American History Reading
One of the most effective ways to learn about history is by reading it. The stories, the language, and the emotions that are conveyed in historical fiction and biography books are incredibly rich and enlightening for young students. They’re so much more fun to read than dry textbooks!
There are lots of excellent us history homeschool curriculum novels out there for you to choose from. Some are more appropriate for early learners, but many of these are wonderful reading materials and make the study of American history come to life. A great way to get started on your American history studies is to start with literature and then work from there. Sonlight’s literature/geography/Bible D curriculum is a great option for this, as it lays out an integrated plan for your study.
Besides the literature, this curriculum also has several other resources that are essential to learning American history. These include videos, living books, worktexts, and hands-on activities. Some of these are included in the literature D curriculum, while others are not. However, they’re all very valuable and should be included in your lesson plans.
American History Reading List Homeschool
The best books to use in your American history study are based on real people and events. These books give your students a glimpse into the lives of individuals during these important times in our nation’s history and help them understand what it meant to be a part of these historic events. These books are written in such a rich and engaging way that your student will be hooked from the first page. Some of the books even have illustrations to add extra interest.
Pocahontas by d’Aulaire: A beautiful book about the story of the settlers at Jamestown and the settling of America from the point of view of Pocahontas, the daughter of the native Powhatan chief. The illustrations are wonderful and the text is beautifully written, putting the story in an entirely new light!
Squanto by d’Aulaire: Another book about the Pilgrims and the Native Americans who greeted them with open arms on their first journey to the New World. It shares the first Thanksgiving from the Native American perspective, and also gives a deeper look at Squanto, who was one of the patuxet who befriended the Pilgrims. This is the best American history book for young readers, and it will become a family favorite for years to come!
American Voices: A Collection of Documents for Teaching and Learning about America by 7Sisters is a great resource to include in your history lessons. It contains a wide range of documents, such as the inaugural addresses and letters of Presidents George Washington and Thomas Jefferson, as well as poems and essays from writers like Thoreau and Frederick Douglass. The other documents in this set are a great addition to your study and can be a great way for your student to see how the documents they’re reading can impact their own lives.