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July 2, 2007

American Patriotism

A list of books exploring American patriotism and focusing on those stories from the founding of our country, of the dissent leading to the Revolutionary war, the war itself, the false start with the Articles of Confederation and then the full flowering and founding of this country with the new constitution produced by the Constitutional Convention in 1787.

All suggestions welcome in the Comment section below. I am especially interested in any suggestions for stories highlighting either James Madison or Alexander Hamilton or any of the other broad cast of characters that played important roles (for example Francis Marion) but whom are often overlooked.

Picture Books

And Then What Happened, Paul Revere? by Jean Fritz and illustrated by Margot Tomes
The Fourth of July Story by Alice Dalgliesh and illustrated by Marie Nonnast
I Pledge Allegiance by Bill Martin, Jr. and illustrated by Christopher Raschka
The Midnight Ride of Paul Revere by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow and illustrated by Christopher Bing
Paul Revere's Ride by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow and illustrated by Ted Rand
Paul Revere's Ride, The Landlord's Tale by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow and illustrated by Charles Santore
A Picture Book of Thomas Jefferson by David A. Adler and illustrated by John C. and Alexandra Wallner
The Rooster Crows by Maud and Miska Petersham
Shh! We're Writing the Constitution by Jean Fritz and illustrated by Tomie dePaola
The Star Spangled Banner by Ingri and Edgar Parin d'Aulaire
When Washington Crossed the Delaware by Lynne Cheney and illustrated by Peter M. Fiore
Will You Sign Here, John Hancock? by Jean Fritz and illustrated by Trina Schart Hyman


Independent Reader
American Revolution by Stuart Murray
American Revolution Battles and Leaders by Aaron R. Murray
Ben and Me by Robert Lawson
Can't You Make Them Behave King George? by Jean Fritz and illustrated by Tome dePaola
Childhood of Famous Americans Series
Childhood of Famous Americans - Abigail Adams by Jean Brown Wagoner and illustrated by James J. Ponter
Childhood of Famous Americans - John Adams by Jan Adkins and illustrated by Meryl Henderson
Childhood of Famous Americans - Crispus Attucks by Dharathula Millender and illustrated by Gray Morrow
Childhood of Famous Americans - Benjamin Franklin by Augusta Stevenson
Childhood of Famous Americans - Tom Jefferson by Helen Albee Monsell and illustrated by Ken Wagner
Childhood of Famous Americans - Molly Pitcher by Augusta Stevenson
Childhood of Famous Americans - Paul Revere by Augusta Stevenson
Childhood of Famous Americans - Betsy Ross by Ann Weil
Childhood of Famous Americans - George Washington by Augusta Stevenson and illustrated by Joseph E. Dreany
Childhood of Famous Americans - Martha Washington by Jean Brown Wagoner and illustrated by Leslie Goldstein
The Children's Book of America by William Bennett and illustrated by Michael Hague
Constitution Translated for Kids by Cathy Travis
Early Thunder by Jean Fritz and illustrated by Lynd Ward
The Fighting Ground by Avi
The Founders by Dennis B. Fradin and Michael McCurdy
Gettysburg Address by Abraham Lincoln and illustrated by Michael McCurdy
The Great Little Madison by Jean Fritz
Johnny Tremain by Esther Forbes and illustrated by Lynd Ward
Our Country's Founders by William Bennett
Paul Revere and the World He Lived In by Esther Forbes
Revolutionary War on Wednesday by Mary Pope Osborne and illustrated by Sal Murdocca
The Secret Soldier by Ann McGovern and illustrated by Harold Goodwin
The Signers: The 56 Stories Behind the Declaration of Independence by Dennis B. Fradin and illustrated by Michael McCurdy
Traitor by Jean Fritz
Where Was Patrick Henry on the 29th of May? by Jean Fritz and illustrated by Margot Tomes
Why Don't You Get a Horse, Sam Adams by Jean Fritz and illustrated by Trina Schart Hyman


Young Adults

America (the Book): A Citizen's Guide to Democracy Inaction by Jon Stewart
The American Revolutionaries: A History in Their Own Words 1750-1800 by Milton Meltzer
The Dawn's Early Light, Walter Lord
Founding Brothers The Revolutionary Generation by Joseph J. Ellis
Founding Mothers by Cokie Roberts
A Patriot's Handbook by Caroline Kennedy
The Patriot's Handbook by George Grant
The Pocket Book of Patriotism by Jonathan Foreman
Rebels and Redcoats The American Revolution Through British Eyes by Christopher Hibbert
Report from Philadelphia, Bill Moyers

Continue reading "American Patriotism" »

October 10, 2007

The Immigrant Experience

From the May 11, 2008 Pigeon Post essay of the same name.

We have put together just a sampling of stories which I hope you will find touching and inspirational. Here's a nod of respect towards the achievements of all those who came before.

Please use the comments section to suggest additional candidates.

