Notgrass Civics

I would check that the Bill of Rights is covered (as in Sam Fink’s below). Also, look out for modern books that emphasize “democracy” over “republic”, as we weren’t meant to be a democracy. Other things are also politicized for power (i.e. accusing the use of ID in voting as interfering with voting rights law; with alcohol, if you can’t prove you’re LEGAL to drink at 21, then you can’t buy alcohol, if you can’t prove that you’re LEGAL to vote, same thing).
I would use the Notgrass books’ Table of Contents to confirm that you’ve covered the same material, just from other resources. Many things in the Notgrass may not be found for your younger ages, and that’s okay; they can learn it when they get to the age of your oldest. Then in high school, they’ll go into more depth. The Citizen’s Handbook is most useful, so your oldest can read actual first-hand accounts and for yourself to read in order to paraphrase to your youngsters. It’s good that you mentioned using it as a spine.

I’m going to use Notgrass this year, but without the workbook. Just narrating and answering any questions that may be there. I haven’t looked at it thoroughly yet.
As for the military, they should be familiar with the songs, mottoes, names, and purposes for each branch. Find posters/pics of examples for each. I don’t know any children’s books that do this, but you can gather that info at military websites online.

Also:
There’s a game called “Constitution Quest”; “Constitution Go Fish”;and  “We, the People Fight Tyranny” game.

Teach your children the Pledge and it’s history if they don’t already know it. Teach them what “Taps” is and when and why it’s played. (It began during the Civil War, BTW)

Seek out Americana folk and traditional music. Aaron Copland, the composer, has some. There are other sets, too that doesn’t sound like “kid’s music”, which CM would frown upon. There are plenty are beautiful renditions of military songs, folk songs, and themes to choose from that range from folksy, to religious, North, South, and Western traditions; Black Americana traditional music, classical compositions and more. This could be a new thread in-and-of itself.

*David Barton’s Wallbuilders has good material, too.
*’Take Your Hat Off When the Flag Goes By’ book and CD
*Wee Sing America book and CD (has the songs for Marines, Navy -“Anchors Away”, Army-”Caissons”;)-only for the very young. Good intro.
I Love America Vol. 1 and 2 with CD

Rush Revere books (on audio or reading them)
Liberty’s Kids tv show (though I get rankled with the over-emphasis on Franklin’s influence)

*William Bennett – The Children’s Bk. Of America for the youngers; The American Patriot’s Almanac for all; Our Country’s Founders: A Book of Advice for Young People for your older one.
*Jean Fritz (Shh! We’re Writing the Constitution, etc. other historical for the younger set-find a list of them; good variety)
*Sam Fink (Declaration of Independence; Gettysburg Address; The Constitution of the United States; The Three Documents that Made America)
Russell Freedman
**Lynne Cheney – A Patriotic Primer(check to see if this has info on our voting process, why the importance of the electoral college, and the branches of government); We, the People; A is for Abigail
Cornerstones of Freedom Series
*Cheryl Harness (only children’s bios of John Adams and John Quincy Adams that I know, plus other rare titles, including women’s voting) Check out her page either at her website or at Amazon.
Peter Spier – The Star Spangled Banner
*Steven Kroll – By the Dawn’s Early Light
*Katherine Lee Bates – America the Beautiful

Other notable authors and titles: Freedom’s Children (for your older); Susan Campbell Bartoletti; Eve Bunting (has titles related to the legal immigrant experience in our country’s past and going west); Andrea Warren (Orphan trains and more); Jim Murphy;

Find good bios on notable black Americans that contributed to fulfilling the Declaration’s intent: MLK JR.; Rosa Parks; Frederick Douglass; Booker T. Washington;

Emma’s Poem: The Voice of the Statue of Liberty – story of the author of the poem on Lady Liberty. Full text of poem included. This could be combined with Maestro’s book on Lady Liberty (though I don’t know if Maestro explains (accurately or not) the symbolism that exists on the statue herself).
As Good as Anybody – Richard Michelson (MLK JR. and Rabbi Heshel coming together in 1965 to walk from Selma to Montgomery)

Many of the authors and choices can double as American history. Another is to use Notgrass’ TOC to discern between the citizenship and history (as they can overlap). Classically, the study of Plutarch encouraged civic-mindedness amongst the populace. CM’s two-part “Ourselves” is also used for this purpose.

Hope this helps.