Hooked on History

Teaching Pre K-8, Oct 2004 by Meagher, Sandy

Hooked on History

Nonfiction recommendations that bring history to life, plus fiction tie-ins and resources for teachers and parents

Since we know that the majority of what we read daily is nonfiction, it's important for students to develop an interest in this genre. However, to me, history always seemed dull until I discovered historical fiction. Then I was hooked!

A series plus supplements

An excellent series for middle and upper elementary social studies is "Events That Shaped America," from Gareth Stevens Publishing. Some titles are The Anasazi Culture at Mesa Verde, Arriving at Ellis island, The Montgomery Bus Boycott and The Battle of Gettysburg. Check www.garethstevens. com/wrell for more.

Some historical fiction titles that complement this series are Finishing Becca (Harcourt, 1994, ISBN: 0-152-05079-5), about Peggy Shipper and Benedict Arnold, by Ann Rinaldi and Evvy's Civil War by Miriam Brenaman (Penguin, 2002, ISBN: 0-399-23713-5), which shows what was expected of a young girl or woman in the 186Os. A book to thrill male readers is Revenge of the Whale by Nathaniel Philbrick (Penguin, 2002, ISBN: 0-14240068-8). This is the true story of the events of November 20, 1830, when a whale rammed and sank the whaleship Essex. Only eight of the 20 crew members survived, including the 14-year-old cabin boy.

Gripping stories

An excellent collection of stories about the American Revolution is Young Patriots by Marcella Fisher Anderson and Elizabeth Weiss Vollstadt (Boyds Mills Press, 2004, ISBN: 1-590-78241-0). Each story could be used in literature circles for middle graders. The book also includes a bibliography, websites and a glossary.

For a series of high-interest mysteries that incorporate historical fiction try the "Cascade Mountain Railroad i Mysteries" by Anne Capeci (Peachtree Publishers).

Digging into history

Recently I collaborated on a project that was very successful with upper middle grade students. I compiled bibliographies of nonfiction and complementary historical fiction books. Students were to read two nonfiction books and one historical fiction book and then report on the aspect of history on which the books focused. The report could be in the form of an art activity, a computer slide presentation, a time line with graphics, etc.

I taught the use of the encyclopedia, computer catalog, use of databases, how to take notes, graphic organizers, etc. Their classroom teacher taught the history using computer presentations, video, text and more. The grade for the project was combined - the teacher determined the final grade after I graded library skills. It pleases me that so many students come to the library and continue to choose historical fiction and nonfiction.

Get ready to write

A book that would be a good springboard for writing instruction is American Moments: Scenes From American History by Robert Burleigh (Holt, 2004, ISBN: 0-805-07082-6). Eighteen remarkable moments from American history are represented and notes at the end of the book clarify each event. Students could use the book as a model to make their own book of historic events.

Another great picture book to use as a writing sample is D is for Drums: A Colonial Williamsburg ABC-written and illustrated by Kay Chorao (Abrams, 2004, ISBN: 0-810-9927-X). And the state alphabets from Sleeping Bear Press are wonderful for helping students make books about any topic. Check www. sleepingbearpress.com for downloadable teacher's guides for each book.

Sophisticated picture books

Read-alouds for older students are, many times, chapter books. But here are some picture books that are definitely for older readers. Caesar Rodney's Ride: The Story of an American Patriot, by Jan Cheripko (Boyds Mills Press, 2004, ISBN: 1-590-78065-5), is the true story of the remarkable events of July 1776. Caesar Rodney's journey would change the course of history.

Also try The Lost Colony of Roanoke by Jean Fritz, (G.P. Putnam & Sons, 2004, ISBN: 0-399-24027-6). This gripping story is one of the most puzzling mysteries in America's history. Where did the 115 missing colonists go? What happened? Great food for thought for journal writing, essays or poems.

Journey to Cahokia:ABoy's Visit to the Great Mound City by Albert Lorenz (Abrams, 2004, ISBN: 0-810-95047-2) tells the story of one family's journey to the largest, most developed urban center, the city of Cahokia on the Mississippi River in approximately 1300 CE. This fascinating book contains many photographs of artifacts found during this period.

A picture book series that appeals to older readers is "The Family Heritage Series" from the Vermont Folklife Center. A good title to use when teaching about immigration is The Two Brothers by William Jaspersohn (2000, ISBN: 0-916-71816-6). Heinrich and Fredrich are brothers in Prussia who travel to America separately in the 188Os and end up working on adjacent farms in Vermont. The book includes activities that can help students interview family members or learn about their own local history.