Blue Book facts for kids

Blue Book is a common name that can refer to several different things. It often means a special book or guide that contains important rules, prices, or information. Let's explore some of the most well-known "Blue Books."

What is a "Blue Book"?

A "Blue Book" usually refers to a specific type of guide or official document. These books often have a blue cover, which is how they got their nickname. They are used in many different fields, from military training to buying cars and even legal studies.

The Army's Original "Blue Book"

One of the earliest and most famous "Blue Books" was a military training manual.

What was the "Regulations for the Order and Discipline of the Troops of the United States"?

This important book was written during the American Revolutionary War. It was officially called Regulations for the Order and Discipline of the Troops of the United States.

Who wrote it and why was it important?

The book was created by Friedrich Wilhelm von Steuben, a military officer who helped train the American army. Before this book, the American soldiers did not have a standard way of training or fighting. Von Steuben's "Blue Book" gave them clear rules for everything. It taught them how to march, how to use their weapons, and how to work together as a team. This helped make the Continental Army much stronger and more organized. It was first published in 1779 and became the official guide for the army for many years.

Kelly Blue Book: Your Guide to Car Prices

When people talk about a "Blue Book" today, they often mean the Kelly Blue Book.

What is Kelly Blue Book?

The Kelly Blue Book is a very popular guide that helps people figure out the value of cars. It lists prices for both new and used cars, trucks, and other vehicles.

How is it used?

If you or your parents are thinking about buying or selling a car, the Kelly Blue Book can tell you what a fair price might be. It considers things like the car's age, how many miles it has been driven, and its condition. This helps people make smart decisions when dealing with cars. It was first published in 1926 by Les Kelly.

The Bluebook: A Guide for Lawyers

Another important "Blue Book" is used in the legal world.

What is the "Bluebook: A Uniform System of Citation"?

This book, officially called Bluebook: A Uniform System of Citation, is a special guide for lawyers and law students. It teaches them how to properly write and cite legal documents.

Why is it important for legal writing?

When lawyers write about laws, court cases, or legal articles, they need to show exactly where their information comes from. The Bluebook provides strict rules for how to do this. It makes sure that all legal documents are clear, consistent, and easy to understand. This helps judges and other lawyers find the original sources of information quickly. It was first published in 1926 by students from Harvard, Yale, Columbia, and the University of Pennsylvania law schools.

Project Blue Book: A TV Show

Sometimes, "Blue Book" can even refer to a television show!

What was Project Blue Book?

Project Blue Book was a TV series that aired from 2019 to 2020. The show was based on real-life investigations by the United States Air Force into UFOs (Unidentified Flying Objects) during the 1950s and 1960s.

What was the show about?

The series followed a brilliant astrophysicist and a skeptical Air Force captain as they investigated mysterious sightings. It explored the strange and unexplained events that were reported during that time, trying to figure out if they were real or just misunderstandings.

Images for kids

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  Chicago Construction Blue Book from 2003