 | ON: Content is age-appropriate for kids this age. |
 | PAUSE: Know your child; some content may not be right for some kids. |
 | OFF: Not age-appropriate for kids this age. |
 | NOT FOR KIDS: Not appropriate for kids any age. |
Liberty's Kids
- Syndicated
- Genre: Kids' Animation
Common Sense Media says
Worthwhile 'toon walks tweens through American history.
Parents say
Kids say
QUALITY
What parents need to know
Parents need to know that if ever there was a worthwhile TV series for tweens, this is it. The fact that each episode is a self-contained lesson in American history does nothing to diminish its entertainment value. James, Sarah, and Henri are typical kids with a natural curiosity about what’s going on around them, so their young viewers get to see important historical events like the Boston Tea Party and the Battle of Bunker Hill from their perspective. Because the show strives to adhere to historical fact, many storylines include violence and death (and in at least one case, execution), so it’s not appropriate for little kids, but it’s an enjoyable series that offers tweens an impressive amount of substance.
What's the story?
LIBERTY’S KIDS is a historical fiction cartoon that centers on three kids immersed in the events leading up to America’s independence. Orphaned as a baby, James (voiced by Chris Lundquist) finds a hero in Benjamin Franklin (Walter Kronkite) and devotes himself to his work as an apprentice in Franklin’s print shop to disperse information about the colonies’ revolt against Britain. James’s friend Sarah (Reo Jones) is an English guest of Franklin’s, and despite James’s dedication to the cause, she’s not sure whether she supports it. Joined by a young French immigrant named Henri (Kathleen Barr), the teens travel throughout the colonies, following the political and military engagements that eventually give way to America’s breach from English rule.
Is it any good?
History has never been as enticing as when it’s told through the eyes of someone kids can relate to, and the young heroes and heroines of Liberty’s Kids are just right for the job. The diversity that exists among them and the people they meet -- including their friend Moses (D. Kevin Williams), a self-emancipated slave -- reflects the unique multicultural appearance of America at its inception.
The kids’ journeys bring them face to face with historical heroes and epic moments in the country’s history, and tweens can tag along for a firsthand look at how things went down. The series boasts an incredible voice cast with the likes of Billy Crystal, Sylvester Stallone, and Annette Bening lending their talents to a few of the rotating historical figures. For tweens, this series is a wonderful complement to their traditional history studies, but because it includes war scenes and in some cases deals with death, it’s not a great choice for younger kids.
What families can talk about
Families can talk about how the show presents historical events. Do you think the stories adhere to facts? Did you notice any discrepancies between your knowledge of the events and what's in the show? What attempts does the show make to incorporate America’s diverse heritage?
Tweens: Does this show change how you feel about American history? How is our view of history skewed by the media through which we receive the information? What time periods in history most interest you? Why?
Is it possible for TV to be truly educational? Is this series a good example of educational media? What other shows have you seen that have taught you something? How are different branches of the media used as teaching tools?
- Show:
- All members
- Parents
- Teens & kids
AGE
LOVE IT LOVE IT LOVE IT LOVE IT LOVE IT.
This is one of my shows that's always going to have a place in my heart; not only was it my very favourite show as a kid, but I still watch it every now and then these days. I'm not lying when I say the info on this show can always really come in handy. Last year the strangest thing happened-- I watched an episode that had a reference to the House Of Burgesses, which I hadn't known about prior to then even though I really should of, and the next day I took a state test that coincidentally had a question about the same thing I'd seen on the show the day before! O.o I literally got a 100% on that test! It's also worth noting that the theme song to this show is totally amazing. If it were up to me, that'd be our national anthem. This show is all-around amazing!
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AGE
I like it because its another way,a fun way of showing our history, relatable to their level!
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AGE
i love this show. i use to watch it all the time!
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AGE
Educational, wholesome show!
I used to love this show. :) Very educational. I still remember some of the information I got from it as a kid. Highly, highly, highly recommend it!
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Kid, 11 years old
February 25, 2011
AGE
content: The show does present battles, but all you see during it are a bunch of guns firing though there is the occasional off-screen death. Other than that it is pretty clean.
Quality: The show is an animated history lesson, but I don't care at all. You should note that it is best that you understand the basic things about the revolutionary war which is probably intro duced best in 3rd of 4th grade making this best for tweens.
Verdict: This is a show definitely worth watching. It can be seen on MyRBC or UNC kids. It does not come on PBS kids. age: 7/8+ iffy:6
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AGE
Good, educational show for tweens+
I remember watching this show when I was younger, and I think it does a good job potrayiny American history. My family members enjoy this show and they say it pottage American history well. I like how they mentioned slavery (something that they rarely show on tv). Although there are wars going on, it's not that violent and, it shows what really happened.
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AGE
One of the better PBS shows.
This was one of my favorite PBS Kids shows when I was young. Educational and fun, but no too kiddy. Reccomended.
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Kid, 12 years old
March 2, 2011
AGE
Good show!!!
I watch this in my Social Studies class sometimes and everyone in my class loves them! I think they are fun and educational!
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AGE
i love this show!
good show. i use to watch all the time.its funny
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| TV rating: | NR |
| Network: | Syndicated |
| Cast: | Chris Lundquist, Reo Jones, Walter Kronkite |
| Genre: | Kids' Animation |
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