Ms. Foster, in a narrative and an engaging style, offers the readers an overview of the events in 1776, not just in the United States, but also around the world. Three parts: The American Colonies, Artists & Scientists, and Around the World.
Ms. Foster's books are known as "horizontal history".
*Highly recommend.
-I own this book.
Ms. McDonald illuminates how the bell (eventually called the Liberty Bell) was hidden from British soldiers during the Revolutionary War. A farmer & his son haul it to Bethlehem, PA, where their wagon breaks down. Another farmer carries it to its final hiding destination-Allentown's Zion Reformed Church. I found the author's note interesting.
The bold illustrations and first person narration will make this story appeal even more to kids.
-Borrowed from the library.
Voices from the First Night of the American Revolution
Ms. Thomson unveils various other people, several unnamed, who assist Paul Revere and his ride to warn the colonist that The Regulars (NOT the British, the colonist considered themselves British , so Paul Revere would not have used that word to describe them. The colonists called them The Regulars) were planning to attack. Before each poem, she introduces the person and their connection to the evening. She also indicates the approximate time and date when this person's role occurred. Quotes from the person are included. After the main poetical text, she reveals even more information about each narrator.
I liked how Ms. Henderson illustrated in mostly in hues of blue and in a smudgy style to create a mood of night and not being able to see precisely.
A great book to read when studying this event in history.
A teacher could have their students take a point of time in history, research the individuals involved, and then create poems from their points of view to retell the event. It would be a hefty endeavor (& maybe not realistic?).
*Highly recommend.
-Borrowed from the library.
When Logan's father travels to the city of Sherman, Logan is chosen to come along and spend the day with his cousins. Initially, he is enamoured with the city's energy and sights. However, as the day progresses, he realizes the rural life might be better.
A great chapter book for transitional readers who are developing stamina for chapter books
Consideration: one of the characters says "gosh"
-Borrowed from the library.
Junior and his family sell their farm after a devastating flood to live in the city where more reliable jobs are available. As Junior adjusts to city life, his new friends introduce him to a library in the woods where Blacks are welcome.
A great book to share with kids while studying the segregated South in the 1950s & 1960s.
This fictional story is based on a real library in Roxboro, NC, that the author frequented during his childhood. I found the author's note especially interesting.
Discussion: segregation, illiteracy
-Borrowed from the library.
Honor Flight Network sponsors veterans with a day in Washington, DC. Their goal is to honor veterans and to ensure them that they will not be forgotten. Readers join a veteran and his escort and experience this special honor.
Both author & illustrator were privileged guardians/escorts, so they are writing and illustrating as an eyewitnesses.
The notes provide a plethora of information.
A perfect book to read & share on Memorial Day or Veterans Day.
*Highly recommend.
-Borrowed from the library.
The author, Ms. Tracy, was a volunteer gardener at Alcatraz. In this handbook she shares fascinating information about the island and its inhabitants. Some chapter titles-"How Did Alcatraz Get Its Name?", "Who Were the Most Famous Prisoners on Alcatraz?", "Did Anyone Ever Escape by Raft?" and many more.
*Highly recommend.
-Borrowed from the library.
In a few days my son will begin to read Walden. In my search for picture books to introduce him to Thoreau, I discovered this one. I love books that Thomas Locker illustrates. This one couples lush paintings with words that immerses the reader into the wilderness that Thoreau experiences as he walks.
-Borrowed from the library.
This past week my son's history textbook dedicated a portion of the chapter to the orphan trains, which started in 1853 and ended in 1929. Intrigued by this bit of history, I requested a few books about it. I borrowed all of the books from the library and also highly recommend them.
1. Orphan Train by Verla Kay illustrated by Ken Stark-picture book-rhyming text, expressive illustrations that add to the text Younger readers can experience what life was like for an orphan child in the streets and then sent on a train to be matched with a family. 2nd-6th grade
I am partial to woodcut illustrations. Ms. Azarian, a Vermont resident, depicts Helen's life in rural Vermont. The author, Ms. Kinsey-Warnock, a Vermont native, bases this story off of her grandmother's childhood. Readers will learn about the time period and Christmases long ago. Although most of the story takes place during Christmas, a few times the reader is transported back to a different season in which the family was preparing/harvesting something that they will use at Christmas.
--Ms. Azarian is the illustrator for Snowflake Bentley.
*Highly recommend.
-Borrowed from the library.
Award-winner: Newbery Honor Book
Becky, Dick, Phil, and Joan head to their uncle's quarter section in Tripp County, South Dakota in the early 1900s after he dies. Even though Becky and Dick are teenagers, they reach adulthood quickly as they navigate the unforgiving Dakota plains, surly neighbors, and unpredictable weather. Readers will process their story in awe as these kids face unimaginable obstacles and succeed!
Mrs. McNeely bases this story on her own experience homesteading (as an adult) in the exact same territory. She actually had this book published before Laura Ingalls Wilder's series! Readers who have "out-grown" the Little House books will enjoy this novel as it focuses on Becky, who is a teenager.
My history curriculum recommended this novel. It brought "history to life".
Discuss: A couple of times there are negative references to being black. One time they say "work like n--".
*Highly recommend.
-Borrowed via ILL.
For one of his civics projects, my son had to watch this 1939 movie. We invited grandparents and aunt/uncle/cousins to watch it with us to make it a festive event.
Jefferson Smith, head of the Boy Rangers, finds himself appointed a senator for his state after the elected senator dies. Full of idealism, Mr. Smith is determined to make a difference and also grant land to the Boy Rangers. The seasoned politicians are hoping to manipulate and control him. Mr. Smith's tenacity and integrity prevail and provide a refreshing change to the corrupt system.
