” ‘And you have to keep going for our sake,’ said Annie. ‘For the sake of the future children of America, sir.’ ‘

Our Featured Friend: Revolutionary War on Wednesday by Mary Pope Osborne

In celebration of Memorial Day this week, this Magic Tree House book continues to be our Featured Friend, because it helps us learn valuable American history in a creative way, thus honoring those who fought for our freedoms. Today, we get to read 7 fun ways to interact with this book and “become friends” with Jack and Annie.

Here’s an excerpt from Wednesday’s Part I Blog Post:
Jack and Annie go back over 200 years into history where they are discovered by Patriots (thankfully not the Redcoats), meet the Commander-in-Chief, George Washington, and hear a compelling letter penned by Thomas Paine. Before George Washington leads his troops on a secret mission on Christmas Day, 1776, he instills courage into the Patriots with these words by Paine:

“These are the times that try men’s souls. The summer soldier and the sunshine patriot will, in this crisis, shrink back from the service of their country. But he that stands it now deserves the love and thanks of man and woman. . . .The harder the conflict, the more glorious the triumph. What we obtain too cheap, we esteem too lightly. It is dearness only that gives everything its value.”

Continue reading more of Part I at http://wp.me/p4m4Tu-bj

Inviting You To Become FRIENDS with Jack and Annie in Our Featured Friend: Revolutionary War on Wednesday

Feel, Relate, Imagine, Explore, Navigate, Develop, Share

F-  When have you felt scared and excited all at once like Jack and Annie felt in their adventure? (ie. maybe when you learned something new like bike riding or skating?)

R- Can you relate to Jack and Annie when were excited to meet someone they admired? Who did you meet and why is he/she special? (admire- look up to, respect, show honor, want to imitate or be like)

I – Imagine you are with Jack and Annie on their journey with Washington, and act out your favorite part of the book.

E- Explore ways you and your family can make a difference in America as you are making history right now! Make a list and do what you can today. *Parents, taking your kids with you to vote is one great way to show this generation how to contribute to our country.

N- Navigate through a map of the 13 colonies, the Delaware River, Pennsylvania, and parts of Great Britain to see where the Revolutionary War took place.

D- Develop  a timeline using the historical information in bold print throughout the book that tells the facts of the Revolutionary War.

S- Share Thomas Paine’s words in a thank you note to service men or women, letting them know of your gratitude for the sacrifices they are currently making for America!

Our kids decided to “become friends” with this book  by doing the “I- Imagine” activity. They are the ones that gave me the idea to write this blog when shortly after Christian read the book, I saw them doing this:

Kidsbook Friends’ Featured Friend for Memorial Day Week

*Join Kidsbook Friends on Facebook today for the latest summer reading contests, activities, and book titles with correlating activities!