American history

Who’s Got Mail? by Linda Barrett Osborne

By Janie Cheaney | Jan 6, 2024

Who’s Got Mail? is a friendly introduction to the long history of an everyday convenience. Who’s Got Mail? The History of Mail in America by ...

*Seeds of America Trilogy by Laurie Halse Anderson

By Betsy Farquhar | Oct 30, 2023

The Seeds of America Trilogy powerfully examines some of the complex ideas of the American Revolution: freedom, justice, and equality for all. Seeds of America ...

Fever 1793 by Laurie Halse Anderson

By Betsy Farquhar | Oct 30, 2023

Fever 1793: Yellow fever sweeps through Philadelphia, challenging young Mattie to the core in this historical fiction novel for young teens. Fever 1793 by Laurie ...

*Charis in the World of Wonders by Marly Youmans

By Betsy Farquhar | Oct 16, 2023

Charis in the World of Wonders is a richly satisfying novel of a young Puritan woman who learns much about the world and herself through ...

*William’s House by Ginger Howard

By Megan Saben | Oct 11, 2023

Wouldn't it make sense that a house built in the style of a home in England would work just as well in America? *William's House ...

*Land of Hope by Wilfred McClay

By Janie Cheaney | Jul 4, 2023

Land of Hope offers a balanced, positive, and often inspiring view of American history--now available in student workbook, teacher's guide, and young-reader editions! *Land of ...

Ambushed! by Gail Jarrow

By Janie Cheaney | Feb 22, 2022

Ambushed!, winner of this year's YALSA Award for nonfiction, is the absorbing, day-by-day account of of a presidential assassination and its aftermath. Ambushed! The Assassination ...

Set Me Free by Ann Clare LeZotte

By Janie Cheaney | Jan 27, 2022

Set Me Free follows the further adventures of Mary Lambert, a deaf girl growing up in Martha's Vineyard at the turn of the 19th century. ...

Fallout by Steve Sheinkin

By Betsy Farquhar | Dec 6, 2021

Sheinkin brings the Cuban Missile Crisis to life in this nail-biting read for young teens. Fallout: Spies, Superbombs, and the Ultimate Cold War Showdown by ...

Picture Books about 9/11: The Survivor Tree

By Janie Cheaney | Sep 2, 2021

Three new picture books about the Trade Center "Survivor Tree" help children relate to the events of 9/11. As we approach the 20th anniversary of ...

*American History by Thomas Kidd

By Betsy Farquhar | Jun 28, 2021

Interesting and readable, American History by Thomas Kidd is an outstanding resource for high school Christian students and teachers. *American History by Thomas Kidd. B&H ...

Unspeakable by Carole Boston Weatherford

By Janie Cheaney | May 28, 2021

Unspeakable exposes a terrible chapter in American history but ends in hope for reconciliation. Unspeakable: The Tulsa Race Massacre by Carole Boston Weatherford, illustrated by ...

Radium Girls by Kate Moore

By Janie Cheaney | Mar 3, 2021

The Radium Girls tells the harrowing tale of radium poisoning and corporate irresponsibility. The Radium Girls by Kate Moore (Young Readers’ Edition). Greenwillow, 2020, 348 ...

Attacked at Sea by Michael J. Tougias

By Janie Cheaney | Mar 2, 2021

Attacked at Sea tells the harrowing story of surviving a U-Boat submarine attack in the early days of World War II. Attacked at Sea: A ...

Retro Review: *Let Justice Roll Down by John Perkins

By Janie Cheaney | Feb 19, 2021

The life of John Perkins offers the only true way to justice, reconciliation, and forgiveness for our tragic racist history. *Let Justice Roll Down by ...

The Finest Hours by Michael Tougias

By Janie Cheaney | Feb 2, 2021

The 1952 rescue of over twenty stranded seamen on a halved oil tanker ranks as one of the Coast Guard's' "finest hours." The Finest Hours: ...

2021 Newbery Buzz #6: Echo Mountain by Lauren Wolk

By Janie Cheaney | Jan 22, 2021

We wrap up our Newbery Buzz series for this year with a discussion of Echo Mountain a historical novel set during the Great Depression. Joining ...

