....Hakim! As an elementary teacher, I definitely preferred gaining my new information from the Hakim book. I chose to look at Chapters 35 and 36 in the Hakim book, which focus mainly on what Philadelphia was like during the Constitutional Convention. Our textbook specifically mentions the heat, the biting flies, and the fact that were it not for James Madison we would not have the great records of this historic meeting that we do today. The description of the city life, including page 161 about A Philadelphia Gardener really put the reader into the time period. I can see myself sharing excerpts from the Hakim book with my students this year.
In looking at that same time period in the Wood book, I must admit it was difficult to stay focused. Those pages (151-158) were filled with important but rather dry facts. It did provide me with a better understanding of just how amazing this new document was. It was interesting to me that Washington was convinced to attend so that it would not appear that he wanted this new government to fail in order to assume a military takeover. Our elementary textbook just states that he was ill, but knew he was needed once again. Interesting spin!
I also chose the topic of the Constitution. I love Hakim's descriptive writing style. I made many connections that helped me better understand this event in history.
ReplyDeleteI have to agree... Hakim is the winner. :)
I agree! Hakim has captured my attention for my second graders. He uses details, illustrations, maps, songs and a story line. My previous class would have loved this information!
ReplyDeleteI hope you recognized that Hakim and Woods are writing for different audiences and for different purposes. Hakim is trying to catch the attention of elementary students while Wood is trying to provide an overall background.
ReplyDeleteNow that you've been to Philadelphia on a hot day, I'm sure you can relate to at least the heat!