New!

Land of the Free

America's ABC

Junior Library Guild Gold Standard selection.

From A to Z, discover the people, places, and pleasures that make the United States of America a place to be proud of.

Bouncing poetry and fast facts are accompanied by rich illustrations and stunning photography, engaging young readers with both the history and present of our country. With America celebrating its 250th anniversary in 2026, Land of the Free: America’s ABC is perfect pick for families, schools, and libraries.

Includes and afterward from author, Devin Scillian.

Format Your Price Qty
$15.99
$15.99
$27.99
Add to Active Quote

Are you a librarian, educator, or bookseller? Also available from your favorite wholesaler, or ask your sales rep.

Interest Level Kindergarten - Grade 3
Reading Level Grade 1
Dewey
Lexile
ATOS Reading Level
Guided Reading Level
Publisher Sleeping Bear Press
Language English
Available Formats Hardcover (9781668979020), PDF (9781668979044), ePub (9781668979037), Hosted ebook (9781668979051)
Copyright 2026
Number of Pages 40
Dimensions 8 x 9
Graphics Full-color illustrations, Full-color photographs, Historical photographs
  • Junior Library Guild (JLG) - Gold Standard, Winner, 2025

School Library Journal - Land of the Free: America's ABC

PreS-Gr 1–Scillian’s richly illustrated, rhyming alphabet book is engaging resource for introducing young learners to the the symbols, traditions, and values of the United States. The descriptive language invites readers to explore American history and culture through poetic verse, while Carroll’s detailed illustrations capture a deep sense of patriotism. Each page pairs a letter of the alphabet with a key aspect of the United States, with topics ranging from historic landmarks to political ideals. The book offers educators plenty of opportunities for creative classroom connections. It can be used to build vocabulary, explore early American history, and discuss the values of liberty, equality, and citizenship. The factual notes at the bottom of most pages provide additional context, serving as springboards for deeper research projects or thematic lessons on American symbols, geography, or government. The text’s lyrical rhythm also makes it ideal for read-aloud sessions that integrate language arts and social studies. While the book’s patriotic tone and historical content are valuable, it noticeably lacks representation of the full American experience. Indigenous people and people of color are largely absent, and the depiction of immigrants reflects only white Europeans. Educators can use this flaw as a powerful teachable moment to encourage critical discussions about why certain American stories are told while others are neglected.VERDICT While not an essential purchase, this book, when paired with more inclusive texts, can help students build a broader and more equitable understanding of American history and identity.

Author: Devin Scillian

Devin Scillian is an award-winning author, broadcast journalist, and musician. He presently anchors the news for WDIV-TV in Detroit. He has traveled the world covering news stories from Sydney to Siberia. His school presentations have inspired countless children to think of themselves as not only readers, but writers as well.
In addition to Memoirs of a Goldfish, Memoirs of a Hamster, Memoirs of an Elf, and Memoirs of a Parrot, Devin is also the author of numerous books for Sleeping Bear Press including the national bestseller A is for America: An American Alphabet. Devin lives in Michigan with his family. Find out more about Devin at www.devinscillian.com.

Illustrator: Pam Carroll

Born and raised in Southern California, Pam Carroll embraces the traditional focus of realism and pictorial illusionism. Her style of painting has been greatly influenced by the early Dutch Masters and the American Realists from the Second School of Philadelphia. She has illustrated A is for America: An American Alphabet; One Nation: America by the Numbers; S is for Star: A Christmas Alphabet; and G is for Golden: A California Alphabet. She lives with her husband in Carmel, California, where she paints daily, and is an active member of the Carmel Art Association.

Author/Illustrator biography
Contributor Note
Fast Facts
Original artwork
Full-color illustrations, Full-color photographs, Historical photographs