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What Is Congress? (What Was?)

What was...? Series

illustrations by
3.58
on Goodreads (122)

What’s inside...

Best-selling author and former executive editor of The New York Times, Jill Abramson, provides a captivating overview of Congress, the governmental branch closest to average Americans. This book, aimed at young readers, clearly explains the functions of Congress and includes fascinating historical anecdotes, such as a bloody pre-Civil War beating in the Senate, the Watergate hearings, and Senator Joe McCarthy's Communist witch hunt. The book also shares fun facts like the Senate's special 'candy desk' and lawmakers' privilege to bring dogs to work. With 80 black-and-white illustrations and a 16-page photo insert, readers are sure to enjoy this addition to the #1 New York Times Best-Selling series.
Series reading

Non-Sequential

Age

8-12

Length

112 pages

Text complexity

Discussion points

What roles do you think members of Congress play in making decisions for our country?
Why do you think it's important for citizens to know about how Congress works?
How do you think decisions made in Congress affect our daily lives?
Can you think of any qualities that would make someone a good member of Congress?
Tip: Role play these questions
To help your child connect with the themes of the book, relate discussions to their everyday experiences. For instance, compare decision-making in Congress to decision-making in your household. Encourage your child to express their opinions and thoughts on what they would do if they were in Congress. This can open up opportunities for them to learn about responsibility and civic duty. Reinforce the importance of participation in democracy and foster curiosity by exploring more about local government together.

Key lessons

Example Lesson: Understanding Government Structure
Explanation: The book explains the roles and responsibilities of Congress in a simple, clear manner accessible to young readers.
Real-World Application: Kids can apply this knowledge to understand news segments about congressional decisions or discussions in civics classes.
Example Lesson: Importance of Civic Engagement
Explanation: Through various examples, the book showcases how decisions in Congress affect daily lives, emphasizing why participation in civic duties is crucial.
Real-World Application: Children learn the value of staying informed and involved in local and national issues, possibly encouraging them to participate in student councils or community service.
Example Lesson: Critical Thinking
Explanation: The book encourages readers to think critically about how laws are made and how they can be involved in the legislative process.
Real-World Application: This lesson prepares children to analyze different viewpoints and the impact of laws, helping them develop informed opinions about social and political issues.
Example Lesson: Respect for History and Process
Explanation: Jill Abramson provides historical context about the formation and evolution of Congress, fostering a respect for historical processes and institutions.
Real-World Application: Children can appreciate the importance of historical events in shaping current governance and apply this respect to learning other historical or governmental concepts.
Example Lesson: Role of Leadership
Explanation: The narrative discusses the significance of leadership within Congress and its impact on lawmaking and governance.
Real-World Application: This instills an understanding of the qualities of good leadership and inspires children to develop leadership skills in group activities or team projects at school.