We hear quite a bit these days about the changes in our country’s education system, particularly from those lamenting the declining emphasis on understanding and appreciating history and its role in shaping our culture. I was not a student of history back in my school days, and I regret that today and often find myself scrambling to research events from long ago so that I can more fully understand their relationship to life today. With this in mind, I am always on the lookout for ideas and suggestions that can stimulate interest among young people in the past. Every now and then, one surfaces, and I make an attempt to help give it the light of day!

Such is the case in the article below posted by AMAC Foundation Board Member John Grimaldi. The article discusses the efforts of David Bruce Smith, co-founder of the Grateful American Book Prize, who authors books intended to encourage young learners “to love and understand America’s history in an era when teaching it in the classroom is on the decline.” Check out John’s article reprinted below…

Co-founder of the Grateful American Book Prize ‘practices what he
preaches” and writes engaging, historically accurate books for children

WASHINGTON, DC — David Bruce Smith, co-founder of the Grateful American Book Prize, practices what he preaches. He authors books which encourage young learners to love and understand America’s history in an era when teaching it in the classroom is on the decline.

His style and world-class illustrations provided by his mother, the renowned American artist, Clarice Smith, make their latest offering, Abigail & John , a must read for children of all ages, with the focus on young sons and daughters. The book tells the story of our second president, John Adams, and his wife, Abigail. They were not just husband and wife; they were prolific collaborators who helped nurture the U.S. during its formative years.

Margot Lee Shetterly, author of the New York Times best seller, Hidden Figures: The Story of the African American Women Who Helped Win the Space Race , says Abigail & John “is sure to give students new insights into the early years of our country’s history.” And, that was Smith’s intent when he and his mother set out to research, write, and illustrate the book.

Abigail & John is the author’s 12 th work. His previous book–also a mother and son collaboration– was American Hero: John Marshall, Chief Justice of the United States . Marshall, the fourth Chief Justice of the Supreme Court, has been called the “the forgotten founding father.”

EDITORS’ NOTE : For more information about Abigail & John visit the Grateful American Book Series Web site. It is published by Liberty Bell Press, an imprint of the Pike and Powder Publishing Group, LLC., Sales and Distribution by Simon & Schuster .

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