CityView Magazine

40 July 2022 GOOD READS Land that we love BY DIANE PARFITT 1. "How the Word Is Passed" by Clint Smith In our rather schizophrenic attempt to deal with our history of slavery, Americans still struggle mightily with what to do. On one hand, protesters on the le are demanding the removal of any and all statues and reminders of the Confederacy. On the other hand, political leaders on the right are condemning educators who attempt to teach the truth about slavery. Poet and Atlantic staff writer Clint Smith attempts to bridge this divide with a personal tour of nine places in America that memorialize or distort the legacy of slavery. 2. "With Fire and Sword: The Battle of Bunker Hill and the Beginning of the American Revolution" by James L. Nelson How did it all begin, this experiment in democracy we call America? What were the first steps toward independence? Nelson's book may well be the best, most readable resource for answers to those questions. Bunker Hill was the first planned, strategic battle of the American Revolution. Nelson creates a clear picture of the placement of the two armies and what happened on that hot day in June 1775. His easy-to-understand explanation of the political climate in Massachusetts and the growing resentment of British colonial policies over the years prior to that make this book a must-read. 3. "What Does It Mean to Be American? Teach Children the Importance of Unity and About the Diversity, History and Values of America" by Rana DiOrio and Elad Yoran. Illustrated by Nina Mata "What does it mean to be American? Does it mean you like apple pie or fireworks? Not exactly." Americans may be divided into two opposing teams of red and blue, but really, we are all brothers and sisters in this vast country we love. We need to start with our children, teaching them that to be an American is to believe in certain values that join us together. is beautifully illustrated book will be a great tool for parents and children to remind each other of our greatness as one nation that we all love. 4. "An Indigenous Peoples' History of the United States" by Roxanne Dunbar-Ortiz In reviewing the history of the United States, perhaps we should start with the people who were here first. Fieen million native people once inhabited this land. At present, there are 500 federally recognized indigenous nations with a total of 3 million people who are their descendants. is history, meticulously researched from their perspective, tells how Native Americans actively resisted the expansion of the United States. 5. "Our Pledge, Our Promise: The Pledge of Allegiance Explained" by Sheri Wall. Illustrated by Gary Manly With this book, parents and children can learn what the Pledge of Allegiance really means. e kids can learn the profound meanings behind words like "allegiance" and "indivisible," and parents can be reminded of all that America stands for and means to each of us. Included in this lively book is a demonstration of the proper way to fold the American flag, as well as a list of all the holidays when the flag should be flown. Diane Parfitt is a former pediatric nurse and assistant professor of nursing education and currently owns a bookstore. She can be reached at citycentergallerybook@gmail.com. O ne of my favorite things to do on the Fourth of July is to listen to the concerts in which the performers sing all the patriotic music we grew up with — songs like "God Bless America," "America the Beautiful," "God Bless the USA," and "is Land Is Your Land." ey speak to the memories we share and the history we studied in school. With the current divisiveness in our country, we need to reflect on our shared history and what has brought us together as Americans. Our country has its flaws, the most glaring of which is our history of slavery, but we have within us so much goodness to sustain and build on. We need to read about our country's history, the bad as well as the good. We can learn from it, work to correct the things we are not proud of, and continue to love our red, white and blue.. Here are some books that will help us reflect on our shared history. "What is our history that has brought us to this point – where we still love our country?" ~ Unknown 1 2 3 4 5

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