by Kristi Noem
First published 2014
This interactive guidebook takes young readers inside the legislative branch of the U.S. Government. Noem presents congressional history through dramatic stories and key personalities rather than dry facts. The book covers major congressional milestones including slavery's abolition, voting rights extensions to African Americans and women, and investigations of government and private sector misconduct. Readers learn about Congressional structure, purpose, and current issues through clear discussions paired with engaging activities. The hands-on projects include crafting a House ceremonial mace, designing congressional currency, building a capitol dome model, and creating a Congressional Medal of Honor. Noem balances historical perspective with contemporary relevance, showing how past legislative battles connect to today's political landscape. The book transforms complex governmental processes into accessible concepts while maintaining focus on the human stories behind major turning points in American democracy.
Genres: history, politics, non-fiction, government, american-history
Vibes: educational, informative, thought-provoking
Tropes: educational, informative
Setting: United States
Period: 19th-century, 20th-century, 21st-century
144 pages · Kindle Edition · Chicago Review Press