The Next President by Kate Messner

By Janie Cheaney | Jan 13, 2021

The Next President takes a unique approach to the list of presidents by looking at their backgrounds--and speculating on the future. The Next President: The ...

A Hopeful Heart by Deborah Noyes

By Janie Cheaney | Dec 8, 2020

A Hopeful Heart engagingly presents the life of one of America's first best-selling authors: Louisa May Alcott. A Hopeful Heart: Louisa May Alcott before Little ...

On the Horizon by Lois Lowry

By Janie Cheaney | Oct 29, 2020

On the Horizon recalls two pivotal events of World War II through the eyes of witnesses, victims, and two children who would meet much later. ...

The Nerviest Girl in the World by Melissa Wiley

By Janie Cheaney | Sep 24, 2020

Ranch girl Pearl discovers the brand-new technology of moving pictures in this fun read for early middle-graders. The Nerviest Girl in the World by Melissa ...

Daring Darleen, Queen of the Screen by Anne Nesbet

By Janie Cheaney | Aug 4, 2020

Daring Darleen, heroine of Saturday serials, stumbles into a real-life adventure in this clever saga from the early days of photoplays. Daring Darleen, Queen of ...

A Ben of All Trades by Michael J. Rosen

By Janie Cheaney | Jun 26, 2020

A Ben of All Trades: the Most Inventive Boyhood of Benjamin Franklin by Michael J. Rosen, illustrated by Matt Tavares. Candlewick, 2020, 30 pages. Reading ...

Show Me a Sign by Ann Clare LeZotte

By Janie Cheaney | Jun 18, 2020

Show Me a Sign explores a little-known chapter of American history from the perspective of a Deaf protagonist. Show Me a Sign by Ann Clare ...

Two Years before the Mast by Richard Henry Dana

By Janie Cheaney | May 29, 2020

Published 180 years ago, Two Years before the Mast remains a vivid portrait of 19th-century seafaring in early America. Two Years before the Mast by ...

*The Rise and Fall of Charles Lindbergh by Candace Fleming

By Janie Cheaney | Mar 26, 2020

From hero to pariah: the life of Charles Lindbergh is a fascinating study. *The Rise and Fall of Charles Lindbergh by Candace Fleming. Schwartz + ...

The Oldest Student by Rita Lorraine Hubbard

By Janie Cheaney | Feb 19, 2020

"The Oldest Student" tells the inspiring story of a centenarian who finally found the time to learn. The Oldest Student: How Mary Walker Learned to ...

Giant Presidents' Day Book List

By Betsy Farquhar | Feb 17, 2020

POTUS POTUS: President of the United States: one of the most powerful people in the world. Presidents' Day honors George Washington and Abraham Lincoln in ...

Allies by Alan Gratz

By Janie Cheaney | Feb 7, 2020

Allies is a fast, riveting read that communicates the urgency, complexity, and drama of D-Day, the turning point of World War II. Allies by Alan ...

Someplace to Call Home by Sandra Dallas

By Janie Cheaney | Feb 5, 2020

Three motherless siblings seek "someplace to call home" in Depression-era Kansas. Someplace to Call Home by Sandra Dallas. Sleeping Bear Press, 2019, 222 pages Reading ...

Manhattan: Mapping the Story of an Island by Jennifer Thermes

By Janie Cheaney | Dec 10, 2019

This oversize, intricately-illustrated picture book relates the story of Manhattan in a series of maps. Manhattan: Mapping the Story of an Island by Jennifer Thermes. ...

Breakthrough! by Jim Murphy

By Betsy Farquhar | Sep 27, 2019

Three unlikely people team up to perform a dangerous new surgery in Depression-era times in this gripping nonfiction story. Breakthrough!: How Three People Saved "Blue ...

Last in a Long Line of Rebels by Lisa Lewis Tyre

By Janie Cheaney | Sep 3, 2019

In this light-hearted middle-grade novel, a southern "Rebel" digs into her heritage with surprising and enlightening results. Last in a Long Line of Rebels by ...

Captured by Alvin Townley

By Janie Cheaney | Aug 30, 2019

The ordeal of Jeremiah Denton in the “Hanoi Hilton” is not for the squeamish, but stands as a witness to courage and faith. Captured: an ...

