Explore the history of the United States through the story of its capital city! This engaging guide takes kids on a journey through the history of Washington, D.C., from its early beginnings to its modern-day status as a world-class city. Washington, DC, History for Kids brings the past to life with fascinating stories, historical photos, and 21 hands-on activities that encourage young readers to explore the city's rich heritage. Kids will learn about the planning and construction of the capital, the impact of the Civil War, the stories behind iconic landmarks, and the ongoing evolution of this dynamic city. Perfect for ages 9 and up, this educational resource offers a unique blend of history and activities, making learning fun and interactive. Discover the story of Washington, D.C., and inspire a love of history in young minds! Gr 5–8—Panchyk has produced a multifaceted history of Washington, DC. The book is a chronological account of the capital's history, beginning with the first European settlements in the 17th century and ending with the August 2011 earthquake felt within the city. Chapters are broken into small sections of text, which range in length from a few to several paragraphs. The narrative discusses important events, such as the British attack on the city in 1814 and the Lincoln assassination. It also includes lesser-known events, such as the attempt to free slaves on the ship Pearl and Japan's gift of cherry trees to the city. Students will become acquainted with famous landmarks: the Smithsonian, the Capital, the United States Botanic Garden, and many other prominent sites. Primary documentation consists of drawings, photographs, and scans of letters and newspapers, including a letter by George Washington, an engraving of the city plan by Andrew Ellicott, and a photograph of Union Station in 1907. Some images, like a photograph of the Lincoln Memorial, occupy the whole page, while other images are half a page or smaller. This book is loaded with activities, some of which require adult supervision. These activities include taking part in backyard archaeology, and photographing current landmarks and comparing those images to older pictures. Some activities can be done in the home, such as drawing political cartoons or designing a city flag. These projects may be adapted for classroom use. A handy time line of the city can be found before the introduction. VERDICT An informational and activity-filled book that will be very useful for late-elementary and middle school history projects.—Jeffrey Meyer, Mt. Pleasant Public Library, IA "The book is full of great facts and stories that I didn't know myself—I'd love to use such a resource with my kid." —Thinking Outside the Sandbox “An informational and activity-filled book that will be very useful for late-elementary and middle school history projects.” — School Library Journal Richard Panchyk is the author of World War II for Kids , Our Supreme Court , and New York City History for Kids . He lives on Long Island in New York.