Book details
If America Were a Village: A Book about the People of the United States (CitizenKid)
Description
America, with all its diversity, is not easily defined. David J. Smith's If America Were a Village takes a snapshot - past, present and future - to help define America for children. Using the same successful metaphor of the international bestseller If the World Were a Village, the book shrinks down America to a village of 100. The metaphor helps children easily understand American ethnic origins, religions, family profiles, occupations, wealth, belongings and more. Shelagh Armstrong's expansive illustrations imagine America as a classic, vibrant small town. Who are the people living in this vast and varied nation? Where did they come from? What are they like today? How do they compare with people in other countries? The book's simple statistical analysis provides a new way of learning about where people live in America, the state of their health, the shapes and sizes of families, what they use and more - forming a concise picture of a country. If America Were a Village is part of CitizenKid: A collection of books that inform children about the world and inspire them to be better global citizens.
Age
8-12
Text complexity
proficient
Length
32 pages
Why to read
- Educational Value: The book provides a simplified and engaging way to understand the complex demographics of the United States by shrinking the population down to a village of 100 people. This approach makes it easier for readers, especially children, to grasp statistical information and social diversity.
- Cultural Awareness: 'If America Were a Village' encourages readers to appreciate the cultural, ethnic, and social diversity that exists within the United States. It fosters a sense of understanding and empathy towards different groups of people that make up the American society.
- Visual Learning: The book is filled with illustrations and infographics that help to visualize the data presented. This can be particularly beneficial for visual learners, including children, who can better understand and remember information when it is accompanied by images.
- Critical Thinking: By presenting the United States' demographics in a microcosm, the book prompts readers to think critically about issues such as wealth distribution, education, health, and equality. It can serve as a starting point for discussions on citizenship, community, and our roles within a larger society.