History contains so many layers of stories!
During the Revolutionary War, George Washington created strategies to combat two enemies-the British and the small pox outbreak. This picture book focuses on Washington's deliberations about inoculating the troops.
I loved the illustrations and creative layouts.
Pair with Rebellion 1776 by Laurie Halse Anderson (middle grade novel).
**Highly, highly recommend.
-Borrowed from the library.
Three sentences in Abraham Lincoln's first official biography inspired Ms. Bryant to write this picture book. (Abraham Lincoln: A History by John G. Nicolay and John Hay, published in 1890)
Abraham is thrilled to be issued the task to fish for their dinner. On his way home he encounters a soldier returning from the War of 1812. Remembering how his mother instructed them to be kind to soldiers, he gives his fish to the soldier. He goes home without dinner and goes to bed with a growling stomach. A choice like this obviously fostered his character development and the great man he came to be.
I love the illustrations. The book is tall and thin like Abe Lincoln! The additional facts about Lincoln are fascinating.
A Story by Benjamin Franklin
Ms. Fleming offers modern learners the opportunity to read a story Ben Franklin told Thomas Jefferson to calm his temper. When Thomas Jefferson completes his first draft of the Declaration of Independence, he is proud of it and thinks it is perfect. The Continental Congress, however, finds many areas to change. Jefferson is mad. Franklin then relates this story to him.
The Author's Note reveals that Franklin's story did not really console Jefferson. Jefferson remains bitter about this incident and tries to justify that his original draft was the best until he dies!
A great book to stimulate discussion: about how the fathers of our country were not perfect, accepting constructive criticism, the result of unforgiveness, resentment, and bitterness, how what one writes the first time will probably require many edits to make it a strong piece!
**Definitely include this book with an unusual insight into Franklin & Jefferson when studying the founding of our nation**
-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!)
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.
I do not remember reading or learning about all the parades and celebrations towns gave George Washington as he traveled from Mount Vernon to New York City to take an oath to be the nation's first president. Mr. Adler takes the reader from town to town and describes how each one celebrated him. I liked the inserted maps on the pages that display his route.
*Highly recommend.
-Borrowed from the library.
Ready to Read Level Two
With words and sentence structures perfect for beginning and/or transitional readers, Ms. Dougherty relates how a raccoon named Rebecca lived at the White House with President Coolidge and First Lady Grace. Additonal facts about raccoons and the White House are included (for parents to read aloud to their beginning reader).
*Highly recommend for stimulating historical interest, for fluency, and for building stamina.
-Borrowed from the library.
Mr. Wood delves into the interactions and friendship between FDR and Winston Churchill right after the U.S. entered WW II. Mr. Churchill travels to the U.S. over Christmas to discuss war strategies. With humor and engaging text, Mr. Wood reveals the interesting dynamics between the two men. I don't agree with FDR's politics but still enjoyed the book. The pictures are expressive and illuminate the men's personalities.
-Borrowed from the library.
An entertaining, engaging overview of the presidents. A short presentation of "The Presidency & the Economy" is also included. The slant is more liberal (especially the commenters they sourced out).
-Borrowed from the library.
Disney Educational Productions
In an entertaining, concise manner, the producers present the presidents in a factual and a positive light. An overview of the time period is also shared.
I wish I had known about this series in the beginning of the year.
*Highly recommend. (but be prepared to discuss the faults of some of the presidents' policies and platforms. The faults are not highlighted).
-Borrowed from the library.
*Award winner- Excellence in Young Adult Nonfiction Winner-YALSA-ALA
Part of her Medical Fiascoes series
What a fascinating and immersive book! As I was reading this to myself, I would read aloud parts to my oldest son and also to my husband (whoever was in the same room as me!).
Ms. Jarrow writes about President Garfield and his killer, Charles Guiteau, in such an entertaining and engaging manner, one forgets the book is nonfiction! She reinforces how interesting history is. Although she reveals both men's upbringings, she focuses mainly on the political climate, the reason behind the plot to kill Garfield, the actual assissination and then the medical community's failing attempt to properly care for Garfield. At times it is graphic (his medical condition, medical procedures etc), so sensitive readers may not enjoy those details. Sidenotes abound, strengthening the fact that history involves many enthralling rabbit trails!
**Highly, highly recommend.
-Borrowed from the library. I asked my local library director to buy this book for our library. She did!
Ms. Rockliff searches for little-known interesting tidbits about history and historical figures and shares them with the world with her engaging picture books.
In this book she focuses on Thomas Jefferson's love for numbers and how this passion allowed him to combat the famous Frenchman Buffon's erroneous conclusions about America, its creatures and its land.
A must-read for mathematicans or for individuals who want to foster the love for numbers in young people's lives. A perfect read aloud when learning about Thomas Jefferson too!
*Highly recommend.
-Borrowed from the library.
Based on a True Story
Diana Hopkins lives in the White House with her father, Harry Hopkins, FDR's chief advisor. All around her others are "doing their part" to help on the home front during WWII. After a series of mishaps, she discovers her niche. . .the White House's garden.
-Borrowed from the library.
To support our study of the Civil War, we read through a couple of picture books that contained Lincoln's Gettysburg Address.
#1- illustrated by Michael McCurdy
-We own this one.
I loved the counted cross-stictch on the end pages and throughout the book!
Beginning as a newborn, Abigail defied the norms! The common phrase to describe her at every age was, "Leave it to Abigail!". Readers will admire the gumption, innovation and intellect she possessed throughout her life.
This is definitely a pro-girl book. The last page displays other women who were revolutionary during different eras. I do not admire or agree with the politics of most of the women featured.
