Who's Got Mail?: The History of Mail in America

by Linda Barrett Osborne Narrated by Tavia Gilbert

Overview

A fascinating history of the US 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.

Editorial Reviews

Kirkus Reviews

***STARRED REVIEW***
“This first-class history of an essential democratic institution should be a priority for young readers. A lively, carefully researched, and clearly written narrative.

Booklist

Informative and fun history of the U.S. postal service. It’s full of fascinating facts. A well-researched and appealingly designed book.

From the Publisher

***STARRED REVIEW***
“This first-class history of an essential democratic institution should be a priority for young readers. A lively, carefully researched, and clearly written narrative.”—Kirkus Reviews

“Informative and fun history of the U.S. postal service. It’s full of fascinating facts. A well-researched and appealingly designed book.”—Booklist

Kirkus Reviews

★ 2023-02-08
This first-class history of an essential democratic institution should be a priority for young readers.

Besides connecting us, since Colonial days the post office has fostered the expansion and improvement of roads, employment opportunities, provision of medical supplies, transportation, voting access, economic development, and more. Among the surprising facts shared: Mail could be sent without stamps until 1856 (the recipient had to pay to receive the letter), and originally, like other public services, mail delivery was not expected to be profitable. Three separate chapters are devoted to African Americans, women, and Latine, Asian, and Native Americans, testifying to the country’s history of systemic bias as well as contributions made by people from these communities. A chapter on the United States Postal Inspection Service is revealing: Mail train robberies, mail theft, and fraud have long tempted grifters. Sections on the future of the USPS, especially in light of 2022 reform legislation and flourishing anti-government sentiment, are notably thorough and evenhanded. Among the abundant, engaging, and informative photos are mule-train and reindeer-team delivery systems; the classical James Farley building, formerly the site of New York City’s central post office; and both famous and ordinary people who have made this public service work. The colorful and attractive pages are predominantly light blue with darker blue borders and yellow text boxes that provide interesting tidbits and additional context.

A lively, carefully researched, and clearly written narrative. (timeline, notes, bibliography, image credits, index) (Nonfiction. 10-14)

Product Details

BN ID:	2940178287972
Publisher:	Blackstone Audio, Inc.
Publication date:	05/23/2023
Edition description:	Unabridged
Age Range:	8 - 11 Years

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