Children's Books for Parents and Teachers » History

A Young People’s History of the United States, Vol. 1: Columbus to the Robber Barons

admin — Wed, 06 May 2009 16:29:47 +0000

Praise for A People’s History of the United States:

“Professor Zinn writes with an enthusiasm rarely encountered in the leaden prose of academic history, and his text is studded with telling quotations from labor leaders, war resisters and fugitive slaves. There are vivid descriptions of events that are usually ignored.”-Eric Foner, The New York Times Book Review

Howard Zinn’s first book for young adults is a retelling of US history from the viewpoints of slaves, workers, immigrants, women, and Native Americans with color images, a glossary, and primary sources. Volume one begins with a look at Christopher Columbus’ arrival through the eyes of the Arawak Indians and leads the reader through the strikes and rebellions of the industrial age.

A Young People’s History of the United States, Vol. 2: The Spanish-American War to the War on Terror

jen — Wed, 06 May 2009 16:34:23 +0000

In volume two, Howard Zinn’s lively, clear prose guides the reader through the wars and revolutions of the twentieth century. Zinn continues his retelling up to the policies and resistances that have characterized the war on terror and that shape the United States of America today. Includes a final chapter updating our country’s history to … Continue reading →

John, Paul, George and Ben

admin — Wed, 17 Jan 2007 01:04:31 +0000

It’s time to pay tribute to the Fab Four Founding Fathers: John Hancock, Paul Revere, George Washington, and Ben “Beat the Liberty Drum” Franklin. Lane Smith’s cute history picture book introduces kids to a freedom-loving quartet who loved to stretch the rules.

Malcolm X: A Fire Burning Brightly

admin — Mon, 17 Sep 2007 20:27:56 +0000

Another important black leader who struggled for civil rights is Malcolm X. Historic quotes, rich prose, and striking paintings make this picture biography a gem–and one that underscores the possibility of overcoming bad times.

Malcolm X lived in difficult times – when some thought that black people were inferior to white people. But Malcolm believed that black people should stand up for their rights and he preached this belief everywhere he went. His message became popular because it was one of hope and pride. But it also became dangerous, because some people didn’t agree with him. In 1965, one of these people shot and killed him. Even though his life was cut short by hatred, Malcolm X’s ideas still affect people of all races. Here is his amazing story.

Max’s Easter Surprise

admin — Sun, 04 Mar 2007 20:23:53 +0000

Ruby and her friend Louise are decorating Easter eggs, but Max wants to have an Easter Parade. Big sister Ruby tells Max that the Easter Parade is tomorrow, but that he can help today by carrying all the decorated eggs to the Easter basket. But Max doesn’t want to just carry the eggs—he wants to … Continue reading →

Mighty Mississippi: The Life and Times of America’s Greatest River

admin — Mon, 29 Jan 2007 04:34:51 +0000

The winding, epic history of one of America’s greatest natural wonders.

The mighty Mississippi River has wound its way through our country’s heartland—and the course of history—for thousands of years. Formed when the last glaciers of the Ice Age melted, the river became a 2,550-mile-long drainage basin for almost half of the United States. Before Europeans arrived in the New World, it was a means of exploration and trade for Native Americans. It later witnessed some of the most pivotal events in American history, from the Revolutionary War to the Trail of Tears to the Civil War. It has survived flooding, earthquakes, and hurricanes.

Linda Vieira and Higgins Bond use their talents and expertise to explore the science and the history of the great Mississippi River, showing us why the Ojibwe Indians called it “Mes-sipi,” Father of Running Waters.

Number the Stars

admin — Tue, 06 May 2008 20:15:12 +0000

The evacuation of Jews from Nazi-held Denmark is one of the great untold stories of World War II. On September 29, 1943, word got out in Denmark that Jews were to be detained and then sent to the death camps. Within hours the Danish resistance, population and police arranged a small flotilla to herd 7,000 Jews to Sweden. Lois Lowry fictionalizes a true-story account to bring this courageous tale to life. She brings the experience to life through the eyes of 10-year-old Annemarie Johannesen, whose family harbors her best friend, Ellen Rosen, on the eve of the round-up and helps smuggles Ellen’s family out of the country.

Of Thee I Sing: A Letter to My Daughters

cindy — Mon, 06 Sep 2010 17:08:44 +0000

Thisbeautiful book directly addresses President Barack Obama’s daughters Malia and Sasha throughout. It is about the potential within each of us to pursue our dreams and to follow our own paths in life.

The Wall: Growing Up Behind the Iron Curtain

admin — Sun, 04 Mar 2007 16:42:48 +0000

“I was born at the beginning of it all, on the Red side—the Communist side—of the Iron Curtain.” Through annotated illustrations, journals, maps, and dreamscapes, Peter Sís shows what life was like for a child who loved to draw, proudly wore the red scarf of a Young Pioneer, stood guard at the giant statue of Stalin, and believed whatever he was told to believe. But adolescence brought questions. Cracks began to appear in the Iron Curtain, and news from the West slowly filtered into the country. Sís learned about beat poetry, rock ’n’ roll, blue jeans, and Coca-Cola. He let his hair grow long, secretly read banned books, and joined a rock band. Then came the Prague Spring of 1968, and for a teenager who wanted to see the world and meet the Beatles, this was a magical time. It was short-lived, however, brought to a sudden and brutal end by the Soviet-led invasion. But this brief flowering had provided a glimpse of new possibilities—creativity could be discouraged but not easily killed. By joining memory and history, Sís takes us on his extraordinary journey: from infant with paintbrush in hand to young man borne aloft by the wings of his art.