Best children american history books according to redditors
We found 134 Reddit comments discussing the best children american history books. We ranked the 89 resulting products by number of redditors who mentioned them. Here are the top 20.
We found 134 Reddit comments discussing the best children american history books. We ranked the 89 resulting products by number of redditors who mentioned them. Here are the top 20.
There are multiple Hillary Clinton children's books out there.
Twice now, professional friends of my wife (who, as always, is a humanities professor) have given my oldest daughter this kind of book as a gift. Each time it was a from a late 30s childless feminist female professor (who are people I like fine, btw). They apparently thought the books were "fun" and "playful" with a "good message".
The first of these, A is for Activist, I mostly rolled my eyes about and then gave away after a while.
The second one, Rad American Women A-Z, was given as a gift when I wasn't around, so I only came across it when looking at my 5 year old daughter's book shelf. The very first content page of this book when I opened it was this hagiography of Angela Davis - it is instructive to compare the article in the kids book with the information in the wikipedia page. And I'll admit, I seethed for a while after finding this book on my daughter's book shelf.
I recognize that there are people out there who want to give their kids these kinds of books, just as there are people who want to give their kids Baby's First Bible Stories or Baby's First Bill O'Reilly or Baby's First Glenn Beck or Baby's First Hamas.
And aside from that Hamas cartoon, this doesn't bother me. This is basically one major way people pass on their values and culture and worldview to their kids.
Nor does it bother me that my daughter will learn, over time, that there are well-meaning people out there who support Angela Davis, or Glenn Beck, or Moses, or radical feminism, or traditionalism, or Orthodox Judaism, or whatever, and that they disagree with each other, and they have their reasons, and that's okay. And she'll have to make up her own mind about those things.
But what does bother me is the idea that it's reasonable, and fun, and not even worthy of comment, to give what amounts to pretty nakedly partisan / radical propaganda to other people's kids.
It was actually after finding this second book that it finally sunk in for me that my previous practice of just politely and silently keeping my politics and worldview to myself around my wife's peers wasn't going to work. It doesn't bother me that I don't agree with them on plenty of stuff, and it's not important to me that they be convinced of, or engage with, my viewpoints or values. I actually get nothing out of them getting a window in to what I think and believe, really. But I've started seeing their assumptions about what all decent people think and value leak into how they treat my kids. And that's getting my back up. It's the assumptions part of it more than anything.
EDIT: To clarify, both books were given to my wife by the friends. No one was trying to go around our backs or anything like that... nor would they, because it wouldn't have occurred to them that there was anything objectionable about the books in the first place. It just happened to be the case that I found the second book on the book case without knowing it had been given, as described above.
https://www.amazon.com/Hillary-Rodham-Clinton-Some-Girls/dp/0062381229
https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/1481451138/ref=pd_aw_sim_14_2?ie=UTF8&psc=1&refRID=GW9509TDAM5SK320D9SC
https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/0553533886/ref=pd_aw_sim_14_2?ie=UTF8&psc=1&refRID=KX8VQCXPV626F6P6Z658
These actually are worse than the cover suggests (which is already pretty bad). I remember them even comparing Hillary to huge rulers and civil rights leaders like Queen Elizabeth, Martin Luther King, and even Ghandi.
It was total propaganda and the fact they are directed at little kids horrified me
Presidents make $400,000 a year and pay no living expenses while serving. So, after tax times 8 years, that's about 2.36 million dollars. He's also got multiple... New York Times... best selling books. So, he's likely earned a few million dollars. No different than any other president in the past 50 years.
You have to consider that racism isn't just the element of disliking someone and thinking their race is better.
In the U.S. specifically, there has been systematic, institutionalized racism. Basically, one group of people (white Europeans) set up society in a way that limits people of color and has traditionally kept them out of the areas that whites feel they dominate. This was done for many reasons, in part because of the idea that being European ancestry made someone more civilized, smarter, and better at [xyz reason].
