Monday, July 2, 2018

GOD BLESS AMERICA: The Story of An Immigrant Named Irving Berlin / Book Review


By: Adah Nuchi
Illustrated by: Rob Polivka
Published by: Disney Hyperion
Released on: June 5th, 2018
Ages: 4 & up
Purchase from: Disney | Amazon 
Add it to Goodreads
Rating: 4 owlets
Thank you to Disney for providing a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review

An inspiring portrait of an immigrant and the gift he gave his new home.

Persecuted as Jews, Izzy Baline and his family emigrated from Russia to New York, where he fell in love with his new country. He heard music everywhere and was full to bursting with his own. Izzy's thump-two-three, ting-a-ling, whee tunes soon brought him acclaim as the sought-after songwriter Irving Berlin. He ignited the imaginations of fellow countrymen and women with his Broadway and Hollywood numbers, crafting tunes that have become classics we still sing today.

But when darker times came and the nation went to war, it was time for Irving to compose a new kind of song: boom-rah-rah song. A big brass belter. A loud heart-melter. A song for America.

And so "God Bless America" was born, the heart swelling standard that Americans have returned to again and again after its 1918 composition. This is the tale of how a former refugee gave America one of its most celebrated patriotic songs. With stirring, rhythmic text by Adah Nuchi and delightful, energetic art by Rob Polivka, readers will be ready to hum along to this exuberant picturebook.


"This is the tale of how a former refugee gave America one of it's most celebrated patriotic songs." 

What a wonderful piece of history to read about. This book is a real treat. Not only do I have a new found love for this song, I appreciate the story of the artist behind the song, GOD BLESS AMERICA. Reading about the meaning behind the creation of this song, and learning more about the song writer, Irving Berlin, and his life, makes this song even more meaningful. 

This inspiring story is worth picking up. This book is a great aloud. It's also perfect for history, social studies, and music lessons/class discussions. I have a much greater appreciation for this song knowing it's history, and the life of it's writer. This book's release is just in time to celebrate this beloved song's 100th anniversary!
I would be most content if my children grew up to be the kind of people who think decorating consists mostly of building enough bookshelves. ~ Anna Quindlen

Good children's literature appeals not only to
the child in the adult, but to the adult in the child.
~ Anonymous ~