We Were Better Off Uncensored

I came across two books of poetry I had written as class asignments in 4th Grade (that'd put it at early 1979). One collection was an alphabetical history of America. Judging from these 26 poems, I did not have -- or was not offered -- a full telling of our nation's past (there seemed to be a pre-occupation with inventions). But I really appreciate now my morbid synopsis of World War II. I imagine that these days I'd instead be counseled rather than applauded for my understanding (a small green "A" was etched into my tweed-like cover by Mrs. Zarwin).