Rocket to the Moon! by Don Brown

By Janie Cheaney | Jul 17, 2019

Graphic artist Don Brown give us a comprehensive visual account of the Apollo space program. Rocket to the Moon! (Big Ideas that Changed the World ...

*O Captain, My Captain by Robert Burleigh

By Janie Cheaney | Jul 5, 2019

O Captain, My Captain encapsulates the Civil War through the eyes of its most famous poet. *O Captain, My Captain: Walt Whitman, Abraham Lincoln, and ...

Let ‘er Buck! by Vaunda Micheaux Nelson

By Janie Cheaney | May 14, 2019

Black cowboy George Fletcher, the "People's Champion," is the subject of this story from the old west. Let 'er Buck! George Fletcher, the People's Champion ...

Spy Runner by Eugene Yelchin

By Janie Cheaney | Mar 22, 2019

A dauntless 11-year-old boy confronts a possible Russian spy in this Cold-War-era thriller. Spy Runner by Eugene Yelchin. Henry Holt (Godwin Books), 2019, 343 pages ...

*The Promise of Change by JoAnn Boyce

By Janie Cheaney | Feb 28, 2019

*The Promise of Change: One Girl's Story in the Fight for School Equality by JoAnn Allen Boyce and Debbie Levy. Bloomsbury, 2019, 309 pages including ...

Inventing Victoria by Tonya Bolden

By Janie Cheaney | Feb 28, 2019

Inventing Victoria by Tonya Bolden. Bloomsbury, 2019, 257 pages. Reading Level: Teen, ages 12-15 Recommended for: ages 14-up Judy 12, 1881, Savannah, Georgia: Essie Mirth ...

It’s Up to You, Abe Lincoln by Tom and Leila Hirschfeld

By Janie Cheaney | Feb 12, 2019

This unusual biography of Abraham Lincoln frames his life as a series of ten decisions, in which the reader is invited to participate. It’s Up ...

Cyrus Field’s Big Dream by Mary Morton Cowan

By Janie Cheaney | Jan 23, 2019

Nobody said “No” to Cyrus Field once he got his brain around a big idea that transformed the history of communication—and history itself. Cyrus Field’s ...

Carnegie’s Maid by Marie Benedict

By Janie Cheaney | Dec 7, 2018

This historical novel for teens speculates on a maid who influenced steel magnate Andrew Carnegie to become a philanthropist. Carnegie’s Maid: a Novel by Marie ...

*Picturing America by Hudson Talbot

By Janie Cheaney | Nov 23, 2018

Picturing America is an appealing picture-book biography of one of the originators of distinctive American Art. *Picturing America: Thomas Cole and the Birth of American ...

We the People … A U.S. Government Booklist

By Betsy Farquhar | Nov 3, 2018

Election Day is just around the corner, and our national media outlets love nothing more than a juicy political story. Gossip and slander aside, though, ...

By Betsy Farquhar | Oct 1, 2018

John McCain had more guts and more patriotism than most of his American contemporaries--read all about him in this detailed young adult biography. John McCain: ...

*Spooked! by Gail Jarrow

By Janie Cheaney | Sep 18, 2018

The Mercury Theater broadcast of "War of the Worlds," a fascinating footnote from American history, has interesting implications for today. Ages 10-15 *Spooked! How a ...

The Wright Brothers: Nose-Diving into History by Ben Thompson

By Janie Cheaney | Sep 18, 2018

A new series about advances in technology begins with the indomitable spirit of the Wright Brothers. The Wright Brothers: Nose-Diving into History (Epic Fails #1) ...

Sid Fleischman Biographies

By Janie Cheaney | Jul 31, 2018

Near the end of his prolific career, Newbery medalist Sid Fleischman published remarkable biographies of three remarkable men. Samuel Clemens (a.k.a. Mark Twain, 1835-1910), Ehrich ...

The Tragic Tale of Narcissa Whitman by Cheryl Harness

By Betsy Farquhar | Jul 30, 2018

The Tragic Tale of Narcissa Whitman eloquently captures the hardships the early pioneers faced, the missionary ardor that inspired the Whitmans, and the unfortunate events ...

The American Revolution by Ben Thompson

By Janie Cheaney | Jul 3, 2018

The latest addition to the "Guts and Glory" series is a readable and engaging history of the American Revolution for middle graders. Ages 10-15 The ...

