Blue Sky White Stars
on Goodreads (1,611)
What’s inside...
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, illustrated by award-winning artist Kadir Nelson, depicts a stirring tableau, from the view of the Statue of Liberty 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.
Age
4-8
Length
40 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What does the blue sky represent to you when you see it in the book and in real life?
How do the images of the flag make you feel about the place where you live?
Why do you think the author chose to show different people and landscapes in the book?
What do the words 'All American' mean to you after reading this book?
How can we show respect and love for our country and each other?
Tip: Role play these questions
While discussing the illustrations, point to the images and ask your child to describe what they see and how it makes them feel.
Encourage your child to relate personal experiences or memories to the scenes depicted in the book, enhancing their connection to the text.
Discuss the symbolism behind the colors and images used in the book, asking your child what each symbol means to them.
Use the story as a starting point to talk about diversity and the importance of unity in our country.
Read the book during significant national holidays like the Fourth of July or Memorial Day to add contextual relevance to the discussion.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Unity and Diversity
Explanation: Through the parallel depiction of the American flag and various aspects of American life and landscape, the book champions the idea that although diverse, we are unified under the same flag.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to appreciate and respect diversity in their communities, understanding that despite differences, we share common grounds and goals.
Example Lesson: Patriotism and National Identity
Explanation: The book uses national symbols like the flag, the land, and the people to instill a sense of pride and love for the country.
Real-World Application: This can help children foster a sense of belonging and pride in their country, encouraging them to contribute positively to society and respect national symbols.
Example Lesson: Respect for History
Explanation: By showing images from different historical periods alongside the consistent element of the flag, the book emphasizes the importance of history and its impact on our present.
Real-World Application: Children can learn the value of history in shaping current societal values and personal identities, motivating them to learn and respect historical events and figures.