The Well-Read Child: Children of the U.S.A.

Children of the U.S.A. by Maya Ajmera, Yvonne Wakim Dennis, Arlene Hirschfelder, and Cynthia Pon

Here's another book by The Global Fund for Children team that makes a wonderful classroom resource. Children of the U.S.A. takes readers on a journey across the United States, stopping at 51 cities, one in each state, plus Washington, D.C. In each city, we learn more about the city and state and the diverse children who live there. On the two-page spread for each city, there is also a box that gives more information about it, including population, year founded, nicknames, and sister cities in other parts of the world. There are also beautiful full-color photographs of children in the city.

Along the way, we're introduced to a number of religions, cultures, customs, and a brief history of the immigrants who've made our country a unique place rich in culture and diversity. Not only does the book present fun facts and interesting information, but it also helps promote tolerance and an appreciation for diversity.

Teacher Recommendations:

Use in social studies, language arts, and geography classes for lessons on US history, immigration, the 50 states, world religions, different cultures, and more
Map all of the countries mentioned in the book to demonstrate the diversity that is present in the US
You can also adapt my suggestions for Children from Australia to Zimbabwe:
Have children create their own books featuring other cities in the United States or the sister cities from around the world that are listed in the book
For a classroom book, assign a different city to each child, each one being responsible for creating a spread for the book. For teachers with the resources and access to a computer lab, you could even create a template with something as simple as Microsoft Word and have students drop in their own information. Children could even take home their own copies of the book if resources allow.
Assign children to create posters for their assigned city
Have children write a short article or essay about their assigned city
Have children research and write about the diversity in their own city or state; if you live in a particularly diverse area, assign different cultures to individuals or a group of students to research
Children can write a story or create a piece of art representing their assigned city, state, culture, etc.

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