Peacefield History

Teaching Critical Thinking Creatively

  • Home
  • Blog
  • Shop
    • The Peacefield History Shop
    • Shop Teaching Materials on TpT
  • Community
    • Join our Email Community
    • Join our Collaborative Facebook Group
  • About Peacefield History

Blog Post Topics

Home > Books > Blog Post Topics
Never Caught: The Washingtons’ Relentless Pursuit of Their Runaway Slave, Ona Judge

Never Caught: The Washingtons’ Relentless Pursuit of Their Runaway Slave, Ona Judge

Author: Erica Armstrong Dunbar
Series: Blog Post Topics, Books Discussing Slavery in America
Genre: Historical Nonfiction - Adult

This is a true story of Ona Judge, a slave of George and Martha Washington, who ran away from them while living in Philadelphia. As the title indicates, Judge was never caught, and she never returned to slavery.

This book combined several narratives in order to paint as clear a picture as possible of Ona Judge’s life. Her story is centered within the lives of the Washington family, and within the time period in general. Dunbar engaged in speculative writing in order to attempt to create a clear vision of what Judge’s life may have been like post enslavement. What I like best about this story was the agency demonstrated by Dunbar in her escape, and the help she received from the free black community.

Historians are often criticized for writing history with a narrative voice, and they are criticized for writing history with a more clinical and dispassionate voice. Dunbar combined both of those styles in this book, and I would argue that it made the story more appealing and compelling.

This book is best suited for high school students, as it deals with the issues of agency and sex more directly. Still, the writing makes the book engaging enough for a student who might also love historical fiction.

More info →
bookshop.org
Buy from Amazon
Buy from Amazon
A Long Way From Home

A Long Way From Home

Author: Alice Walsh
Series: Blog Post Topics, Historical Fiction and 9/11
Genre: Historical Fiction - Middle Grade

(Middle-grade reading level, no content concerns)

Rabia, a girl fleeing Afghanistan after the arrest of her father, and Colin, a boy traveling home from London, are the two fictional protagonists of this 9/11 story. They were both aboard a plane that was diverted to Gander, Newfoundland on 9/11. In each case, the two are worried about family and their ability to find their way home. While the true history from the event is an easy setup for drama and emotion, the tale lacked much of what made the true history intriguing. Many of the detail is caught up in the minutia and are devoid of authentic emotion. If a student is already interested in stories about 9/11, this book would be a good pick. Otherwise, teachers are better served by choosing other books on this list.

More info →
bookshop.org
Buy from Amazon Kindle
Buy from Amazon
Up From the Sea

Up From the Sea

Author: Leza Lowitz
Series: Blog Post Topics, Historical Fiction and 9/11
Genre: Historical Fiction - Middle Grade

(middle-grade to YA reading level - some middle-grade students will struggle with interpreting the text)

This is a unique take on trauma associated with a disaster. The main character, Kai, is literally swept up in a tsunami in Japan. Lowitz witnessed the tsunami firsthand and the urgency and fear are captured well through the poetic stanza format. Although this book mainly discussed the tsunami that struck Japan in 2011, it connects to 9/11 because the main character ends up visiting Ground Zero during the tenth anniversary and meeting with his estranged father in NYC.

Although the poetry proves a quick read, students should have some knowledge or interests in Japanese culture. Otherwise, they will become confounded by the many references.

More info →
bookshop.org
Buy from Amazon Kindle
Buy from Amazon
Reading, Thinking, and Writing About History

Reading, Thinking, and Writing About History

Author: Chauncey Monte-Sano
Series: Blog Post Topics, Social Studies Curriculum Books
Genre: Teaching Social Studies

This book appears to be geared towards teachers who are just entering the world of inquiry-based learning. There is considerable space devoted to a discussion of why inquiry-based learning is a best practice for Social Studies education. There are six specific three-day lesson examples, and each has its own chapter. Some of them remind me of the lessons from the Stanford History Education Group, and some even use the same documents.

I like the structure of the individual lessons, and the documents are reasonably modified for seventh-grade readers. The lessons each contain some background history to help teachers with historical context, and each also mentions videos that the students may watch to gain some context. I do wish that they provided historical context readings for the students in a handout form. The lessons do include student worksheets. They also provide an "IREAD" approach for students to access the documents.