We loved this movie. We were not expecting to enjoy it! My son has commented a couple times after watching how "good that movie was". He was also able to view many civics concepts exemplified throughout the movie.
*Highly recommend.
Based on a scandal during the Harding administration.
Warning for smaller audience: drinking, some characters get drunk, smoking, at the end, one main character tries to commit suicide (nothing is shown-viewers just hear a gun shot) but other senators stop him
-Borrowed from the library.
Harry Truman and Eddie Jacobson are quite different from each other-seven years apart, Christian vs Jewish. But both of them had stopped attending school to work to support their families. During this time their friendship forms. They part ways but resume their friendship during WW I where they train at the same base in Oklahoma. Over the years their friendship endures challenging times (a failed business, the Great Depression, a wife that doesn't like Jews). Eventually, Harry becomes president of the United States! Eddie is welcomed to visit President Truman at the White House whenever he wants. He, however, is careful not to take advantage of the friendship and ask for favors. But when President Truman is trying to discern if he should support an independent Jewish state/nation, Eddie knows he must speak up and convince his friend to support his people.
An easy to read biography with a lot of substance and also with a lot of ideas to discuss.
*Highly recommend.
-Borrowed from the library (I asked my library's director to buy it for my library. She did!)
Award winner-Scott O'Dell
At first I was not connecting with the characters in this story. As the story progressed, the history behind it intrigued me and caused me to "highly recommend" it.
Pascal and his brother Gideon set out to claim their forty acres and mule that is promised to freed slaves. Along the way other freed slaves join them. They form a resourceful family. Despite night riders and other dangers, the group claims forty acres and begins to cultivate a beautiful farm. When President Lincoln is assassinated, laws change, which impacts their dream
.
Pascal ponders the entire novel, "what is freedom".
Readers will experience a vivid account of the Reconstruction and the issues people faced.
Discuss: prejudice, Civil War and the Reconstruction era, violence/cruelty, hints at what slave masters did with slave girls, the novel ends somewhat sad (it was what actually occurred)-but the characters seem optimistic.
*Highly recommend, especially for those studying the Reconstruction era
-Borrowed via ILL
Alice Ramsey loves driving, not something women pursue in 1909! The Maxwell-Briscoe Company asks her to drive across the United States to promote its cars. She and her companions, Hermine and sisters-in-law-Nettie and Maggie, begin in New York City in June and drive, with many challenges, to San Fransico by August.
Author's note includes more information about Alice and also Rt. 66.
An inspiring story!
-Borrowed via ILL.
Below are a few books featured/recommended in Soul School, which I recently reviewed. I borrowed all these books from the library. I do not "highly recommend" all of these books. Please read carefully.😀
1. Saving the Day by Karyn Parsons illustrated by R. Gregory Christie
In rhyme, Ms. Parsons shares Garrett Morgan's childhood and his idea for the traffic signal. She imagines a story to highlight his invention. She also reveals he that invented many other helpful objects but only shares one other device-a gas mask.
*Award-winning-Newbery Honor Book (1946)
I am amazed at how many excellent books I have NOT read! This book is an example of one that prompts me to think, "How did I miss this one?".
Ms. Henry relates the story behind the Morgan horse breed. In 1791 a school teacher (Justin Morgan) and his pupil, Joel Goss, walk a distance one summer to collect a debt from a farmer. To pay his debt, he gives Justin Morgan two colts. The littlest colt, Little Bub, seems like he will grow into an insignficant horse. Joel, however, perceives his potential and takes time to "gentle" him.
A story full of hope that reinforces the importance of hard work and perseverance.
In the back Ms. Henry lists her primary sources that enabled her to write an accurate story.
*Highly recommend.
-Borrowed from the library.
Twelve-year-old Amelia Hornsby exchanges letters with Thomas Jefferson during his presidency and his purchase of the Louisana Territory. Amelia and the letters are fictitious. Readers will learn about the time period and its major events.
-Borrowed via ILL.
Redeemed Reader reviewed this book and gave it a starred review.
Even though the Emancipation Proclamation freed Will's family, they still do not own their land as they spend their days as sharecroppers. When Will's father brings home a pamphlet announcing the opportunity for free land in OK, the family decides to leave Texas for Oklahoma. During the arduous journey, Will's relationship with his reticent father transforms. Fending off thieves, facing racism, fending off rattlesnakes, eduring long, boring days and befriending a former Union soldier (Caesar), Will becomes a young man with his own identity.
An exciting coming-of-age story This engaging historical fiction novel brings the Oklahoma Land Rush to life. Highly recommend having your children read it when studying this period of history
Finally, a historical fiction with a male main character which will appeal to boys. So many historical fiction books target girls!
Warnings/discussion for sensitive readers or younger readers: racism, violence-Western fist fights and gun battles, When Will stakes out his family's land, he encounters a group of men who want to steal his plot from him. Will threatens to kill them with Caesar's Colt and realizes that he is capable of killing another man, which goes against his father's principles. He grapples with this person he is becoming.
*Highly recommend for grades 4 and older.
-Borrowed from the library.
After reading Secret Engineer, I wanted to learn more about this exciting engineering feat. I borrowed the following books from the library about the building of the Brooklyn Bridge. If you have a child who is fascinated by bridges or is considering engineering as his/her educational pursuit, these books will appeal to them.
1. This first one is my favorite from the trio-The Brooklyn Bridge by Elizabeth Mann illustrated by Alan Witschonke. For grades 2nd and older.
It shares the story of the Roebling family (John, Washington, and Washington's wife Emily) and details of the entire bridge construction. The illustrations/drawings are meticulous. A couple of pages fold out, expanding the illustration.
**Highly, highly recommend.
2. Twenty-One Elephants and Still Standing by April Jones Prince illustrated by Francois Roca
