These early books contain literature for the young reader, along with fables and folklore that have become part of the fabric of our culture. The books have the familiar look and feel of Elson's later "Dick and Jane" books. The literature selected by Elson for this series not only has literary merit, but has been chosen with an aim to deepen children's appreciation of our American history and heritage, and to encourage the development of virtues such as service to others, honesty, self-sacrifice, appreciation for the natural world, and yes, patriotism. Illustrations are used profusely in the first books as visual aids for the young reader's understanding of the text.
Book Seven has four sections: "The World of Nature, " "The World of Adventure, " "Our Inheritance of Freedom, " and "Literature and Life in the Homeland." Part I contains works by lovers of nature such as Whittier, Keats, and Emerson. Part II tells of King Arthur along with other adventures in verse and prose. Part III is filled with stirring tales of mankind's struggle for freedom. Part IV paints a portrait of America, its land and people.