The lessons are just individual lessons, and not centered within a unit. Therefore, the questions that guide each inquiry are very rather specific. I do think that they could be broadened to include more activities, but teachers would need to create those activities on their own.  Each lesson is linked to the C3 framework and common core.

More info →
bookshop.org
Buy from Amazon Kindle
Buy from Amazon
Sophia’s War

Sophia’s War

Author: Avi
Series: Blog Post Topics, Historical Fiction and Nonfiction about the American Revolution
Genre: Historical Fiction - Middle Grade

(Middle-Grade reading level - most of the fighting takes place far away, however, Sophia does witness the hanging of Nathan Hale at the beginning of the story.)

I've been a fan of Avi ever since I devoured the True Confessions of Charlotte Doyle when I was a kid. In Sophia's war, Sophia’s brother, a soldier, goes missing after the Battle of Brooklyn. Sophia befriends a British lieutenant, Andre, who comes to New York City and is stationed in her home. She hopes she’ll find help in him locating her brother, however, her brother languishes and dies on a British prison ship. Her brother's death inspires Sophia to become a spy embedded with the British Army, and she uncovers a crucial piece of information that will change the course of the war.

The pace of Avi's writing style will hook middle-grade readers and keep them engaged. This book incorporates tons of historical information, including discussions of the prison ships for Patriot soldiers in New York City, the betrayal of Benedict Arnold, the quartering of soldiers, and the general experience of life during wartime. It definitely belongs in any middle-grade history teacher's classroom library.

 

More info →
bookshop.org
Buy from Amazon Kindle
Buy from Amazon
Nine, Ten: A September 11th Story

Nine, Ten: A September 11th Story

Author: Nora Raleigh Baskin
Series: Blog Post Topics, Historical Fiction and 9/11
Genre: Historical Fiction - Middle Grade

(Middle Grade reading level - No content concerns)

A fast-paced read for the middle school set, Nine, Ten explores how the dynamics of how four teenagers' lives changed with the events of 9/11. Naheed is a Muslim girl in Ohio who is struggling with some bullying because of her hajib. Sergio is a Math whiz who has had a tough upbringing in NY and has recently made friends with a firefighter. Will is in Shanksville, PA, and still dealing with the loss of his father in the previous year. Finally, Aimee lives in LA. She's concerned about he parent's relationship and misses her Mom, who is in NYC for business.

The four stories all end up connected to 9/11 in some way. Most of the four overlapping stories take place in the days preceding 9/11 and then the ending jumps to the year after. I found the anticipation that built with these stories was the most nerve-racking portion of the book, although some of the endings were left more to the imagination. I find that this book would be best for a more sensitive student who might struggle with the trauma of 9/11 itself.

More info →
bookshop.org
Buy from Amazon Kindle
Buy from Amazon
Ashes: (Seeds of America Book 3)

Ashes: (Seeds of America Book 3)

Author: Laurie Halse Anderson
Series: Blog Post Topics, Historical Fiction and Nonfiction about the American Revolution
Genre: Historical Fiction - Middle Grade

Anderson brings a satisfying conclusion to the Seeds of America trilogy with Ashes. Isabel and Curzon are reunited with Isabel's sister, Ruth. The three end up in Yorktown right as the last major battle of the Revolutionary War is breaking out. Once again, Anderson perfectly weaves the history of those events with the personal narratives of the main characters. I highly recommend picking up the trilogy for your classroom library.

More info →
Buy from Amazon Kindle
Buy from Amazon
Code Name Verity

Code Name Verity

Author: Elizabeth Wein
Series: Blog Post Topics, Historical Fiction about WWII
Genre: Historical Fiction - YA

(YA writing level – torture, violence, some suggestions of sexual harassment)

The first of two books centering around a pair of female protagonists during WWII, Code Named Verity is a fast-paced thriller with an unreliable narrator who keeps you guessing with intricate plot twists and details. All are woven within carefully dispersed tidbits of a heart-wrenching storyline. As Verity slowly reveals British secrets for her demanding Nazi captors, she also weaves in how she and Maddie (a pilot) came to be best friends.

