“A More Perfect Union” themed bookshelf features 17 classic books to support community programs

Washington, DC--Congressman Eliot Engel (D-NY-17) today announced an award of 17 classic books on the theme of “A More Perfect Union” to six libraries in Rockland County. This was made possible through the National Endowment for the Humanities’ (NEH) We the People Bookshelf program. The Bookshelf includes Spanish translations to accompany three of the selected titles, as well as bonus materials for library patrons of all ages.

“These awards from the NEH will help our children achieve a superior education. Literature has always been an important tool in conveying American history to children of all ages in ways that textbooks cannot. These books will help inspire students through stories, rather than simple facts and dates, and help bring a richer and fuller appreciation for American History. They will be able to better understand what has come before and how to understands, shape and uphold our nation’s most valued principles,” said Rep. Engel. “One of the best things we can do for our children is to prepare them to become educated adults capable of leading our country into the future.

The Rockland libraries selected for the award are:

• Cottage Lane Elementary School in Blauvelt
• South Orangetown Middle School in Blauvelt
• Tappan Zee High School in Orangeburg
• Tappan Zee Elementary School in Piermont
• Chestnut Ridge Public Library in Spring Valley
• William O. Schaefer Elementary School in Tappan

“Since 2003, the We the People Bookshelf has introduced young readers at more than 17,000 school and public libraries to great literature and has helped them explore themes central to America’s history,” said NEH Chairman Jim Leach. “Through the Bookshelf, the Endowment provides high-quality educational resources to our nation’s libraries. This year readers at 4,000 libraries will be invited to explore the idea that the United States is a union, a ‘one’ as well as a ‘many.’”

The We the People Bookshelf program will distribute 4,000 sets of books to city, town, and neighborhood libraries as well as libraries in public, private, charter, and tribal schools selected. Each library will receive a set of the 17 books along with posters, bookmarks, and other promotional materials from NEH through the American Library Association (ALA), which is working in partnership with the Endowment. As part of the award, libraries are organizing programs or events to raise awareness of these classic books and engage young readers from May 1, 2010 through Apr. 30, 2011.

Programs for this year’s We the People Bookshelf, on the theme “A More Perfect Union,” are timed to coincide with the Nation’s commemoration of the American Civil War, which began 150 years ago. The Bookshelf features the following books:

• Kindergarten to Grade 3: Tico and the Golden Wings by Leo Lionni; A More Perfect Union: The Story of Our Constitution by Betsy and Giulio Maestro; Una unión más perfecta: la historia de nuestra constitución by Betsy and Giulio Maestro (translated by Aída E. Marcuse); When Marian Sang: The True Recital of Marian Anderson by Pam Muñoz Ryan
• Grades 4 to 6: César ¡Sí, se puede! by Carmet T. Bernier-Grand (Spanish edition); César ¡Si, Se Puede! / Yes, We Can! By Carmen T. Bernier-Grand; Eagle Song by Joseph Bruchac; The Great Little Madison by Jean Fritz; Darby by Jonathon Scott Fuqua
• Grades 7 to 8: Chains by Laurie Halse Anderson; Warriors Don’t Cry by Melba Beals; Lincoln Shot: A President’s Life Remembered by Barry Denenberg; Hitch by Jeanette Ingold
• Grades 9 to 12: The Souls of Black Folk by W. E. B. DuBois; American Creation: Triumphs and Tragedies at the Founding of the Republic by Joseph Ellis; Lincoln in His Own Words by Milton Meltzer; Carver: A Life in Poems by Marilyn Nelson; Twelve Angry Men by Reginald Rose; Ángeles asesinos by Michael Shaara (translated by Manuel de los Reyes); Killer Angels by Michael Shaara
• Bonus: The Civil War: A Film by Ken Burns; The Civil War: An Illustrated History by Geoffrey Ward, Ric Burns, Ken Burns; Declaring Independence: The Origin and Influence of America’s Founding Document edited by Christian Y. Dupont

The Bookshelf program is part of the NEH’s We the People program, which supports projects that strengthen the teaching, study, and understanding of American history and culture.