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roseleaf24's review
2.0
The artwork is excellent, except for when it illustrates the racism embedded in this book. This is the ra-ra sort of patriotism you would expect from a children's book published in 1941, and it covers the high points of American history through the lens of victory and freedom. As someone who is frustrated by how piecemeal my knowledge of many things is, the lack of chronology in the organization is frustrating, though it's necessary for the alphabetical nature of it. I question since of the alphabet choices, though. E is for emigrant, when you're talking about all the people who come to this country??? Maybe people emigrating would make it a better country, but that's not what they mean to say.
And the racism. *Sigh* Native Americans are referred to as "Redskins" for the first half of the book, and then R actually stands for Redskins. The illustrations for Jamestown, South America, and Thanksgiving show the native in a sullen, subservient position next to a helpful or heroic white. The quite literal white-washing of history here is egregious.
And the racism. *Sigh* Native Americans are referred to as "Redskins" for the first half of the book, and then R actually stands for Redskins. The illustrations for Jamestown, South America, and Thanksgiving show the native in a sullen, subservient position next to a helpful or heroic white. The quite literal white-washing of history here is egregious.
daisycakesco's review
1.0
Of course, looking at this book through the lens of our current world there's much to criticize about this book. As you'd expect, there's much denigrating of native americans in this collection of short bits of American history (although, at one point, they are referred to as "the first real Americans"). There were statements that I found highly hypocritical. But beyond that, the story is rather dull, and I found the illustrations static and lifeless. Also: Surprise! X is for Xmas. Huh? I thought this was about American history?
calistareads's review
2.0
This book was written in 1941 during WWII. It is rather funny. It spells Immigrant as Emigrant. At this time there were only 48 states. The Indians weren't very nice to an invading people taking up resources and land - imagine that.
It tries to be very patriotic and pro America. It's an interesting document.
The art is not for me and each letter is somewhat long. We have come far in our awareness as a nation.
It tries to be very patriotic and pro America. It's an interesting document.
The art is not for me and each letter is somewhat long. We have come far in our awareness as a nation.
melerihaf's review
3.0
Very, very dated. In this book, "R is for Redskins." (*cringe*) However, it does point out that they are the first Americans, which is progressive for the 1940s, especially since some people today can't seem to remember that.
But the pictures are sweet and some of the letters are for things I wouldn't have guessed. (Q is for Quakers!) Also, "E is for Emigrants." The text underneath reminds us that all (white) Americans are here because people left their homes to come to America "because this country stood for Freedom." It also says that people from everywhere are still coming, and that "good emigrants make true Americans." Many Americans seem to have forgotten that, too.
But the pictures are sweet and some of the letters are for things I wouldn't have guessed. (Q is for Quakers!) Also, "E is for Emigrants." The text underneath reminds us that all (white) Americans are here because people left their homes to come to America "because this country stood for Freedom." It also says that people from everywhere are still coming, and that "good emigrants make true Americans." Many Americans seem to have forgotten that, too.
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