Code Named Verity was a slow burn for me. I basically realized about 100 pages into the book that I needed to read more carefully to understand all the details coming in my direction. Although technically labeled YA, I would only present this story to a few high school students, as the text requires a bit of deciphering and patience. I still strongly like this book. I wasn’t brought to tears (as many reviews note), but I enjoyed the creativity contained in the plot. I've heard it's even better on audio, so you might want to check it out there.

More info →
bookshop.org
Buy from Amazon Kindle
Buy from Amazon
King George: What Was His Problem?: Everything Your Schoolbooks Didn’t Tell You About the American Revolution

King George: What Was His Problem?: Everything Your Schoolbooks Didn’t Tell You About the American Revolution

Author: Steve Sheinkin
Series: Blog Post Topics, Historical Fiction and Nonfiction about the American Revolution
Genre: Historical Nonfiction - Middle Grade

(Middle Grade reading level - no concent concerns)

This book takes the history of the Revolutionary War and rewrites that history in a conversational tone that's more engaging for students. While I might quibble with the title (I know I at least taught a lot of the details from this book), I did enjoy the historical anecdotes and the depth of detail. (For instance, while I knew that John Malcolm was tarred and feathered, I did not know that he mailed the bits of tar and feathers back to the British government. His skin was attached in some places!) Even if teachers don't use this book with their classes, it provides fun details for classroom discussions.

More info →
bookshop.org
Buy from Amazon Kindle
Buy from Amazon
Just a Drop of Water

Just a Drop of Water

Author: Kerry O'Malley Cerra
Series: Blog Post Topics, Historical Fiction and 9/11
Genre: Historical Fiction - Middle Grade

(Middle-grade reading level - I wouldn't suggest this book to Muslim students, it would be needlessly upsetting for them to relive this experience.)

This book was very different from the other 9/11 books I read because it focused very closely on the unjustified backlash against Muslim Americans after the attacks. The action unfolds in Florida, near where one of the hijackers was located. The story becomes quite engrossing as Jake's friend becomes embroiled in the controversy, primarily because his family has a Muslim background. Although I found myself frustrated with Jake's character, I also recognized that his confusion and anger was typical of the time. This story is realistic in its focus, but that realism makes the storyline a bit dark. Still, I think the book would be quite popular among middle-grade students.

More info →
bookshop.org
Buy from Amazon Kindle
Buy from Amazon
Prairie Lotus

Prairie Lotus

Author: Linda Sue Park
Series: Blog Post Topics, Middle Grade and YA Reads about the Gilded Age
Genre: Historical Fiction - Middle Grade

(Middle-Grade reading level - racism, mentions a lynching, an assault - however, all is dealt with appropriately)

This was a book I wished I had as a child. A "Little House on the Praire" styled book, but with a more worldly point of view. Hanna is a half-Chinese girl trying to make her way with her father in the Dakota Territory. She's an aspiring dressmaker who just wants the opportunity to attend school and be accepted by the all-white community. Written by Linda Sue Park, the text and story are expertly crafted at the perfect level for middle school readers. There are big and complex ideas framed with simple language.

The history of this time is embedded within the story without being too dark or needlessly laborious. Hanna is an incredibly likable and sympathetic character. The frustrations she faces from family, racism, and the social mores of the time are real and muddy. None of the characters fit into a neat box. This book deserves just as much love as the Wilder series, and I would love to see several more written.

More info →
bookshop.org
Buy from Amazon Kindle
Buy from Amazon
Susanna’s Midnight Ride: The Girl Who Won the Revolutionary War

Susanna’s Midnight Ride: The Girl Who Won the Revolutionary War

Author: Libby McNamee
Series: Blog Post Topics, Historical Fiction and Nonfiction about the American Revolution
Genre: Historical Fiction - Middle Grade

(Middle Grade reading level - This book does show a realistic deptition of how a white teen girl might act towards the enslaved people that her family owns. She is somewhat oblivious to their concerns. Some students might find that attitude frustrating.)