"Racism" doesn't come from all sides - prejudice does. Racism is the long-term plot for people of color to be kept out of areas that give huge benefits to whites. It's having white criminals getting less severe sentences than black criminals. It's black women being more likely to die during childbirth than white women. It's black children in school being more likely to be punished, or called problem students than white children.
Race and Crime
Race and Pregnancy
Race and School Punishments
Race Bias in Teachers
Race Bias in Medicine
Books:
Fred Korematsu Speaks Up
She Stood for Freedom
Harvesting Hope: The Story of Cesar Chavez
Shining Star: The Anna May Wong Story
Separate Is Never Equal
Hillary Clinton: Some Girls are Born to Lead
It Takes a Village: Picture Book by Hillary Rodham Clinton
A Girl Named Hillary: The True Story of Hillary Clinton
Hillary Rodham Clinton: Dreams Taking Flight
Hillary Clinton: The Life of a Leader
I Dissent: Ruth Bader Ginsburg Makes Her Mark
I Look Up To... Ruth Bader Ginsburg
Elizabeth Warren: Nevertheless, She Persisted
And there are a lot more where those came from. There were a lot of politician worshiping children's books I chose not to include because my list was already pretty long.
https://www.amazon.com/Who-Was-Alexander-Hamilton-Pollack/dp/0399544275
That's one such book for you.
Are you looking for fiction or non-fiction?
As far as non-fiction goes here are a few I like for kids:
Women in Science
Rad American Women
Girls Think of Everything
Good Night Stories for Rebel Girls
And if you search for any of these books there are always suggestions of tons of other great books. I have a Girl Scout troop so I'm always browsing for great pro-women books for them.
Also the Wreck this Journal books aren't "books" but still super fun for girls that age!
You should also pick up Fred Korematsu Speaks Up some of my fellow grad students literally did not know about Japanese internment camps in the US. :'(
For the holocaust unit we did when I was in grade school, we read the Diary of Anne Frank.
I also read Number the Stars as a kid and here's a Teacher's Companion for it.
All the Light We Cannot See is also a really good book and gives the view points of two very different people. The Book Thief is also really really good.
For a 20 month old, I would also recommend Whose Toes Are Those and Whose Knees Are These (one is about a little girl, one is about a little boy). They are being re-released in March, so looks like right now you have to either buy them used or pre-order the new version, but your library might have them as well. I also love I Know A Lot (and others in that series), as well as the Lola at the Library series. And there are a couple new board books that came out last year that look great as well, such as Dream Big Little One, a celebration of African American women who changed the world, and ABC What Can She Be?, which introduces girls doing lots of different jobs.
http://www.amazon.com/Gettysburg-Graphic-C-M-Butzer/dp/0061561762/ref=cm_syf_dtl_pop_10_rlrsrs0
This seems like it's exactly what you want.
Brad Meltzer also authors a great series of biographies for kids about people that changed the world and are quite inspirational. I love the one about Amelia Earhart
Read Yo, Millard Fillmore to learn them. https://www.amazon.com/Yo-Millard-Fillmore-those-Presidents/dp/1935212419
Sonya, Your momma wouldn't tell you this but...
True beauty shines from within. Beautiful people do what is right, not what is popular. They are true to the people they are close with and those who love them. They realize that different isn't scary, but a beautiful experience. They realize that there are so many wonderful things in life including being an amazing person. Sonya, be the beautiful young girl that we all aspire to be.
I think every 9 year old should have this book, [Rad American Women A-Z: Rebels, Trailblazers, and Visionaries who Shaped Our History . . . and Our Future!] (https://www.amazon.com/Rad-American-Women-Trailblazers-Visionaries-ebook/dp/B0140EEQSS/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1523332796&sr=8-1&keywords=powerful+women)
Hey, infants and toddlers need books too!
Yummy Yucky was a favourite in our house. So were Dinosaur vs Bedtime and Goodnight Gorilla.
Getting a little bit older, my kids loved all the Arnold Lobel books and so did I. They were/are among the very few of my kids' books that I never ever got tired of reading over and over again, night after night.
