman, e.e. cummings, Edna St. Vincent Millay, Robert Frost, Maya Angelou, and Emily Dickinson.
20 essays and speeches by great American political leaders and commentators, including Susan B. Anthony, Martin Luther King, Jr., Patrick Henry, Abraham Lincoln, and E.B. White.
18 letters that capture American history in the making by John and Abigail Adams, John F. Kennedy, Theodore Roosevelt, Amelia Earhart, Ansel Adams, and Grouch Marx, as well as other lesser-known Americans.
20 classic American songs, including: "America the Beautiful," "The Star Spangled Banner," "This Land Is Your Land," "Go Tell it on the Mountain," "O, Susanna!", and "Casey at the Bat."
15 classic recipes including: Apple Pie, Fried Chicken, Strawberry Ice Cream, Thanksgiving Turkey, Corn Bread, Black-eyed Peas, Hamburgers, and Buttermilk Pancakes.
15 "Facts" highligh fascinating trivia on every state, and cover topics such as Presidents, State Capitols, World War II, Science and Invention, Artists, Outlaws, The West, The Civil War, American Towns, and other American claims to fame.
This book is destined to become the one every American will want to turn to in order to remember - or learn for the first time - what constitutes a true American classic.

Genres: Nonfiction

352 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 2002

Reviews

[Katelyn Marie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I absolutely adore this book!!! It has a little bit of everything that you can imagine about Americana facts!!

[Awjtf · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting choice of selections for book. Liked the illustrations and recipes!

[Betty Strohecker · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a wonderful way to catch a quick glimpse of American history told through poems, essays, letters, speeches, excerpts from literature, and recipes, yes recipes! Beginning with Powhatan's speech to Captain John Smith in 1609, America's story is told chronologically, touching on major historical events and influences, up to Rudy Giuliani's address to the people following the attack on our country September 11, 2001. Important facts from all sections of our country are nestled in among other articles. Excerpts are included from such American authors as Mark Twain, John Steinbeck, Margaret Mitchell, Toni Morrison, and Maya Angelou.

I can't begin to imagine the amount of research that went into the amazing compilation of Americana presented in this book. It is well worth reading and sharing.

[Brenda · Rating 3 out of 5]

I liked most of this book, mostly facts and writings on America, history and recipes. I HATED one poem by Maya Angelou, usually like her stuff but this poem was Supremely negative on America. Also felt like it was a bit slanted. But over all, I liked it.

[Babs · Rating 3 out of 5]

it's kind of a fun way to expose kids to American History without overwhelming them with any one style or point of view. Just enough stuff that if it makes them curious, all the better.