The Journey of Little Charlie by Christopher Paul Curtis

By Betsy Farquhar | May 14, 2018

Little Charlie wants to do the right thing even as he agrees to go fetch runaway slaves up north in this gritty middle grades historical ...

Strongheart by Candace Fleming

By Janie Cheaney | Apr 13, 2018

Strongheart, a real movie-star dog, acts out a movie scenario in this fun tale. Ages 7-11 Strongheart: Wonder Dog of the Silver Screen by Candace ...

Chasing King’s Killer by James L. Swanson

By Janie Cheaney | Apr 4, 2018

The life-paths of Martin Luther King and James Earl Ray converge on a fatal day in Memphis, in this gripping account of a manhunt. Ages ...

*Betty Before X by Ilyasah Shabazz and Renée Watson

By Betsy Farquhar | Mar 19, 2018

For middle grades: A compelling look into the life of Betty before X (Malcolm X) and the influence of the black church in the racially charged 1940s. ...

The Thrifty Guide to the American Revolution by Jonathan Stokes

By Janie Cheaney | Mar 16, 2018

This jokey introduction to the American Revolution, latest in the “Thrifty Guide” series, presents accurate history along with the laughs. Ages 10-15 The Thrifty Guide ...

*Abigail Adams: Witness to a Revolution by Natalie S. Bober

By Betsy Farquhar | Mar 1, 2018

Starred review for this young adult biography that showcases a thoughtful--and thought-provoking--Abigail Adams against the backdrop of tumultuous American history. *Abigail Adams: Witness to a ...

*Johnny Tremain by Esther Forbes (Retro Reads)

By Betsy Farquhar | Mar 1, 2018

75 years later, this Newbery-Award winning story about Johnny Tremain is still a great historical fiction read about the birth of America. *Johnny Tremain by Esther ...

Facing Frederick: The Life of Frederick Douglass by Tonya Bolden

By Betsy Farquhar | Feb 15, 2018

Facing Frederick is a well written, nuanced biography for middle grades that sheds light on both Frederick Douglass and the tumultuous times in which he ...

Give Me Wings by Kathy Lowinger

By Janie Cheaney | Feb 12, 2018

The little-known story of the Fisk Jubilee Singers demonstrates black talent, initiative, faith, and determination. Give Me Wings: How a Choir of Former Slaves Took ...

Her Right Foot by Dave Eggers

By Janie Cheaney | Jan 25, 2018

Her Right foot introduces pre-readers and early readers to the Statue of Liberty and what she stands for. Ages 4-8 Her Right Foot by Dave ...

Sinking the Sultana by Sally M. Walker

By Betsy Farquhar | Dec 1, 2017

Middle grades nonfiction takes a sobering look at the sinking of the Sultana--a worse maritime tragedy even than the Titanic. Sinking the Sultana: A Civil ...

Retro Read: Mr. Revere and I by Robert Lawson

By Megan Saben | Nov 21, 2017

Mr. Revere and I: History as told by a horse in this humorous middle grades historical fiction. Mr. Revere and I: An account of a ...

Ben’s Revolution by Nathaniel Philbrick

By Janie Cheaney | Sep 14, 2017

This young-reader history of the early days of the American Revolution views events through the experience of 12-year-old Ben Russell. Ben’s Revolution: Benjamin Russell and ...

American Eclipse by David Baron

By Janie Cheaney | Aug 5, 2017

This summer a full solar eclipse will cross the United States. This captivating history examines the last time that happened, and its effect on American ...

Undefeated by Steve Sheinkin

By Betsy Farquhar | May 29, 2017

Undefeated is a fascinating account of how a group of talented, creative, and brave young Indians changed the game of football forever. Undefeated: Jim Thorpe ...

The Battle of Seattle by Douglas Bond

By Betsy Farquhar | May 29, 2017

A little known slice of American history comes to life in this Christian middle grades historical fiction novel about the Battle of Seattle. The Battle of ...

Peter Spier, Reissued

By Janie Cheaney | May 9, 2017

Yesterday we received the sad news that Peter Spier, illustrator of classic children's books, had passed away on April 27. Given his age (89) and ...