This is a rare book that is told from the perspective of the experience of a southern girl named Susanna Bolling. Bolling lived on a plantation near Richmond, Virginia that was invaded and occupied by General Cornwallis in 1781. Most of the story is centered around Boling herioc nighttime journey to warn General Lafyette of an impending British attack. She displays a realistic perspective of the time, as she is rather ignorant of the plight of the enslaved people live and work on the plantation in close proximity. Still, I found that this story of her heroism fascinating enough to still recommend the story.

More info →
bookshop.org
Buy from Amazon Kindle
Buy from Amazon
123More Books →

About Peacefield History

Peacefield History is filled with all topics teaching and history related. Follow me for trends in education, teacher tech tips, history related reading, and other more general musings.

Search

  • Facebook
  • Pinterest
  • Twitter

Join the Facebook Group

Categories

  • AP U.S. History
  • Assessment
  • Classroom Management
  • Curated Book Lists for Teachers
  • Digital Learning
  • Inquiry Based Learning
  • Lessons
  • Loves, Links, Reads, and Reviews
  • Professional Development
  • Standards Based Grading
  • Teacher Budgeting
  • Teacher Interviews
  • Teacher Self Care
  • Teacher Tech
  • Teaching Strategies
  • Teaching the Election

Popular Posts

  • Designing your Social Studies Classroom Cheaply and Easily
    Designing your Social Studies Classroom Cheaply and Easily
  • Keeping Students Organized With a Binder Organization System
    Keeping Students Organized With a Binder Organization System
  • My Middle School Students Don't Take Notes Anymore
    My Middle School Students Don't Take Notes Anymore
  • 4 Fun Websites for Teaching Geography Interactively
    4 Fun Websites for Teaching Geography Interactively
  • The Best Inquiry Based Social Studies Lessons on the Web
    The Best Inquiry Based Social Studies Lessons on the Web
  • Utilizing MEAL for Paragraph Writing in Social Studies
    Utilizing MEAL for Paragraph Writing in Social Studies
  • Conducting a Silent Conversation with Your History Class
    Conducting a Silent Conversation with Your History Class
  • A Critical Thinking One Pager Assessment
    A Critical Thinking One Pager Assessment
  • First Year Middle School Teacher? - Here's Some Advice
    First Year Middle School Teacher? - Here's Some Advice
  • Modern and Current Books for Students About the American Revolution
    Modern and Current Books for Students About the American Revolution

Find me on Facebook

Find me on Facebook

© 2018–2022 Peacefield History.
  • Contact Me
  • Privacy Policy

We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. By clicking “Accept All”, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies. However, you may visit "Cookie Settings" to provide a controlled consent.View Terms and Conditions
Cookie SettingsAccept All
Manage consent

Privacy Overview

This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Out of these, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience.
Necessary
Always Enabled
Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. These cookies ensure basic functionalities and security features of the website, anonymously.
CookieDurationDescription
cookielawinfo-checkbox-analytics11 monthsThis cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Analytics".
cookielawinfo-checkbox-functional11 monthsThe cookie is set by GDPR cookie consent to record the user consent for the cookies in the category "Functional".
cookielawinfo-checkbox-necessary11 monthsThis cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookies is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Necessary".
cookielawinfo-checkbox-others11 monthsThis cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Other.
cookielawinfo-checkbox-performance11 monthsThis cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Performance".
viewed_cookie_policy11 monthsThe cookie is set by the GDPR Cookie Consent plugin and is used to store whether or not user has consented to the use of cookies. It does not store any personal data.
Functional
Functional cookies help to perform certain functionalities like sharing the content of the website on social media platforms, collect feedbacks, and other third-party features.
Performance
Performance cookies are used to understand and analyze the key performance indexes of the website which helps in delivering a better user experience for the visitors.
Analytics
Analytical cookies are used to understand how visitors interact with the website. These cookies help provide information on metrics the number of visitors, bounce rate, traffic source, etc.
Advertisement
Advertisement cookies are used to provide visitors with relevant ads and marketing campaigns. These cookies track visitors across websites and collect information to provide customized ads.
Others
Other uncategorized cookies are those that are being analyzed and have not been classified into a category as yet.
SAVE & ACCEPT