Originally written in the early 19th century, H.A. Guerber's historical readers will give young children an exciting, narrative look at the human past. Writing from the conviction of biblical accuracy in all of history, events and cultures are dated according to the bible and an emphasis on God's sovereignty through Western history runs throughout. Children will appreciate the story like style as they hear of the great men and civilizations in chapters that are easy to digest, though they still retain a large vocabulary. Historical illustrations are used throughout.
Thirteen Colonies describes what life was like before and during the Revolutionary War, from the Native Americans until Washington's Farwell. Please be aware that Native Americans are described as "simple", and other 19th century attitudes are present despite changing the term "savages" to "Indians". 240 pages, softcover.
How pleasant it is to receive little notes telling me that your homeschoolers are enjoying their “living books”: biographies, children’s literature, even picture books. You’ve also mentioned your need of story-style history books that chronologically place rulers and battles in timeline order—main texts that are not skimming overviews of the world but that provide a clear impression of a country or culture, and prominent events of a time period. The H.A. Guerber books will fit this need. Some teachers call them “spine” books because they form the backbone of a time period on which all those lovely living books can be attached. You may refer to the reading lists and handy timelines included in each volume.
Originally published in the 1890s, Guerber’s story-style histories have been either gently updated by Christine Miller or, in some instances, rewritten by her. No lists of questions follow each chapter. Evenly spaced quizzes and tests are absent. These books are for those who prefer students to narrate orally and/or keep a notebook of written narration—a record (sometimes picturesque summary) of what each student is learning. Looking back over our homeschool, I see that most of our children’s effort at writing was centered on narrating history. It is a natural way of developing English skills, thus nicely combining two subjects for the day.
Not marked by specific grade level, the books can be used with a group of children of combined ages. The Ancient World (the story of God’s chosen people) and the American histories could be used for later elementary. Greeks and Romans would suffice for middle school up to high school. I found the most involved, challenging histories to be Middle Ages and Renaissance and Reformation. It’s okay to give books “a try” with children. Knowledge has a wonderful way of crossing imposed boundaries of grade level, especially when presented through books like these. Approx. 200–350 pages each, softcovers from Nothing New Press.
—Karen
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