I Pledge Allegiance

Finally, here's a picture book that helps young children move beyond rote recitation of the Pledge to find meaning in its language. This is the book parents and teachers have been waiting for. -- Booklist(starred review)

I led a pigeon to the flag . . . and to the wee puppet . . . one nation, and a vegetable . . . What was that again? Children in the United States have been reciting the Pledge of Allegiance since 1892 -- and for about that long, they've found its big words confusing. Beloved children's book author Bill Martin Jr., fellow literacy expert Michael Sampson, and Caldecott Honor-­winning artist Chris Raschka give America's children a hand and explain this patriotic poem once and for all. This paperback edition offers notes and suggested activities to help parents and teachers make this book even more interesting to and fun for children.

Author: Bill Martin, Michael Sampson
Publisher: Candlewick Press (MA)
Published: 06/03/2004
Pages: 40
Binding Type: Paperback
Weight: 0.30lbs
Size: 8.30h x 10.00w x 0.20d
ISBN: 9780763625276
Audience: Ages 4-8

Accelerated Reader:
Reading Level: 4.9
Point Value: 0.5
Interest Level: Lower Grade
Quiz #/Name: 61745 / I Pledge Allegiance


Review Citation(s):
PW Notes and Reprints 07/12/2004 pg. 66
Publishers Weekly 07/12/2004

About the Author
Bill Martin Jr is the author of more than 300 books, including the beloved classic BROWN BEAR, BROWN BEAR, WHAT DO YOU SEE? illustrated by Eric Carle. The International Reading Association named Bill Martin Jr one of the "Greats of the Century." "I think the Pledge of Allegiance is the most beautiful chain of language I know," he says, "It's a miracle that children can even recite the Pledge of Allegiance, with its sophisticated and complex language, yet they jump right in. The Pledge of Allegiance is forever imprinted on their minds."

Chris Raschka is the illustrator of many books, including the concrete poetry anthology A POKE IN THE I, edited by Paul B. Janeczko, a NEW YORK TIMES Best Illustrated Children's Book; and the Caldecott Honor Book YO! YES? Chris Raschka says, "My parents have always respectfully refused to recite the Pledge of Allegiance - my father for religious reasons and my mother because she was born in Vienna. And that's why I was drawn to this project. In America, we each have the freedom to choose, including the freedom to choose whether or not to say the Pledge."