Nonfiction Monday

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For Nonfiction Monday  --  "Arlington: the story of our nation's cemetery" written and illustrated by Chris Demarest.

 

With Memorial Day just two weeks away, it seemed appropriate to share this story of Arlington Cemetery. Demarest has created a work that traces the history of Arlington from its early connection to George Washington through present day. Following the death of his father, George Washington Parke Custis was adopted and raised by his grandparents, George and Martha Washington. At the age of 21, Parke Custis began building Arlington House on land inherited from his father. The property was inherited by Custis' son-in-law, Robert E. Lee and eventually sold to the federal government by Lee's son. The first Revolutionary War dead were reburied at Arlington in 1892.

 

Demarest's research broadens the scope of the book to include details such as the creation of Freedman's Village, a home to more than one thousand freed slaves and other points of interest related to the Arlington property. The author notes that 300,000 people are buried at Arlington and provides a brief list of some of the familiar writers, activists, justices and presidents. He also includes a list of the many memorials to be found. Demarest concludes his work with a personal look at his own experience of his father's burial at Arlington and a discussion of his illustrations.

 

Written in picture book format, but crafted for older readers grades 3-6, this is a work that will provide its audience with a well-researched study that is both comprehensive and respectful. Beautiful watercolor illustrations offer glimpses of Arlington from varied perspectives. A timeline, author's notes, and suggestions for further reading provide opportunities for enriched study. Common Core compatible.