This spring, my 5th grader is continuing her American History...
There are so many great books out there that help bring this era alive, but I also wanted her to read about young people in adolescence that experience personal growth -- often overcoming an initially resistant attitude. (My 11 year old is fabulous -- and she is very much a "tween" with her own stuff to overcome!) Being inspired by these characters will hopefully not only illuminate American History but will point her in some "growing up" directions in a positive way.
1) George Washington: Our First Leader from the "Childhood of Famous Americans" series, by Augusta Stevenson. This is a fictionalized biography of what "could have been." Accurate? Certainly not. Some truths and facts sprinkled throughout? Sure. A way to liven up what can be a dry study of battles and generals and "whites of their eyes?" Definitely. Quick read, fun start to semester. Wouldn't recommend a steady diet of this series but here and there is entertaining.
2) Dreams in the Golden Country: The Diary of Zipporah Feldman, a Jewish Immigrant Girl from the "Dear America" series, by Kathryn Lasky. I'm sometimes not a fan of serialized books created for kids but the "Dear Americas" are an exception. They are a personal-feeling window into other people's lives that are a catalyst for understanding other cultural groups in America. This one particularly grasps the hope that people felt coming here that anything was possible for future generations.
3) The Ballad of Lucy Whipple by Newbery Award winner Karen Cushman. Outstanding writing, strong female lead character who has difficulty accepting her family's move to California during the Gold Rush. Her discoveries about California and herself make for an excellent read!
4) Calico Bush, Newbery Honor Book by Rachel Feld. Orphaned in 1743, 13 year old Marguerite survives by becoming an indentured servant in an isolated part of northern Maine. Suffering loneliness and hardship, Marguerite discovers how courageous she really is. Fabulous, touching book!
5) The Perilous Road, Newbery Honor Book by William O. Steele. The Publisher's Weekly review says "One of Mr. Steele's best books, an engrossing, realistic story of a Tennessee mountain boy who, during the Civil War, comes to realize that war is terrible no matter where one's sympathies lie." I wholeheartedly agree with this assessment. Uncomfortable at times: extremely important.
6) A Wrinkle In Time, Newbery Award Medal Winner by Madeleine L'Engle. Can't go wrong with any of Ms. L'Engle's books! An imaginative and deep look at the nature of good and evil in a fantasy setting. The hero is a smart girl who doesn't feel she fits in -- like every adolescent ever! My favorite book, my favorite author. I hope my daughter loves it as much as I do!
This will take us to Easter and Spring Break! So many adventures!
No comments:
Post a Comment