American History Stories

Though originally published by Mara L. Pratt in the early 1900's, these books share the early history of America in a storytelling manner that younger students today will still find compelling. Each book focuses on a specific time in American history and the stories included (about two dozen per book) are given in a conversational tone that appeals to children. Imagined dialogue is interspersed with real quotes and facts to give a realistic portrayal of what actually happened, and while the books by no means give a complete and thorough history, main events of the featured time period are highlighted in a way that readers will find entertaining as much as educational. Moving through each time period, the books tell stories (with several pages per story) about things that defined that era, important historical figures, and main events. Unabridged republications of the original books, these also include the original black and white illustrations, which are sprinkled throughout the stories. Being a century old, a few of the stories include elements that we would probably call politically incorrect today, but they are written from a Christian perspective and are otherwise detailed and accurate. With fairly short narratives that young students can read themselves, these books are great for sharing historical stories about America and entertaining youngsters with our exciting history. Each book flows into the next as far as chronological events go and all are geared toward a younger grade level, though older students would enjoy them as well. Each is about 170 pgs, pb. ~ Rachel