An early entrant in the activity that will surround the upcoming one hundredth anniversary of the Pledge of Allegiance offers a simple description of its background, creation, and adoption.

Gr 2-4 --Written to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the pledge, this easy-to-read book traces the history of the oath. Author and illustrator have placed the pledge within the historical and social framework of the time as well as provided the step-by-step events in its development over time. The narrative text varies in quality; some parts merely list chronological events, while others flow smoothly in a storylike fashion. The illustrations, in oils, enhance the text by giving an appropriate sense of time and place throughout. While other flag books may mention the pledge, this book fills a gap by making it the entire focus. Also, because the pledge to the flag was created to honor the 400th anniversary of Columbus' arrival in America, I Pledge Allegiance is a timely addition to materials to be used to celebrate the 500th anniversary. Social studies and ESL curricula will be enriched by this book; it will also be helpful in public library programs and services to new immigrant groups. --Janie Schomberg, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign