Arlington: The Story of Our Nation's Cemetery

by Chris L. Demarest

AMERICA'S RESTING PLACE. The story of the national cemetery--from the Revolutionary War to the present.

Arlington recounts the complicated history of one of the nation's most famous and most-visited national monuments and its fascinating daily life. Carefully researched and documented, Chris Demarest's watercolor paintings capture the spirit and pathos of the last resting place of more than 300,000 Americans who have served their country.

Genres: Picture Books, Nonfiction, Childrens, History

32 pages, Hardcover

First published October 26, 2010

About the author

Writer and illustrator of works for children.

Reviews

[Luisa Knight · Rating 3 out of 5]

An informative picture book on Arlington Cemetery, it’s history, customs and observances.

A great book to get out for Memorial Day or before a visit to the grounds.

Ages: 5 - 12

[Terry]

This was interesting to me. I lived in Northern Virginia for many years and saw the "house on the hill" but never knew its origins. In picking up the book I was worried about the amount of text for the targeted "elementary" audience. The pages are a little wordy, but the text is well written for the intended audience. The illustrations are lovely and add to the history. The book is definitely worth the read, and an important one if you have military members in your family.

More in the full review at the Reading Tub.

[Angela · Rating 3 out of 5]

Connor’s review of it.

[Rhonda Gregware]

Informative picture book detailing the history of Arlington Cemetery.

[Marissa Lazar · Rating 5 out of 5]

This beautifully illustrated informational picture book about Arlington National Cemetery is perfect for older elementary aged students who want to know more about our country's past. Starting from the very beginning, we learn that the Arlington House, now the Curtis-Lee Mansion was once owned by President George Washington and was passed onto his step-grandson George Washington Parke Curtis, and then passed onto his daughter, Mary Anna who eventually became the wife to Confederate General Robert E. Lee. The wonderful illustrations show the Arlington House and the hollowed grounds of the cemetery. The reader learns about the tradition of the riderless horse and the backwards boots in funeral processions for high-ranking officers and heads of state. Chris Demarest does an excellent job explaining some of the most important history to some of the youngest citizens of our country. The honor guard member on the cover of the book was what drew my attention in and made me want to learn more about Arlington. After having students read this informational picture book we could do more research into Arlington. Online you are able to find some of the more well known people who are buried in the cemetery, I would have my students read a biography of the person they chose. I would also find a video of the changing of the guard online to have my students watch, and further explain the significance of the number 21. If I teach at a school that is close to Arlington I would plan a field trip for students to go and visit the cemetery.

[Heidi-Marie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a good book which gently deals with the history of a very special place. I visited only once. I was 11. Unfortunately, I did not know US history well and did not fully appreciate or comprehend the magnitude and significance of the cemetery. But I do remember feeling a sense of awe and respect. And reverence. Of all those many times I went to D.C., it saddens me that I was not able to visit the more patriotic and historical aspects of that city as I would have liked. Arlington Cemetery is especially one of those sites.

I'm glad that there is a book to teach readers the background of the cemetery. I had no idea about most of the information given. Surprised by some of it, too. I'm glad this is a Beehive nominee and children will become more acquainted with a place they may not be familiar with. Maybe they will have a desire to visit there.

[Heidi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Arlington National Cemetery is a special place where many of those who have served our country have been laid to rest. But it's history shows that it too has known war, the Civil War specifically, when Arlington House (which belonged to Robert E. Lee and his wife) was first used as a cemetery, mostly as a matter of convenience but also to get back at Lee for fighting for the Confederacy. But since that day the place has come to represent the sacred sacrifices that many of those laid there have made in behalf of their country. It was interesting to me to read about the ceremonies that take place there as well as the many monuments that have been erected to those who have served. The beautiful illustrations to a great job of helping to illustrate what a special place this is and that it is far more than just a cemetery.

[Karen Arendt · Rating 5 out of 5]

Having just visited Arlington National Cemetery this past April, I was curious about a book about Arlington. The information is presented in a narrative format with no chapters. The text includes how the cemetery was created, what some of the different sections are, what a burial is like, and details the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. It is very informative. The illustrations are amazingly detailed yet simple. The timeline at the back of the book provides a quick look at important dates in history and a list of some famous and important people buried at Arlington.

[Mary Ann · Rating 4 out of 5]

History buffs will truly enjoy this account of our nation’s cemetery dedicated to those who have served in our armed forces and who have served in high office. Starting with step-grandfather George and grandmother Martha Washington adopting George Washington Parke Custis, and proceeding to Robert E. Lee’s marriage into the family later on, then continuing on to the burial of 6000 soldiers buried there each year, the story unfolds with dignity. Don’t miss this tribute to the ones who lived to serve our country.

[Duane · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an amazing book for anyone to read. Done in a picture book style, readers will learn about the area we call Arlington National Cemetery. It discusses the well known people who were involved in the creation, the famous occurences that have happened there and the daily goings on that makes this cemetery such a national treasure. A nice way to introduce young readers to this American treasure.

[Laura]

I think this book missed the mark. It seems like a children's book -- it has beautiful artwork and I was hoping it would be a good text to use with students in grade 4. But the text is written at a fairly high level and there aren't very many context clues to help students who are just learning history. I recommend skipping this one for elementary collections though it might be a good fit for advanced readers or middle school collections.

[Christine · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a very well thought out book about (of course) Arlington National Cemetary. I liked the order and precision and simple beauty of the text and illustrations. I would have liked to see an acutal picture, especially a modern-day ariel view, though. I think it will make everyone who has never been there (including me) want to make a visit.

[Sue · Rating 3 out of 5]

A very informative book about Arlington Cemetery and the Tomb of the Unknowns which most people know as the tomb of the unknown soldier. it starts at the beginning with George Washington to the ceremony still in existence each day.. for everyone who has been to or goes to Washington, D.C. it makes for interesting reading

[Kris Patrick · Rating 3 out of 5]

I would offer to read aloud to 4th grade classrooms the week of Veteran's Day, but I worry that the kids would ask me a ton of questions that I couldn't answer. Probably better for someone with more content knowledge to read aloud than me. #bookaday

[Alice · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have been to Arlington National Cemetery. It was a quick tour, but it is hallowed ground. I have been to JFK grave! Reading this book added a little more information to what I already knew. It is a little long for young readers but I think perfect for 5th Graders who study US history!

[Edward Sullivan · Rating 2 out of 5]

Informative and a good subject but I cannot give this book a higher rating because of the sloppy copy editing. Errors abound.

[Sandybear76 · Rating 3 out of 5]

Excellent book.

[Allison · Rating 4 out of 5]

So Cool!! I learned a lot.

[Elizabeth · Rating 3 out of 5]

Insight into how the Arlington cemetery came to be. Very lengthy due to all of the information given.

[Laura · Rating 3 out of 5]

I learned a few things from reading this and thought parts of it were interesting but not sure kids will get into it.

[Joni · Rating 3 out of 5]

an interesting and informative story of the nation's cemetery and the people who are laid to rest there.

[Angie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am a sucker for history books, especially children's history books. I enjoy them because they tell the story in such a simple manner.

Moving story. I learned things I didn't know about.

[Elizabeth Finney · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good for history buffs like me but kids are going to snooze, I'm afraid..

[Shiloah · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautiful illustrations, excellent, and thoroughly written. Good read for families. We all learned a lot and look forward to visiting this important monument. I recommend this to everyone.

[Missy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wish I had found this before taking my kids there!!