What Is Congress? book cover
  • Black History
  • US History
  • Women’s History
  • Leaders

What Is Congress?

Which of these facts are true?
One senator is assigned the “candy desk,” always filled with goodies for colleagues
Before the Civil War, one senator was beaten savagely by another member of Congress because of their different views on slavery
Congress members are now allowed to bring their dogs to the office


Whether Congress is in session or not, here is an enthralling overview about the branch of our government closest to average Americans.

Best-selling adult author and the first woman to become executive editor of The New York Times, Jill Abramson is a self-confessed political junkie. Now she has written the book she wishes she’d had as a young reader. Explaining clearly and concisely what exactly Congress does, this book is peppered with fascinating stories, including the bloody beating in the Senate of a lawmaker in pre-Civil War days, the Watergate hearings, and Senator Joe McCarthy’s shameful “witch hunt” of Communists. Kids may start considering a career in Congress themselves when they learn fun facts, such as the special “candy desk” in the Senate, and the fact that all lawmakers can bring their dogs to work!

With 80 fun black-and-white illustrations and an engaging 16-page photo insert, readers will be excited to read this latest additon to this #1 New York Times Best-Selling series.

Susan B. Anthony book cover

Who Am I?

I was the most famous leader of the women’s rights movement.

Charles Dickens
Susan B. Anthony
Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart

Play the Who Was Adventure game!

Download the Who Was series app with over 5,500 questions and 100 levels to play on your phone.

Download on the AppStore

Activity Sheets

Download these activity sheets to add to the lesson and spark classroom discussions.

View All