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Who's Got Mail?: The Story of the U.S. Postal Service

By Linda Barrett Osborne
Edition

Hardcover edition

Publisher Abrams Imprint Abrams ISBN

9781419758966

Who's Got Mail?: The Story of the U.S. Postal Service

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SKU
9781419758966J

CONTENT NOTIFICATIONS

Discrimination: Racial Insensitivity/Racism,Discrimination: Sexism,Social Issue: Slavery in Historical Context,Violence: Death,Violence: Gun Violence

A fascinating history of the U.S. Post Office for kids, from acclaimed author Linda Barrett Osborne.



“In America, one of the first things done in a new State is to have the mail come.” —Alexis de Toqueville, 1835



Who’s Got Mail? is an intriguing and fact-filled look at how the mail has been delivered in the United States since before the Constitution was even signed. In the United States, the spread of the postal service went hand in hand with the spread of democracy and transportation. As settlement spread west, communication became even more important to let distant residents feel that they were American; no part of the country was too far away, no village or farm too small to have access to the post. Moreover, the Post Office has always been a public service—it was not originally designed to make a profit or act like a business, but to deliver letters, medical supplies, packages ordered online, and all the things that Americans need at a reasonable cost. Over the centuries, it has also been one of the largest employers in the United States, particularly as a means for African Americans and women to secure stable, middle-class jobs.



Full of eccentric characters, great stories, and technological achievements, this fun middle-grade narrative nonfiction from author Linda Barrett Osborne celebrates one of the oldest and strongest institutions, and is a true testament to the spirit of American democracy.



Time line. Notes. Selected bibliography. Index.
Black-and-white and full-color photographs,  illustrations, and reproductions. 
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Praise & Reviews

School Library Journal

Gr 4–8—This engaging story of the postal delivery service in the United States shares the history of an essential democratic institution considered so foundational to American life that its existence is mandated in the U.S. Constitution. Even early American leaders so wary of centralized government considered a federal postal system necessary to keep citizens informed regarding local and national happenings. Because its mission is to serve all Americans, wherever the postal service has expanded, it literally paved the way for improved transportation and infrastructure. Osborne illustrates with photos the many ways the mail has been delivered, including mules still trekking down the Grand Canyon! American history and the service provided by the postal system are intertwined. Osborne recounts how the postal service has become one of the most diverse workforces, with many overcoming discrimination faced by women and people of color. Chapters and inset text boxes focus on the experiences of women, Black, Asian, Latinx, and Native American workers and shine a light on an employer that has changed over the centuries to reflect the neighborhoods it serves. This may not be the most popular subject, but everyone uses the mail service, and Osborne's meticulous research results in a fascinating history. VERDICT With first class writing, this extremely readable postal history gets delivered with an enthusiastic stamp of approval.—Lisa Crandall

Nonfiction Middle Plus (Grades 5-8)

Nonfiction Middle Plus

Nonfiction Middle Plus (Grades 5-8)

For Grades 5-8
You'll love our NM+ Category which offers 14 more intriguing nonfiction selections for middle school readers. Readers with a thirst for factual knowledge will look forward to these books arriving each month.

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Interests

Biographies, Diversity, History, Nonfiction, Science/STEAM

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