A meditation on the history, geography, and diverse people of the United States, this oversized picture book relies on visual and word play, leaving its meaning open to interpretation. On one page, the words “white rows” describe an illustration of rows of white covered wagons—or is it white settlers?— crossing the plains. Next to it, the same words accompany an illustration of the red and white stripes of the American flag. Naberhaus also makes use of homophones. “Sew together won nation” is paired with an image of a young white woman stitching an early American flag, while next to it, “so together one nation” accompanies a group of people of many ethnicities, ages, and religions. The sparse text, along with Kadir Nelson’s rich illustrations, invite discussion with children of many ages. (Ages 6-10)

An inspiring and patriotic tribute to the beauty of the American flag, a symbol of America’s history, landscape, and people, illustrated by New York Times bestselling and Caldecott-honor winning artist Kadir Nelson

Wonderfully spare, deceptively simple verses pair with richly evocative paintings to celebrate the iconic imagery of our nation, beginning with the American flag. Each spread, sumptuously illustrated by award-winning artist Kadir Nelson, depicts a stirring tableau, from the view of the Statue of Library at Ellis Island to civil rights marchers shoulder to shoulder, to a spacecraft at Cape Canaveral blasting off.  This book is an ode to America then and now, from sea to shining sea.