Picture Books

Marianthe's Story by Aliki Suggested
Peppe the Lamplighter by Elisa Bartone and illustrated by Ted Lewin Recommended
When Jessie Came Across the Sea by Amy Hest and illustrated by P.J. Lynch Recommended
Miss Bridie Chose a Shovel by Leslie Connor and illustrated by Mary Azarian Recommended
My Name Is Yoon by Helen Recorvits and illustrated by Gabriela Swiatkowska Recommended
Grandfather's Journey by Allen Say Recommended
They Were Strong and Good by Robert Lawson Suggested
An Ellis Island Christmas by Maxinne Rhea Leighton and illustrated by Dennis Nolan Suggested

Independent Reader

Mama's Bank Account by Kathryn Forbes Highly Recommended
Molly's Pilgrim by Barbara Cohen and illustrated by Daniel Mark Duffy Suggested
Letters from Rifka by Karen Hesse Recommended
The Circuit by Francisco Jimenez Suggested
Dreams in the Golden Country by Kathryn Lasky Suggested
In the Year of the Boar and Jackie Robinson by Bette Lord and illustrated by Marc Simont Recommended
Faraway Summer by Johanna Hurwitz, illustrated by Mary Azarian Suggested
Yang the Youngest and His Terrible Ear by Lensey Namioka Suggested
The Keeping Quilt by Patricia Polacco Suggested
Esperanza Rising by Pam Munoz Ryan Suggested
Meet Kirsten by Janet Beeler Shaw Recommended
A Tree Grows in Brooklyn by Betty Smith Recommended
All-Of-A-Kind Family by Sydney Taylor and illustrated by Helen John Highly Recommended
Dragonwings by Laurence Yep Recommended

Young Adult

Ashes of Roses by Mary Jane Auch Suggested


November 5, 2007

Exploration of the World

This booklist is focused on recounting the tales of those that set out to connect the world through discovery, the Herodotus's, the Magellans, the Marco Polo's, the Ibn Batusta's, the Cortez's of the world. These were people that set out with a purpose to bring back or accomplish something (knowledge, gold, religious converts, power, etc.). So not mere travellers but discoverers and interpreters. We will address scientific discovery in a separate booklist.

Are there others you would suggest. Please use the comments section to nominate other cadidates for this list.

Continue reading "Exploration of the World" »

July 9, 2008

Mysteries of History

From the May 1, 2008 Pigeon Post essay of the same name.

It is a little hard to describe what type of books we are looking for here; they have the characteristics of Justice Potters definition of pornography, "I know it when I see it." These are stories where you want to know what happened and why it happened. And once you know, your response is "That's amazing." There is certainly an element of having learned something but more often than not there are elements of adventure, awe, inspiration and wonder. Even when you do have the answers to the who's, the what's, and the when's, you are still left with a sense of amazement.

What historical mysteries captured your reading as a child?

The Story Of The H.L. Hunley And Queenie's Coin by Fran Hawk and illustrated by Dan Nance Recommended
Adventures of the Treasure Fleet by Ann Bowler and illustrated by Lak-khee Tay-audouard Suggested
The Seventy Great Mysteries of the Ancient World by Brian M. Fagan Recommended
The Seventy Great Inventions Of The Ancient World by Brian M. Fagan Suggested
The Seventy Wonders of the Ancient World by Christopher Scarre Recommended
Hour of the Olympics by Mary Pope Osborne and illustrated by Sal Murdocca Suggested
Kon-Tiki by Thor Heyerdahl Highly Recommended
The Mary Celeste by Jane Yolen and Heidi Elisabet Yolen Stemple and illustrated by Roger Roth Recommended
Pyramid by David MacAulay Recommendation
The Lost World of the Anasazi by Peter Lourie Suggested
A Night To Remember by Walter Lord Highly Recommended
A Time to Stand by Walter Lord Recommended
Incredible Victory by Walter Lord Recommended
Vinland Sagas by Magnus Magnusson Suggested
When China Ruled the Seas by Louis Levathes Suggested
The Devil's Horsemen by James Chambers Highly Recommended
Ghost Ship by Brian Hicks Suggested
Before the Dawn by Nicholas Wade Highly Recommended
Silent Night by Stanley Weintraub Suggested

Middle Ages

From the June 15, 2008 Pigeon Post essay of the same name.

Below are a host of books attempting to rescue that missing millennium from oblivion and from national consciousness. We hope that your children will find many stories to entertain and as critically to learn from. Let us know which stories you have enjoyed.
This book list is divided into three sections:
(1) Picture Books
(2) Books for Independent Readers
(3) Books for Young Adults

The list begins below with Picture Books, but you can use one of the following links to skip directly to either of the other two sections.
Go to books for Independent Readers
Go to books for Young Adults


Picture Books

Saint George and the Dragon by Margaret Hodges and illustrated by Trina Schart Hyman Highly Recommended
Dick Whittington and His Cat by Marcia Brown Recommeneded
Chanticleer and the Fox by Geoffrey Chaucer and Barbara Cooney Recommended
Joan of Arc by Margaret Hodges and illustrated by Robert Rayevsky Recommended
Ivanhoe by Marianne Mayer & Walter Scott and illustrated by A. John Rush Recommended
Saladin by Diane Stanley Recommended
A Medieval Feast by Aliki Suggested


