Kentucky Humanities

Kentucky Humanities delivers 600 books to Kentucky classrooms

Thanks to the National Endowment for the Humanities' A More Perfect Union initiative, Kentucky Humanities was able to distribute 600 books to 123 classrooms across the Commonwealth!

The themes of the books selected for this project reflect ideas and principles that are central to American democracy (unity, equality, liberty, the common good, the power of voting, and representative governance.) These books draw attention to the contemporary relevance of the language the founding fathers chose as a means for articulating the basis for the systems and institutions that form the American government. A discussion guide was included with each set of books.

The six books selected to coincide with the A More Perfect Union theme are:

Grace for President by Kelly DiPucchio. When Grace’s teacher reveals that the United States has never had a female president, Grace decides to be the first and begins her career in politics as a candidate in the election for school president.
Shh! We’re Writing the Constitution by Jean Fritz. This book provides a factual and detailed account of the Constitutional Convention of 1787 and the personalities and struggles associated with writing and ratifying the Constitution using plain and humorous language.
The Big Orange Splot by Daniel Manus Pinkwater. This book looks at one neighbor’s right to make his house look like all his dreams and how other neighbors choose to deal with his artistic expression of this right.
The Lorax by Dr. Seuss. The moral of this story is a simple one of respect for the environment and environmental sustainability.
The Story of Ruby Bridges by Robert Coles. This book tells the true story of a 6-year-old who was thrust into the national spotlight in 1960 when she was allowed to attend an all-white school.
We the Kids: The Preamble to the Constitution of the United States by David Cartow. This book introduces general rights and responsibilities.

“Kentucky Humanities is always proud to support schools in Kentucky by providing resources to assist educators in teaching about democracy in America,” Executive Director Bill Goodman said. “The A More Perfect Union initiative compliments our current lineup of programs offered to schools throughout the Commonwealth including Kentucky Chautauqua dramas, Speakers Bureau talks, Prime Time Family Reading, and School Days author visits.”