2nd Grade
Public Services Industry Sector
Legal and Government Services Pathway

George Washington's Teeth by Deborah Chandra, Madeleine Comora
Brock Cole (Illustrator)
A tongue-in-cheek dental history of our first President.  In this reverentially funny tale written in verse and based on Washington’s letters, diaries, and other historical records, readers will find out what really happened as they follow the trail of lost teeth to complete tooflessness. *

John, Paul, George & Ben by Lane Smith
Once there were four lads . . . John (Hancock), Paul (Revere), George (Washington), and Ben (Franklin). Oh yes, there was also Tom (Jefferson), but he was always off doing his own thing, so people usually forgot about him.  The lads were always getting into trouble for one reason or another. But somehow, these five lads grew up to start a revolution one that would change this country forever. Legendary artist Lane Smith has created a totally fresh and funny way to learn about the Founding Fathers of our country with just a few liberties mixed in.*

A. Lincoln And Me by Louise Borden 
The young narrator of this story shares his birthday with Abraham Lincoln, has the same tall, lanky frame with big hands and feet, and gets teased at school similar to the way Lincoln was criticized by the public centuries ago. For these reasons, the young boy likens himself to the legendary president and imagines what it would be like if Lincoln were still around, solving the problems of today's America.*


Now & Ben: The Modern Inventions of Benjamin Franklin by Gene Barretta 
What would you do if you lived in a community without a library, hospital, post office, or fire department? If you were Benjamin Franklin, you’d set up these organizations yourself. Franklin also designed the lightning rod, suggested the idea of daylight saving time, invented bifocals and the odometer—all inspired by his common sense and intelligence. *

The Bill of Rights: Protecting Our Freedom Then and Now by Syl Sobel J.D.
By 1787, the leaders of America's 13 newly-created states that had just won their independence from Britain convened to draw up the Constitution of the United States. However, citizens of many of the states feared that a new American government could take away certain of their rights, just as the British had done when they were colonies. It was soon agreed to add a series of ten amendments to the Constitution in order to guarantee specific rights to all citizens and states. Syl Sobel presents each of these amendments in this brand-new book, and clearly explains them in terms that grammar school students will find both meaningful and interesting. In the process, he points out fascinating facets of American constitutional history and law. He also explains how such rights as freedom of religion, speech, and assembly, as well as protections from unreasonable searches and a fair trial by jury apply to all of us in our daily lives.*

We the Kids: The Preamble to the Constitution of the United States
by David Catrow 
A long time ago some smart guys wrote the Preamble to the Constitution. You have probably read it before, but do you know what it means? And did it ever make you laugh? Now it will! Perfect for inspiring discussion in classrooms and around kitchen tables, this fun-filled and cheerfully illustrated look at the Preamble provides an accessible introduction to America's founding ideals for citizens of all ages. *


What's Government? (First Guide to Government) by Nancy Harris 
Learn all about the United States federal government. Learn the role of the three branches of government and how they work together. Discover the important role citizens play in choosing our government leaders. **

A More Perfect Union: The Story of Our Constitution by Betsy Maestro
Giulio Maestro (Illustrator)
This easy-to-understand book tells why and how the Constitution of the United States was created. "Simple, attractive, informative....The most accessible history of the Constitution to date."--School Library Journal. *

The U.N. Adventure: Mission to Molowa (Choose Your Own Adventure #32) by Ramsey Montgomery
Your involvement in the Model United Nations leads you into the heart of global
decision-making: a meeting of the United Nations dignitaries in New York City.
You have a natural savvy for scoping out interesting situations—and this leads you on a complicated peace-seeking mission in the troubled new nation of Molowa in Africa.  Will you become the youngest delegate ever to help bring peace to a warring nation, or will your nose for danger lead you into trouble so deep your political career isn’t long for this world? 20 exciting endings across international terrain. *


Rules and Laws (First Step Nonfiction: Government) by Ann-Marie Kishel
This title offers emergent readers an introduction to the creation of and reasons for rules and laws at home, at school, and in the community. **

Obeying Rules Brings Happiness by Arline Seibert Marcotte
OBEYING RULES BRINGS HAPPINESS is a colorful and educational book which enables children to realize that every one follows rules and grows from that experience. A stop sign, two of the Ten Commandments, writing checks and playing games are all examples of obeying rules the author uses in this book. They all emphasize that using rules brings law and order to our daily lives. She conveys the idea that it is rewarding to follow rules. *

Know and Follow Rules by Cheri J. Meiners M.Ed
A child who can’t follow rules is a child who’s always in trouble. This book starts with simple reasons why we have rules: to help us stay safe, learn, be fair, and get along. Then it presents just four basic rules: “Listen,” “Best Work,” “Hands and Body to Myself,” and “Please and Thank You.” The focus throughout is on the positive sense of pride that comes with learning to follow rules. Includes questions and activities adults can use to reinforce the ideas and skills being taught. *

 

*   www.amazon.com
**  www.powell.com