Many of us use a curriculum to teach
history; but using literature to teach history can be a great teaching tool. I
am continuing this history literature series with some of the best books to
teach American history. Using literature to teach history illuminates the time
period, helps integrate the history curriculum, and enriches social studies.
With my love for literature and history, it only makes sense to combine the
two, so I have gathered some of my favorite books that teach American history
in middle school.
The Landing of the Pilgrims by James
Daugherty takes students back to the early 1600s when everyone in England was
forced to join the Church of England. Young William Bradford and his friends
believed they had the right to belong to whichever church they wanted. In the
name of religious freedom, they fled to Holland, then sailed to America to
start a new life. But the winter was harsh, and before a year passed, half the
settlers had died. Yet through hard work and strong faith, a tough group of Pilgrims
did survive. Their belief in freedom of religion became an American ideal that
still lives on today. Based mainly on William Bradford’s personal diary, this
is a must read for all who are interested in knowing more about the Pilgrims.
Across Five Aprils by Irene
Hunt presents the unforgettable story of Jethro Creighton – a brave boy who
comes of age during the turbulent years of the Civil War. In 1861, America is
on the cusp of war, and young Jethro Creighton is just nine-years-old. His
brother, Tom, and his cousin, Eb, are both of fighting age. As Jethro’s family
is pulled into the conflict between the North and the South, loyalties are
divided, dreams are threatened, and their bonds are put to the test in this
heart-wrenching, coming of age story.
Amos Fortune: Free Man by
Elizabeth Yates is a powerful book about Amos Fortune. Amos Fortune was born
the son of an African king. In 1725, when he was fifteen-years-old, he was
captured by slave traders and brought to Massachusetts, where he was sold at an
auction. Although his freedom had been taken, Amos never lost his dignity and
courage. For 45 years, Amos worked as a slave and dreamed of freedom. And, at
the age of 60, he finally began to see those dreams come true. This is a moving
testimony to his faith.
America’s Paul Revere by Esther
Forbes is a biography of the patriot of the Revolution who had many trades,
among them silver work, manufacture of copper, casting of bells, engraving, and
dentistry. This tells of Revere’s dedication to the fight for liberty from his
participation in the Boston Tea Party to his long ride to warn of the coming
Redcoats.
A More Perfect Union: The Story of Our
Constitution
by Betsy and Giulio Maestro is an introduction to the Constitution. Students
learn about the founding fathers and their meetings at the Constitutional
Conventions. This easy-to-understand book tells why and how the Constitution of
the United States was created.
These are only a few of my favorite books that teach
American history, there are so many more out there! Feel free to share in the
comments what you consider the best book to teach American history.
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