Personally I loved the Madeline books and the Babar books, my daughter liked them but I could never get my son into them.
This was a huge favourite for both my kids in the toddler/preschool years. I can still recite some of those stories from memory (and do).
The original Thomas the Tank Engine stories are really charming. If your nephew ends up taking an interest in trains and that sort of thing, this is a gorgeous book.
eta: almost forgot: Maurice Sendak is essential. My kids can both recite Chicken Soup with Rice from beginning to end.
Not a dumb question at all. In my opinion, it's best to think of Graphic Novels as a completely separate medium from books. So you can have fiction and non-fiction books, the same way you can have fiction and non-fiction movies (documentaries), the same way you can have fiction and non-fiction Graphic Novels.
Most non-fiction graphic novels are either memoirs like Can't We Talk about Something More Pleasant and Persepolis, or biographies like My Friend Dahmer. There is old historical stuff like Gettysburg, and even graphic novels about The History of Hip Hop.
It's definitely a niche genre within a niche medium, but it has its audience!
I also remembered that there is r/asklibrarians but you should definitely ask your local librarians. This is the kind of thing they live for!
I had some time this morning so I went through our history books and found as many as I could that are good for general reference so they should hit all those subjects for her in a broad but informative way. Since that's my son's favorite subject, and he is homeschooled, we keep a lot of historical encyclopedias around:
Everything You Need To Know To Ace World History
Everything You Need To Know To Ace American History
World War II: The Definitive Visual Guide
The Usborne Internet-Linked Encyclopedia of World History
Free: U. S. History Sourcebook - Basic Kindle Edition
Also Free: U. S. History Sourcebook - Advanced Kindle Edition
The Kingfisher History Encyclopedia there is probably a newer version now of this. This is my son's FAVORITE throughout the years.
History: From the Dawn of Civilization to the Present Day
This is a good one too: Himeji Castle: Japan's Samurai Past
Since your daughter is interested in Japanese history as well, I asked my son's Japanese teacher what she would recommend (she has the kids read books periodically), and she recommended some books. I know they're not all nonfiction, but historical fiction can give a lot of context and understanding.
The Cat Who Went to Heaven – Elizabeth Coatsworth
The Samurai’s Tale – Erik C. Heaugaard
Born in the Year of Courage – Emily Crofford
The Big Wave – Pearl S. Buck
The Master Puppeteer – Katherine Patterson
The Sign of the Chrysanthemum – Katherine Patterson
Sadako and the Thousand Paper Cranes – Eleanor Coerr
Heart of a Samurai – Margi Preus
If you're after cheap books and can't find them at the library, search on abebooks.com or the used books on amazon.com. We always check Abebooks first because they're almost always cheaper there once you factor in shipping.
Also, as a general reader this may be good
https://www.amazon.com/Everything-Need-American-History-Notebook/dp/0761160833
To this end, we got our little boy a bunch of similar books. Notables:
Baby Feminists
Dream Big Little One
Not feminist but honorable mention as it is too much fun with some of the double entendre:
Woke Baby
https://www.amazon.com/Childrens-Illustrated-History-Presidential-Assassination/dp/0615999034 This is an awesome book. Illustrated by the author's daughter I believe. Kid level but really interesting.
Oh, I <3 looking for books for my kids!! They are 14, 13, 12, 11, and 5. Our son is the youngest, and he loves all the books that his older sisters loved when they were younger. :D
Oh my gosh...Get those kids some books!
I would love this book for our oldest daughter if I win, please.
/u/DrUsual...can you think of any?
Thank you for the contest!
Make me smile, Rasta! (and my stepkids) with Yo Millard Fillmore!
Hope you have a great Monday!
