Our Country's Founders a Book of Advice for Young People Adapted From Our Sacred Honor (Our Country's Founders A Book of Advice for Young People)
Our Country's Founders Series
on Goodreads (59)
What’s inside...
Encouraged by the thousands of young Americans who enjoyed The Book of Virtues for Young People, William J. Bennett returns with an inspiring collection drawn from the best-selling adult book Our Sacred Honor. This adapted version highlights the speeches, letters, poems, and articles of the brave men and women who founded our great nation, including George Washington, John and Abigail Adams, and Benjamin Franklin. Their advice on values such as patriotism, love, civility, education, industry, justice, and piety still rings true for young people today. Our Country's Founders also includes important documents such as the Constitution and Declaration of Independence, a time line, and biographical notes on our revolutionary forefathers. This essential volume provides all the background needed to appreciate these timeless lessons and advice from America's founders.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
11-12
Length
320 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What qualities do you think make a good leader based on the advice given by the founders?
How can the advice from the past still be applicable in our lives today?
Why do you think it's important to know about the people who founded our country?
Which piece of advice from the book do you find most inspiring or valuable?
How do you think you can apply these pieces of advice in your daily activities at school or with friends?
Tip: Role play these questions
Start the conversation by sharing your own takeaways from the book to set a collaborative tone. Encourage your child to think about how historical advice can be timeless, and how they can use it in modern contexts. Highlight the stories or quotes that are particularly resonant with today's values, and ask your child to think about how these ideas affect their own lives. Always acknowledge their thoughts and feelings, fostering a safe space for open discussion.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: The importance of integrity
Explanation: The book draws from the wisdom and principles of America’s Founding Fathers, highlighting the role of integrity in their leadership and governance.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by being honest and fair in their dealings with others, whether in school assignments or in their interactions with peers.
Example Lesson: The value of perseverance
Explanation: Through the historical challenges faced by the Founding Fathers, the book showcases how perseverance played a crucial role in achieving independence and forming a new nation.
Real-World Application: This lesson encourages children to persist in their efforts, be it in academic subjects they find difficult or in learning new skills.
Example Lesson: Respect for differing opinions
Explanation: The story illustrates how the Founding Fathers debated rigorously yet respectfully, which was key to reaching consensus on important issues.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to listen to and respect different viewpoints in group settings at school or with friends, fostering a collaborative environment.
Example Lesson: Civic responsibility
Explanation: The book emphasizes the Founding Fathers’ commitment to civic duty and the common good, highlighting their contributions to building the country.
Real-World Application: This can inspire children to participate in community service or take initiative in community-building activities at school or in their neighborhood.