Raatma, Lucia. Citizenship.

Raatma, Lucia.  Citizenship.  Scholastic/ Childrens Press     64p $21.05 978-0-531-23064-0       elem/ms   Series: Cornerstones of Freedom (Scholastic/Childrens)  VG-BN      

Using contemporary and historical reference points, the author presents a thorough overview of what it means to be a citizen of the United States of America.  Chapter titles include: "A Nation Begins", "Being a U.S. Citizen", "The Privileges of Citizenship", "The Responsibilities of Citizenship", and "Beyond the Constitution".  The book follows up with sections entitled "What Happened Where?" and "The Challenge of Equality".

This is a well-written and colorful book that informs younger readers about the importance and responsibility of being a U. S. citizen.  Sidebars highlight historically relevant events and places, as well as people whose lives represent important aspects of citizenship, such as Ellis Island on page 13, Antiwar Protests on page 37, and Madeleine Albright on page 21.  The full-color illustrations are appropriately placed with the text.  The book concludes with a section on influential individuals, a timeline, primary sources, resources both print and web-based, a glossary and an index.     

The Cornerstones of Freedom series is a collection of books written about topics relevant to students interested in the United States and its history, documents and important people.  Well written, brightly illustrated, and very informative, these titles will capture the interest of upper-elementary and middle-school students, as well as their teachers.                                                             --Lynn Fisher