Author Archives: openwidearchive

Teaching History with Children’s Literature: O is for Old Dominion

O is for Old Dominion, written by Pamela Duncan Edwards, is a wonderful children’s story that outlines major historical figures and historical sites across the state of Virginia.  The story also highlights other aspects of the state such as beaches, universities, … Continue reading

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Teaching History with Children’s Literature: Independent Dames

  Independent Dames, written by Laurie Anderson and Illustrated by Matt Faulker, is a whimsical book that addresses all the ignored contributions that women made during the American Revolution. The book begins by addressing the other half of history, the … Continue reading

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Teaching History with Children’s Literature: Chesapeake ABC

  The book Chesapeake ABC is a entertaining rhyming book that discusses animals and objects found in the Chesapeake Bay. David Aiken is the illustrator and the pictures are really colorful and easy to identify the main idea on the … Continue reading

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Teaching History With Children’s Literature: How We Crossed the West

Using quotes from the explorers’ journals, Rosalyn Schanzer, writer and illustrator of How We Crossed the West: The Adventures of Lewis & Clark, brings to life the “hair-raising adventures and narrow escapes” of Lewis and Clark. The journal excerpts and … Continue reading

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Teaching History with Children’s Literature: 1607: A New Look at Jamestown

1607: A New Look at Jamestown, written by Karen E. Lange with photographs by Ira Block, is a National Geographic children’s book that promotes the rediscovery of Jamestown beyond the common misconceptions that have prevailed through the years. Lange captures … Continue reading

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Teaching Civics with Children’s Literature: That’s What Friends Are For

Thats What Friends Are For, written and illustrated by Valeri Gorbachev, is a book that teaches a great lesson about compassion for your friends.  The book features a goat who wakes up excited for dinner with his friend pig that … Continue reading

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Teaching Civics With Children’s Literature: I Could Do That!

I Could Do That! by Linda Arms White and illustrated by Nancy Carpenter is the story of Esther Morris who led the way in getting voting rights for women in Wyoming, and was the first woman to hold public office in … Continue reading

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Teaching History with Children’s Literature: Can’t You Make Them Behave, King George

Can’t You Make Them Behave, King George? written by Jean Fritz and illustrated by Tomie dePaola looks at the life and reign of King George III up until the end of the American Revolution.  It does a good job of … Continue reading

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Teaching Civics with Children’s Literature: Phillis Wheatley

The Let Freedom Ring book series is published by Capstone Press and includes 46 kid-friendly biographies of important Americans.  The Phillis Wheatley biography is written by Susan R. Gregson and includes a glossary of important words, poems written by Phillis, … Continue reading

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Teaching Civics with Children’s Literature: We the Kids

Are you looking for a great introductory civics book? Look no further!  Before your next civics lesson, read We the Kids:  The Preamble to the Constitution of the United States, written and illustrated by David Catrow, to learn all about America's ideals. A long time … Continue reading

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