Jasper and the Riddle of Riley’s Mine by Caroline Starr Rose

By Janie Cheaney | Apr 28, 2017

An enterprising 10-year-old and his teenage brother join the Alaska gold rush “stampeders” for a good-hearted “Call of the Wild” adventure. Jasper and the Riddle ...

Step Right Up by Donna Janell Bowman

By Janie Cheaney | Feb 21, 2017

Children will be fascinated by the heartwarming story of “Doc” Key and his amazing horse Jim, who used their talents for good. Step Right Up: ...

March, Books One and Three by John Lewis

By Janie Cheaney | Feb 17, 2017

John Lewis recounts his role in the Civil Rights struggle in this series of graphic nonfiction histories that vividly portray the difficulty, agony, and ultimate ...

Freedom over Me by Ashley Bryan

By Janie Cheaney | Feb 8, 2017

An actual slave ledger from 1828 inspires this group portrait of eleven African Americans who remain free to dream. Freedom over Me: Eleven Slaves, Their ...

*Answering the Cry for Freedom by Gretchen Woelfle

By Janie Cheaney | Feb 8, 2017

These brief biographies of 13 African Americans during the Revolutionary War demonstrate the power of self-determination as well as the power of faith. *Answering the ...

By Janie Cheaney | Dec 27, 2016

Hattie Big Sky draws upon the experience of the author's own grandmother to create this enthralling story of hard-won optimism and frontier grit. a review from ...

Pearl Harbor Child: an Interview with Dorinda Nicholson

By Janie Cheaney | Dec 7, 2016

Her father was from Kansas City; her mother was native Hawaiian, and Dorinda Makanaonalani Stagner grew up on Pearl City Peninsula, just around the bend ...

Paper Wishes by Lois Sepahban

By Janie Cheaney | Dec 6, 2016

This quiet story takes us into the mind of a Japanese-American girl who finds herself an alien in her own country. Paper Wishes by Lois ...

Dive! World War II Stories of Sailors and Submarines by Deborah Hopkinson

By Janie Cheaney | Dec 6, 2016

This comprehensive history of submarine warfare in the Pacific will have WWII fans cheering and other readers quietly grateful for the sacrifices vividly detailed. Dive! ...

Grover Cleveland, Again! by Ken Burns

By Janie Cheaney | Nov 9, 2016

In this attractive, mostly balanaced picture book, documentary filmmaker Ken Burns turns his narrative skills to introducing kids to our 44 (so far) presidents. Grover ...

Our 9/11 Book List

By Janie Cheaney | Sep 9, 2016

If you've been with us for the last few months you doubtless saw Betsy's reviews of two recent, highly-regarded middle-grade novels about the worst foreign attack ...

Towers Falling by Jewell Parker Rhodes

By Betsy Farquhar | Sep 5, 2016

A tender exploration of the aftermath of 9/11 as one girl begins to understand her father's connection to the events. Towers Falling by Jewell Parker ...

Nine, Ten: A September 11 Story by Nora Raleigh Baskin

By Betsy Farquhar | Sep 5, 2016

Four seemingly unconnected middle school kids are each connected to the events of September 11 in ways that help them mature and learn compassion. Nine, ...

*The Boy Who Became Buffalo Bill by Andrea Warren

By Janie Cheaney | Aug 22, 2016

This accessible biography reveals the extraordinary, historically significant, and surprisingly admirable life of an American legend. *The Boy Who Became Buffalo Bill: Growing Up Billy ...

Commander in Cheese #1: the Big Move by Lindsey Leavitt

By Janie Cheaney | Aug 3, 2016

Commander in Cheese, a new series for beginning readers, pairs a mouse family in the White House with the family of a brand-new president. Commander ...

The Revolutionary War by Mort Kunstler

By Janie Cheaney | Jul 4, 2016

Key events of the American Revolution are celebrated by one of our nation’s preeminent historical painters. The Revolutionary War 1775-1783 (See American History Series) by ...

By Janie Cheaney | May 4, 2016

Sweet Home Alaska by Carole Estby Dagg. Penguin, February 2016, 296 pages Reading Level: Middle Grades, ages 10-12 Recommended for: ages 10-14 Bottom Line: An ...

By Janie Cheaney | Dec 12, 2015

It's that time again! Less than a month before the American Library Association announces their Youth Media Awards, and chief among them is the coveted ...

