Here is a compilation of stories from every part of the nation—from the frozen tundra of Alaska to the lush green hills of Virginia; from the sweltering bayous of Louisiana to the windswept prairies of South Dakota. Each story is told in DeSpain's signature gentle, simple style, ensuring this collection's roles as a handy classroom tool and an “on-my-own” read for children in upper elementary and middle grades.
Every reader will find something of interest—the stories range from practical and wise ....
ones such as “Pulling the Rope” to silly and scary ones such as “The Haint that Roared” and “The Big, Smelly, Hairy Toe.” The stories' variety represents not only the geographic diversity of the United States, but offer a portrait of our nation's character: our various values, beliefs, and customs that differ from region to region yet retain a fundamental allegiance to the importance of passing that culture on through story.
AWARDS NCSS/CBC Notable Children's Trade Book in the Field of Social Studies
