Book Review – The American Patriot’s Almanac

My book reviews are generally done on books that I’ve recently gotten from the library and are kind of a “public service” to help readers decide if they should read one of the books.  This review, though, is my first review for Thomas Nelson Publishers.  I received a complimentary copy of the book in order for me to review it. 

The American Patriot’s Almanac is a book of daily readings about people and events in the history of the United States of America.  The authors are William J. Benett and John T.E. Crabb.  The format of the book is pretty straightforward.  There is a daily reading of less than a page about some event related to that date in history.  Below that is the “American History Parade” – a list of five or more “this day in history” entries.  Between months are readings about other topics of interest such as “Fifty All-American Movies” or “How the Constitution Was Written and Ratified”.

This is a really fun way to get introduced to American History.  It’s little nuggets of info that leave the reader wanting for more (but in a good way).  I generally prefer World History to American History, but I thoroughly enjoyed the selections in this book.  As a trivia buff, I also loved the factoids at the bottom of the page.  Here are some random examples of the kinds of things included in this book: February 25 – Why the flag is called Old Glory; March 22 – Anne Hutchinson; July 14 (my birthday – which was NOT included – I’m crushed) – Presidential trivia; October 24 – the transcontinental telegraph; December 18 – the Tuskegee airmen.

I plan to use this book next fall when both kids start studying American History.  Already, Ga’hoole Girl has picked up the book several times to see what events were discussed on each of our birthdays as well as holidays.  She’s chomping at the bit to start reading this as a family.  The entries are just enough information to whet the kids’ appetites for more.

I strongly recommend The American Patriot’s Almanac for all families.  I certainly think it would be an excellent part of an American History curriculum, but it would also be nice just for a daily short reading.  Each entry gives us a reason to be thankful for our country and those who made it what it is today.

You can order this book from Thomas Nelson directly or from Amazon or Christian Book Distributors.