Phoebe the Spy by Judith Griffin, illustrated by Margot Tomes

By Megan Saben | Oct 26, 2015

Phoebe the Spy by Judith Griffin, illustrated by Margot Tomes. Puffin Books, 2002. 48 pages. Reading Level: Middle Grades, Ages 8-10 Recommended For: Ages 8-10, ...

By Janie Cheaney | Aug 7, 2015

Ranger in Time: Rescue on the Oregon Trail and Danger in Ancient Rome by Kate Messner. Scholastic, 2015. About 125 pages, plus author note. Reading ...

By Janie Cheaney | Jul 3, 2015

The Founding Fathers! Those Horse-Ridin',Fiddle-Playin', Book-Readin', Gun Totin' Gentlemen Who Started America, by Jonah Winter, Illustration by Barry Blitt. Atheneum, 2015. 40 pages Reading Level: ...

*Gingerbread for Liberty! by Mara Rockliff and illustrated by Vincent X. Kirsch

By Betsy Farquhar | Jul 2, 2015

*Gingerbread for Liberty! How a German Baker Helped Win the American Revolution by Mara Rockliff and illustrated by Vincent X. Kirsch. HMH Books, 2015. 32 ...

New Shoes by Susan Lynn Meyer, illustrated by Eric Velasquez

By Betsy Farquhar | Apr 27, 2015

New Shoes by Susan Lynn Meyer, illustrated by Eric Velasquez. Holiday House, 2015. 40 pages. Reading Level: Picture Books, ages 4-8 Recommended for: Ages 4-8 ...

Swing Sisters by Karen Deans, illustrated by Joe Cepeda

By Betsy Farquhar | Apr 27, 2015

Swing Sisters: The Story of the International Sweethearts of Rhythm by Karen Deans, illustrated by Joe Cepeda. Holiday House, 2015. Reading Level: Picture Books, ages ...

By Janie Cheaney | Apr 10, 2015

Audacity by Melanie Crowder. Philomel, 2015. 389 pages, including historical notes. Reading Level: Young Adults, ages 12-15 Recommended for: Young Adults, ages 15-18 Bottom Line: ...

Blue Birds by Caroline Starr Rose

By Betsy Farquhar | Mar 30, 2015

Blue Birds by Caroline Starr Rose. Putnam, 2015. 400 pages. Reading Level: Middle Grades, ages 10-12 Recommended for: Ages 10-12 Bottom Line: This historical novel-in-verse ...

By Janie Cheaney | Feb 24, 2015

*Pioneer Girl: the Annotated Autobiography by Laura Ingalls Wilder (edited by Pamela Smith Hill). University of South Dakota Press, sale 2014. 400 pages. Reading Level: ...

*Caddie Woodlawn by Carol Ryrie Brink

By Betsy Farquhar | Feb 23, 2015

Caddie Woodlawn by Carol Ryrie Brink. Aladdin, 2006 (reprint; originally published 1935). 288 pages. Reading Level: Middle Grades, ages 8-12Recommended for: ages 8-12, especially girls Bottom ...

By Janie Cheaney | Feb 10, 2015

The Sherwood Ring by Elizabeth Pope. Houghton Mifflin Harcourt, 2001. 272 pages Reading Level: Young Adults, ages 12-15 Maturity Level: 5 (ages 12-14) and up ...

By Megan Saben | Jan 14, 2015

Jonathan Edwards by Simonetta Carr, illustrated by Matt Abraxas. Reformation Heritage, 2014. 64 pages. Reading Level: Middle Grades, Ages 8-10 Recommended For: Ages 8-10 Simonetta ...

The Great Turkey Walk by Kathleen Karr

By Betsy Farquhar | Nov 3, 2014

The Great Turkey Walk by Kathleen Karr. Square Fish, 2000 (reprint; original pub. date 1998). 208 pages. Reading Level: Middle Grades (ages 10-12)Recommended for: Ages ...

Dash by Kirby Larson

By Betsy Farquhar | Oct 27, 2014

Dash by Kirby Larson. Scholastic, 2014. 256 pages. Reading Level: Middle Grades, ages 8-12Recommended for: Ages 8-12 Eleven-year-old Mitsi's best friend is her little dog, Dash. ...