WTK BOOK REVIEW by Mara M 8th grade   America’s Story: A Pictorial History of the Pledge of Allegiance is a wonderful book that many will enjoy. It tells the story of our Pledge of Allegiance starting from one man’s dream of a flag for every school to the Pledge being said all over the United States of America. The author talks about patriotism’s growth and development in this country. America decided that it wanted a way to celebrate its flag every day. The book tells about changing the salute to putting your hand over your heart, the addition of “under Godâ€, and other details of the Pledge’s creation. All of these facts are complemented with pictures that add to the story.    Â
Would I recommend it?
This book is great for anyone at a middle school reading level or higher. Even adults can appreciate this book. Anyone with an interest in American history will enjoy reading this book because the specifics of the writing of the Pledge fall into line with what was going on at the time. The book tells about both World War Two and The Cold War’s influences on the words and ceremonies of the pledge. The illustrious creation of the Pledge is not only a great story to know, but it’s an interesting one too. I sincerely encourage readers of all ages to read this book.
Mara Morouney
Fact: Chuck Heath is using this book as a study tool in his classroom!
WE THE KIDSÂ TRICIA RAYMOND
Tricia Raymond is an Advisor with We The Kids.
Tricia often edits the history blogs written by We The Kids reporters.  She is the author of the children’s book, America’s Story: A Pictorial History of the Pledge of Allegiance. Having grown up in and around New Orleans, history has always been a part of her life.  As a small child, her family lived in Jackson Barracks, built between 1832 and 1836, housing some of America’s greatest military leaders, such as P.G.T. Beauregard, Robert E. Lee, Ulysses S. Grant, and John Pershing. As a teen, Tricia would ride her bike to where the Battle of New Orleans was fought. So, delving into the history of the Pledge of Allegiance was a natural fit.
It was while homeschooling her children that Tricia developed a lesson about the history of the Pledge. Not able to find any books suitable for older children on the topic, she decided to write one herself. America’s Story: A Pictorial History of the Pledge of Allegiance has sold nearly 1,000 copies through nothing more than word of mouth since she published it in 2007.
Today, Tricia speaks to local clubs and organizations about the history of the Pledge of Allegiance and is considered to be an expert on the topic.
“I am so pleased to be a part of We The Kids, which encourages children to not only learn American history in their own backyards but inspires them to be proud Americans as well,†states Tricia.
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KID OWNED KID APPROVED!
Commentary on the Pledge of Allegiance by Red Skelton
As a schoolboy, one of Red Skelton’s teachers explained the words and meaning of the Pledge of Allegiance to his class. Skelton later wrote down, and eventually recorded, his recollection of this lecture. It is followed by an observation of his own.
I – – Me; an individual; a committee of one.
Pledge – – Dedicate all of my worldly goods to give without self-pity.
Allegiance – – My love and my devotion.
To the Flag – – Our standard; Old Glory ; a symbol of Freedom; wherever she waves there is respect, because your loyalty has given her a dignity that shouts, Freedom is everybody’s job.
United – – That means that we have all come together.
States – – Individual communities that have united into forty-eight great states. Forty-eight individual communities with pride and dignity and purpose. All divided with imaginary boundaries, yet united to a common purpose, and that is love for country.
And to the Republic – – Republic–a state in which sovereign power is invested in representatives chosen by the people to govern. And government is the people; and it’s from the people to the leaders, not from the leaders to the people.
For which it stands
One Nation – – One Nation–meaning, so blessed by God.
Indivisible – – Incapable of being divided.
With Liberty – – Which is Freedom; the right of power to live one’s own life, without threats, fear, or some sort of retaliation.
And Justice – – The principle, or qualities, of dealing fairly with others.
For All – – For All–which means, boys and girls, it’s as much your country as it is mine.
And now, boys and girls, let me hear you recite the Pledge of Allegiance:
I pledge allegiance to the Flag of the United States of America, and to the Republic, for which it stands; one nation, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.
Since I was a small boy, two states have been added to our country, and two words have been added to the Pledge of Allegiance: Under God. Wouldn’t it be a pity if someone said that is a prayer, and that would be eliminated from schools, too?
Red Skelton
It all began Boys and Girls in 1888.. jf