Although the United States has only been a country for about 250 years, there’s no shortage of tales to tell about American history. Books are one of the best ways to enrich your kids’ knowledge about our country’s past. The books below may complement your students’ school studies or allow them to explore an area of personal interest.
1. Colonial Times
Life in colonial days wasn’t always easy. Far from it, in fact. The Jamestown Colony Disaster will introduce your kids to some of the early hardships.
For a more lighthearted look at colonial living, try 50 Things You Didn’t Know About Colonial America.
The French and Indian War was a key event toward the end of the colonial period. The well-known novel The Last of the Mohicans provides a fictional perspective on the war.
Students who are interested in archeology may want to learn more about how experts use bones and artifacts to study the early days of our country. Both Children of the Past and Written in Bone deal with this topic.
2. American Revolution
Paul Revere’s famous midnight journey is a history story with great kid appeal. Longfellow’s famous poem “Paul Revere’s Ride” does a great job of relaying the tale.
To bring the Revolutionary period to life, introduce your kids to people who lived during that time. Try A Spy Called James, Noah Webster’s Fighting Words or The Prison-Ship Adventure of James Forten, Revolutionary War Captive.
3. Civil War
Some of the most poignant tales of the Civil War era have to do with the courage of enslaved people. Almost to Freedom and Like a Bird are beautiful picture books on the topic.
For a unique look at the Civil War era, try Stage Dreams. This graphic novel is a fictional tale, but it could help your kids see this period of history from a new perspective.
4. Presidential Families
If your teens are doing a report on one of our past presidents, be sure to check out the Presidential Powerhouses series. The titles include George Washington’s Presidency and Andrew Jackson’s Presidency.
Don’t forget about the presidents’ wives! Michelle Obama: Political Icon tells about a First Lady from our recent past.
5. Equality Movements
Lerner’s Alternator Books line is just what your kids need when studying the struggle for equal rights in America. Examples include The Women’s Rights Movement from the series and Hidden Black History from the Fight for Black Rights collection.
While on the topic of the Civil Rights era, be sure to check out John Lewis: Courage in Action. This biography will give upper-grade readers an insightful look into one of the movement’s must-know leaders.
6. Around the Country
Fourth-grade students often complete state history projects. The Our Great States series can help. For example, in What’s So Great About Massachusetts?, they’ll read about Cape Cod National Seashore, the Freedom Trail, and Harvard University.
A field trip to famous spots isn’t always possible. Instead, your kids can explore national landmarks through books. Can We Ring the Liberty Bell? will take young readers on a trip to Philadelphia.
7. Little-Known History
Are your kids itching to go beyond the stories presented in their history textbooks? They may be fascinated to read the accounts in Assassins, Traitors, and Spies. While the tale of Benedict Arnold may be familiar, the other people featured in this book may be brand-new to your readers.
Untold stories are often sad ones. Mature students will grapple with hard truths as they read The Dozier School for Boys.
Fortunately, there are plenty of happier stories in American history, too. One bit of trivia worth learning about is North Carolina’s Pea Island Station. It was the first U.S. Life-Saving Service post to be operated by an all-Black rescue team. To learn more, check out The Lifesaving Adventure of Sam Deal, Shipwreck Rescuer, a fictional story based on a real event.
Which of these American history tales will your kids want to dig into first? Before you know it, they’ll probably be telling you historical facts that you’ve never heard before!
Posted on 2.Feb.22 in Book Recommendations
