Explore a Historical Adventure!
Welcome to our historic books website, where the past meets excitement! Dive into a treasure trove of captivating reads, explore enlightening articles, and embark on a journey of learning with books that unveil the secrets of historical events.
Spotlight Books of the Month
History Smashers: Mayflower
By Kate Messner
Did you know that the pilgrims didn't go straight from England to Plymouth? No, they made a stop along the way--and almost stayed forever! Did you know there was a second ship, called the Speedwell, that was too leaky to make the trip? No joke. And just wait until you learn the truth about Plymouth Rock. Through illustrations, graphic panels, photographs, sidebars, and more, kids can explore the little-known details behind the legends of the Mayflower and the first Thanksgiving.. Ages 8 - 12.
The Plot to Kill the Queen
by Deborah Hopkinson.
Emilia Bassano is an aspiring playwright. With her new friend, Will Shakespeare, she attempts to win a playwriting competition at the palace of Queen Elizabeth I. When Emilia accidentally uncovers a plot to kill the queen, she must travel to the castle where Mary Queen of Scots is being held captiveCan Emilia and her friends discover who is responsible for the plan to murder Queen Elizabeth--and to thwart it?
Ages 8 to 12
Reclaiming Mni Sota: An Alternate History of the U.S. - Dakota War of 1862
By Colin Mustful
Samuel Copeland was just a teenager in 1859 when he and his family left Vermont for the promise of a new life in Minnesota. But life is harder and more dangerous than he expected and his father is killed at the hands of Indians. WaabiskiMakwa was still a boy in 1850 when his father perished at Sandy Lake because of the negligence of U.S. government officials. In Reclaiming Mni Sota, the true and lasting results of history are challenged. What if the defeated became the victors? What would that mean for the world today and how would that illuminate the wrongs of the past?
Ages 15 to adult. Go to bookstore.
Run and Hide: How Jewish Youth Escaped the Holocaust
By Don Brown.
Only 11% of the Jewish children living in Europe before 1939 survived the Second World War. Run and Hide is a gripping nonfiction graphic novel that tells the stories of children, forced to leave their homes and families, as they escaped certain horror. Some children flee to England by train. Others are hidden from Nazis, sometimes in plain sight. Some are secreted away in attics and farmhouses. Still others make miraculous escapes, cresting over the snow-covered Pyrenees mountains to safety.
I Survived the Great Alaska Earthquake, 1964 (I Survived #23)
By Lauren Tarshis
It was 1964 in the brand-new state of Alaska, a vast land of staggering beauty and heart-stopping dangers where Grizzlies and wolves outnumbered people, and dark winter days were 30 degrees below zero. Eleven-year-old Jack had always thought of himself as strong -- “Alaska tough”. But then the most powerful earthquake in American history -- the Good Friday Earthquake -- destroyed downtown Anchorage and sent 30-foot tsunamis into coastal cities, wiping out entire communities.
Ages 7 to 10. Go to bookstore.
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teaching resources help us to keep our mission - to make learning history fun - alive. Your book purchases also help to support local brick and mortar bookstores (instead of mega online retailers).
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Come And Make Them Smile.
Introducing children to historical books not only expands their knowledge of the past but also fosters a love for learning and an appreciation for different cultures and perspectives.
Three-Point Learning:
Historic Fiction
Fascinating Articles
Free Resources
Explore our comprehensive and continuously growing bookstore for entertaining historical fiction, classic novels, biographies and so much more. Our Shop is meticulously curated and sorted by time period to easily pair with a history lesson.
Our monthly Spotlight books are coordinated with relevant Articles from indie authors who performed extensive research on the time period.
Unlock even more learning potential with puzzles, coloring pages, activity packs and other Free Resources developed specifically to work with articles and books from our indie authors.
Did you know?
76%
children who regularly read historical books demonstrate a higher level of empathy towards diverse perspectives and exhibit greater understanding and tolerance.
25%
Children who engage in historical reading activities show a 25% improvement in critical thinking skills compared to those who do not, as evidenced by their enhanced ability to analyze and evaluate information.
15%
Studies indicate that students who read historical books perform 15% better in social studies and related subjects, showcasing the positive impact of historical reading on academic success and knowledge acquisition.
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Historical Categories
Come learn different events throughout history
Ancient History
Learn about early civilizations and ancient peoples like hunter-gatherers, Mesopotamia, Egypt, Greece, ancient China, and more.
Middle Ages
Get a glimpse into the chivalric world of knights and castles, kings and empires, countries created and crumbled.
Renaissance to New World
Step into the light with articles that reflect the classical learning and artistry of a new understanding of life; explore through the age of discovery, and celebrate voyages to the new world.
18th & 19th Century
Gain an understanding of historical events that took place around the world and at home, plus learn about inventions that sprang forth and changed the way we live during the Industrial Revolution
20th Century to present
Life picked up speed during the swiftly moving 20th century with world wars, flight and automobiles, space exploration, and the Information Age. Enjoy articles that take us right into the 21st century!
Teaching History
These articles are just for the teacher and focus on tips and techniques for using historic fiction as a learning tool.
Bring joy to reading
Discover the joy of reading with our website's purposeful offerings. Dive into engaging articles, curated reading recommendations, and free learning resources, all designed to enhance your educational journey. Unleash your potential with our comprehensive teaching materials.
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