Independent Reader

Crispin by Avi Highly Recommended
Catherine, Called Birdy by Karen Cushman Highly Recommended
Adam of the Road by Elizabeth Janet Gray and illustrated by Robert Lawson Highly Recommended
The Canterbury Tales by Geoffrey Chaucer and Geraldine McCaughrean Recommended
The Seeing Stone by Kevin Crossley-Holland Recommended
The Adventures of Robin Hood by Roger Lancelyn Green and illustrated by Walter Crane Recommended
Castle by David MacAulay Recommended
Cathedral by David MacAulay Recommended
Joan of Arc by Josephine Poole and illustrated by Angela Barrett Recommended
Men of Iron by Howard Pyle Recommended
The Merry Adventures of Robin Hood by Howard Pyle and illustrated by Scott McKowen Recommended
Otto of the Silver Hand by Howard Pyle Recommended
The White Stag by Kate Seredy Recommended
Beowulf the Warrior by Ian Serraillier and illustrated by Severin Recommended
Rowan Hood by Nancy Springer Recommended
The Shield Ring by Rosemary Sutcliff Recommended
The Shining Company by Rosemary Sutcliff Recommended
The Castle in the Attic by Elizabeth Winthrop and illustrated by Trina Schart Hyman Recommended
The Kingfisher Atlas of the Medieval World by Simon Adams Suggested
The Book of Three by Lloyd Alexander Suggested
The Black Cauldron by Lloyd Alexander Suggested
The Castle of Llyr by Lloyd Alexander Suggested
Taran Wanderer by Lloyd Alexander Suggested
The High King by Lloyd Alexander Suggested
The Story of Siegfried by James Baldwin Suggested
Fire, Bed, And Bone by Henrietta Branford Suggested
Beyond the Myth by Polly Schoyer Brooks Suggested
The Apple and the Arrow by Conrad Buff and Mary Buff Suggested
The Book of the Lion by Michael Cadnum Suggested
The Midwife's Apprentice by Karen Cushman Suggested
Francis by Tomie dePaola Suggested
The Sea of Trolls by Nancy Farmer Suggested
The Adventures of Marco Polo by Russell Freedman and Linas Alsenas and illustrated by Bagram Ibatoulline Suggested
Peregrine by Joan Elizabeth Goodman Suggested
The Trumpeter of Krakow by Eric Philbrook Kelly Suggested
Eyewitness Viking by Susan M. Margeson Suggested
The Knight at Dawn by Mary Pope Osborne and illustrated by Sal Murdocca Suggested
Robin Hood by Neil Philip and illustrated by Nick Harris Suggested
Castle Diary by Richard Platt and illustrated by Chris Riddell Suggested
The Travels of Marco Polo by Marco Polo Suggested
The Customs of the Kingdoms of India by Marco Polo and Ronald Latham Suggested
The Story Of King Arthur And His Knights by Howard Pyle and illustrated by Scott McKowen Suggested
Viking It and Liking It by Jon Scieszka and illustrated Adam McCauley Suggested
Lionclaw by Nancy Springer Suggested
Outlaw Princess of Sherwood by Nancy Springer Suggested
Sword Song by Rosemary Sutcliff Suggested
Girl in a Cage by Jane Yolen and Robert J. Harris Suggested


Young Adult

Distant Mirror by Barbara Wertheim Tuchman Highly Recommended
The Sword in the Stone by T. H. White and illustrated by Dennis Nolan Highly Recommended
The Fires of Merlin by T. A. Barron Recommended
Year of Wonders by Geraldine Brooks Recommended
How the Irish Saved Civilization by Thomas Cahill Recommended
1215 by Danny Danziger and John Gillingham Recommended
The Name of the Rose by Umberto Eco Recommended
The Year 1000 by Robert Lacey and Danny Danziger Recommended
King Arthur by Andrew Lang and illustrated by H. J. Ford Recommended
A World Lit Only by Fire by William Manchester Recommended
Ivanhoe by Walter Scott Recommended
The Crystal Cave by Mary Stewart Recommended
The Once and Future King by T. H. White Recommended
The Lost Years of Merlin by T. A. Barron Suggested
Queen Eleanor by Polly Schoyer Brooks Suggested
Canterbury Tales by Geoffrey Chaucer & Barbara Cohen Suggested
The Hollow Hills by Mary Stewart Suggested
The Last Enchantment by Mary Stewart Suggested
The Wicked Day by Mary Stewart Suggested
Pope Joan by Donna Woolfolk Suggested
A Journal of the Plague Year by Daniel Defoe Suggested
The Quest for El Cid by Richard A. Fletcher Suggested
A Proud Taste for Scarlet and Miniver by E. L. Konigsburg Suggested
The Prince by Niccolo Machiavelli Suggested
Medieval People by Eileen Power Suggested
A Connecticut Yankee in King Arthurs Court by Mark Twain and illustrated by Trina Schart Hyman Suggested
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The Book of Merlyn by T. H. White Suggested

The American Revolution

From the June 22, 2008 Pigeon Post essay of the same name.

Below is a list of books that we hope will capture the attention and imagination of your children as they explore a time when tectonic moves were afoot that launched the