American History

Four hundred years ago, 102 men, women, and children crowded between decks of a small cargo ship named The Mayflower and set out for the New World. Who were these people, willing to risk everything and move to a wild, untamed land? Why did they go, what did they do, and does any of it even matter today? Using talented voice actors with dramatic sound effects and including recent historical discoveries, Freedom: William Bradford and the American Pilgrims tells a riveting and timely tale of determination, endurance, and conviction. In the 6-episode Part 1, the story begins with young William Bradford and continues through the trials of fleeing England, living in Holland, then preparing for and living through the voyage to America, and the first days in the New World. In Part 2, 7 episodes continue the story with the hardship and sorrow of the first winter in the New World through meeting Squanto and finding new ways to fish, hunt and grow crops, Massasoit’s healing by Edward Winslow, Myles Standish, and the first Thanksgiving. Part 1 is over 2 hours on 2 audio CDs. Part 2 is over 3 hours on 3 audio CDs. Ages 12 and up.

The DK Smithsonian American History: A Visual Encyclopedia is organized chronologically, with illustrations, photographs, and informative captions of artifacts, portraits, and world events integrated throughout. Short two-page spreads on eras, topics, famous people, concepts, and more provide a visual guide through the major influences and events in American history. 320 pages, hardcover. Updated through Donald Trump's presidency.

This Classical Conversations original anthology in the Copper Lodge Library series proves that “it’s time to celebrate heroes again!”  This one-volume collection of history stories, carefully researched and compiled by Classical Conversations staff, will whisk readers back to the years of the American colonies and the young United States of America.  Black & white vintage images and photographs introduce and illustrate biographical excerpts of the most famous figures in American history, balancing their flaws and imperfections with the bravery, hard work, perseverance, and innovation that it took to build a new country. These easy-to-read tales explore the lives of men and women like George Washington, Dolly Madison, Harriet Tubman, and Martin Luther King, Jr., and include personal quotes and informative footnotes. 328 pages, softcover. Grade 8.

Bede, the adorable ball of yarn with googly eyes, is a timeline. This cute character introduces young children to the basics events of American history in a fun, once-a-week lesson that emphasis what happened when. Chapters are written directly to children in a child-friendly font, with simple activities that involve drawing, lapbooking, and hands-on activities. Topics cover the breadth of American history including Pocahontas, Lewis & Clark, Lincoln, Jazz, Immigration, flight, Reagan, and more. 83 pages with cut-out activity pages in the back, softcover. Grade 1.