The US Congress for Kids

October 1, 2014
The latest installment of the For Kids series examines the history and functions of the United States Congress. Noting low approval ratings Congress receives from many Americans, Reis encourages readers to see what an amazing institution Congress is, pointing out its role in overthrowing slavery, giving women the right to vote, making strides in civil rights and challenging executive branch authority. Chapter 1-"Unfinished Business: Congress and Slavery"-opens with a lively account of Preston Brooks' attack on Sen. Charles Sumner on the eve of the Civil War, and following chapters continue the focus on volatile issues facing Congress and American society since our government's founding-creating the judicial system, enacting the Bill of Rights, seeking a policy on immigration, impeaching presidents and investigating potential dangers to American society. Unfortunately, this volume, like others in the series, is trapped by its "For Kids" formula, as the historical content is well-suited for an older, middle school audience while many of the activities are for younger kids: Create your own "Congressional Money," make a capital for a Capitol column using paper-towel cores and yogurt cups, and create a Capitol dome using toothpicks and gumdrops. Backmatter includes an excellent guide to websites for kids, and the bibliography notes books suitable for young readers. A well-written, extensive history that doesn't seem to know its audience. (afterword, source notes, glossary, index) (Nonfiction. 9-14)

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October 1, 2014

Gr 5-8-In exploring more than two centuries of American legislation, Reis provides an array of intriguing, challenging, and controversial episodes, but an unwieldy structure and unappealing DIY activities limit the value of this muddled introduction to the U.S. Congress. Writing with brief assists from Representatives Henry A. Waxman and Kristi Noem, Reis fails to settle on a fluent organizing principle to present the intricate, evolving history of the House and Senate. Frequent interruptions to discuss uninviting crafts, online search activities, and short bios further complicate the readability. The vastness of this subject also prevents the author from offering sufficient context for some individual stories, particularly with regard to government treatment of minority populations, resulting in some problematic passages. Coupled with the author's tendency to editorialize on potentially contentious topics, these worrisome exclusions and narrative stumbles overpower the virtue of a dedicated look at Congress past and present.-Robbin E. Friedman, Chappaqua Library, NY

Copyright 2014 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

January 1, 2015
Grades 6-9 This entry in the For Kids series offers both historical and timely perspectives of Congress, presented here as the most important of the three branches of government, according to the nation's founding fathers. While the book covers such basics as the function of Congress and its bicameral system, anecdotal looks at Congress' influence and its current low approval ratings will interest students more. Some chapters focus on Congress' impact on history, including compromises made during slavery, immigration acts over time, and a progressive era that led to women's right to vote and changes that followed the civil rights movement. Others describe Congress' involvement in investigations, consenting to presidential appointments, and impeachment. A final chapter discusses campaigning, lobbying, and the need to fulfill obligations in home states and on Capitol Hill. Numerous archival photographs, sidebars, and activities complement the text, which can be challenging for younger readers, despite the kids designation. A time line, a glossary, related websites, and an extensive bibliography round out this helpful resource for government studies.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2015, American Library Association.)