There's a lovely children's book about this incident; it's called Mailing May, by Michael O. Tunnell, and it was published in 1997.
http://www.amazon.com/Mailing-May-Michael-O-Tunnell/dp/0064437248
Here are all the local Amazon links I could find:
amazon.com
amazon.co.uk
amazon.ca
amazon.com.au
amazon.in
amazon.com.mx
amazon.de
amazon.it
amazon.es
amazon.com.br
amazon.nl
amazon.co.jp
amazon.fr
Beep bloop. I'm a bot to convert Amazon ebook links to local Amazon sites.
I currently look here: amazon.com, amazon.co.uk, amazon.ca, amazon.com.au, amazon.in, amazon.com.mx, amazon.de, amazon.it, amazon.es, amazon.com.br, amazon.nl, amazon.co.jp, amazon.fr, if you would like your local version of Amazon adding please contact my creator.
You should check out Don't Know Much About American History.
Book
Fun fact about Lorises: Loris is the only known "poisonous" primate. It has a patch filled with venom under its elbow used for protection against the predators. When faced with danger, loris licks its elbow and covers its teeth with poison. As soon as loris bites its enemy, it will deliver the venom.
I don't use textbooks in history. I'll be honest - it's tough. You will need a lot of sources and do things like guided notetaking/lecturing and PowerPoints to get the information across. Brief, 2-3 paragraph readings with 3-5 questions from the readings are good for homework too. Try to find condensed versions of history books to help you as well. For example, something like this which I use - https://www.amazon.com/Everything-Need-American-History-Notebook/dp/0761160833/ref=asc_df_0761160833/?tag=hyprod-20&linkCode=df0&hvadid=312178232056&hvpos=1o1&hvnetw=g&hvrand=5033432836201444507&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9003217&hvtargid=pla-481046914717&psc=1&tag=&ref=&adgrpid=60258870937&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvadid=312178232056&hvpos=1o1&hvnetw=g&hvrand=5033432836201444507&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9003217&hvtargid=pla-481046914717
>https://www.amazon.com/Who\-Was\-Alexander\-Hamilton\-Pollack/dp/0399544275
I second this book! I teach 5th grade and have it in my classroom library. It's a hit with my kids who know the musical.
I would love this book and I am not even from the US. I think Ooryl2 would find it interesting.
Not sure your budget...these might help:
http://amzn.com/B003YMNFHQ
http://amzn.com/B0029LHWFO
http://amzn.com/037583527X
http://amzn.com/0307455874
Hey are you done taking them or not? I did the English one but still need the other two! If you have any other helpful resources please let me know.
I suck at math so I've been avoiding and delaying the whole process! I should've gotten certified a long time ago.
Anyways here's what I've got to study for the exams: English, Math, US History and Science
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0761160965/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o09_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
https://www.amazon.com/Everything-Need-English-Language-Notebook/dp/0761160914/ref=pd_bxgy_14_img_2/147-1382291-0810832?_encoding=UTF8&pd_rd_i=0761160914&pd_rd_r=d87a0cf0-585a-4c94-b51e-79af5951f6aa&pd_rd_w=qvlyM&pd_rd_wg=wmUDb&pf_rd_p=a2006322-0bc0-4db9-a08e-d168c18ce6f0&pf_rd_r=EX9MYTBFYW5J1ESNC8SN&psc=1&refRID=EX9MYTBFYW5J1ESNC8SN
https://www.amazon.com/Everything-You-Need-Science-Notebook/dp/0761160957/ref=pd_bxgy_img_3/147-1382291-0810832?_encoding=UTF8&pd_rd_i=0761160957&pd_rd_r=069d0766-bcca-4a0b-aca2-6290f87ec77d&pd_rd_w=b19TF&pd_rd_wg=798k5&pf_rd_p=a2006322-0bc0-4db9-a08e-d168c18ce6f0&pf_rd_r=6G0J7SJWDZZVFSH3JVS6&psc=1&refRID=6G0J7SJWDZZVFSH3JVS6
https://www.amazon.com/Everything-Need-American-History-Notebook/dp/0761160833/ref=pd_sbs_14_3/147-1382291-0810832?_encoding=UTF8&pd_rd_i=0761160833&pd_rd_r=86a465ab-25e3-49b8-881a-83362b0ad053&pd_rd_w=9qGxa&pd_rd_wg=ANeMi&pf_rd_p=d66372fe-68a6-48a3-90ec-41d7f64212be&pf_rd_r=GD2VSSX7BH21JHHCKP72&psc=1&refRID=GD2VSSX7BH21JHHCKP72
It's on all of us to turn to the people we are on "the same side" with and say "Let's think about this for a minute. Would we have gone insane if Obama ever said to someone "You should read my book!" or "You should buy my book!"?
