The Founding Fathers!: Those Horse-Ridin', Fiddle-Playin', Book-Readin', Gun-Totin' Gentlemen Who Started America
What’s inside...
This book introduces young readers to the founding fathers of America, including George Washington, Benjamin Franklin, and Thomas Jefferson. It highlights their contributions to the establishment of America, their personal traits, and their significant roles in history. In this eye-opening look at our Founding Fathers that is full of fun facts and lively artwork, it seems that Ben Franklin, Thomas Jefferson, and their cohorts sometimes agreed on NOTHING…except the thing that mattered most: creating the finest constitution in world history, for the brand-new United States of America. Tall! Short! A scientist! A dancer! A farmer! A soldier! The founding fathers had no idea they would ever be called the 'founding fathers,' and furthermore they could not even agree exactly on what they were founding! Should America declare independence from Britain? 'Yes!' shouted some. 'No!' shouted others. 'Could you repeat the question?' shouted the ones who either hadn't been listening or else were off in France having fun, dancin' the night away. Slave owners, abolitionists, soldiers, doctors, philosophers, bankers, angry letter-writers—the men we now call America's Founding Fathers were a motley bunch of characters who fought a lot and made mistakes and just happened to invent a whole new kind of nation. And now here they are, together again, in an exclusive engagement!
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
5-8
Length
48 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
Why do you think the Founding Fathers wanted to start a new country?
What qualities do you admire most in the Founding Fathers, and why?
How did the decisions made by the Founding Fathers impact the way we live today?
If you were a Founding Father, what rules would you make for the new country?
What challenges do you think the Founding Fathers faced, and how did they overcome them?
Tip: Role play these questions
To engage your child in a meaningful conversation about the book, start by sharing your own thoughts on the traits and decisions of the Founding Fathers. Ask your child to relate the historical events to current events or their own experiences to make the discussion more relevant. Encourage them to think critically about what they would do differently if they were in the Founding Fathers' shoes. Use praise to reinforce their thoughtful responses and keep the conversation positive and focused.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Value of collaboration
Explanation: The story demonstrates how the Founding Fathers worked together despite differing opinions to establish the United States.
Real-World Application: Children learn the importance of teamwork and cooperation in accomplishing significant tasks at school or in sports.
Example Lesson: Importance of resilience
Explanation: The book highlights the challenges the Founding Fathers faced and how they persisted in their quest for independence.
Real-World Application: This teaches children to persevere through difficulties whether in their academic tasks or personal challenges.
Example Lesson: Understanding governance
Explanation: Through engaging storytelling, children are introduced to basic principles of governance and democracy.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this knowledge in understanding the roles of various government bodies and the importance of participation in democratic processes like voting.
Example Lesson: Respect for diverse perspectives
Explanation: The narrative showcases how different viewpoints contributed to the founding of the nation.
Real-World Application: This can help children appreciate diverse opinions among their peers, promoting a more inclusive environment at school.
Example Lesson: Learning from history
Explanation: By reading about historical figures and events, children grasp the impact of history on current events.
Real-World Application: Children can relate historical lessons to current events, fostering a deeper understanding of the world they live in.