And likewise, from the right to say "I was pissed about the embasies buying Obama's book - so I should be pissed about conway's comments or that tweet!"...
Personally, I couldn't care less about either. Obama's book sold all throughout his presidency, as well as other ones like a book to his daughters... what was that one...
>https://www.amazon.com/Thee-Sing-Letter-My-Daughters/dp/037583527X
Of thee I sing, written before he was president but sold while he was president...
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2010/09/15/AR2010091506587.html
>Using the girls to sell the title -- the second book in a $1.9 million deal for three books, only one of them for children, that Obama inked before becoming president -- is not inconsistent with the policy of generally shielding the girls from public attention, the officials say.
>"I think our encouragement is to keep their private lives private," press secretary Robert Gibbs said Wednesday. Sasha, 9, and Malia, 12, will not be doing any book promotion, he said.
>In an interview with Sirius XM radio this week, Obama said he was asked to write the book by publishers who thought he "might have something to say to young people." The book was initially scheduled to come out in 2006 and explore a portion of Obama's childhood, according to a 2004 news release.
So even though it was written before he was Prez... it is released while he is Prez... and he is even doing interviews on radio pitching his book!
Do you think he pitched it on Ellen or The View or The Daily Show too?
This book about Thomas Jefferson, because....reasons? She doesn't really talk much in a conversational way so I don't know why, but she is obsessed with this book. She is 2.5 years old and is one of those non-neurotypical kids with hyperlexia.
How about:
Also: Have you tried having a look at what she's pinned on Pinterest? You might find some helpful ideas there. Good luck!
They would probably enjoy Kenneth C. Davis's Don't Know Much About History and Don't Know Much About American History.
Edit: In terms of viewing material - I plan on having my kids watch old episodes of SchoolHouse Rock but I don't know if they are available on DVD. Might have to record it from the web.
Amazon link: https://www.amazon.com/Assassination-Chronicle-Attempts-Twelve-Presidents/dp/1620879980
[buy, book, store, source]
Hm....well the books I suggested before are certainly within the 21-year mark...I grew up with some of them and I'm only 23. For really recent ones, I know of:
My last recommendation is to shoot an e-mail to your local library with your request. They usually get periodicals that list relevant books separated by genre and age, and can probably give you a better idea of what is relevant than I can (since this is a few years outside of my area of interest). Librarians are usually really friendly and love to help out with book stuff :)
What about this actual children's book?
https://www.amazon.com/Childrens-Illustrated-History-Presidential-Assassination/dp/0615999034
Read this:
https://www.amazon.com/Dont-Know-About-American-History/dp/0064408361
All of Ken Davis' books are tremendous. I particularly like the one about the Civil War, which I've read twice.
I am Amelia Earhart (Ordinary People Change World) by Brad Metlzer. Along with the rest in the series.
There's actually a cute kids book based on this called "Mailing May" http://www.amazon.com/Mailing-May-Michael-O-Tunnell/dp/0064437248/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&amp;qid=1334270657&amp;sr=8-1
http://www.amazon.com/Childrens-Illustrated-History-Presidential-Assassination/dp/0615999034 Maybe try reading this with him. I've heard it's a great kids book.
My six-year-old daughter is a Hillary supporter. She's watched all the debates with me but this picture book won her over. Bernie's gonna lose the youth vote if he doesn't up his book game, Hillary's got like a whole shelf of them.