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Best Children's American Local History

The Boys in the Boat (Young Readers Adaptation): The True Story of an American Team's Epic Journey to Win Gold at the 1936 Olympics
The #1 New York Times bestseller freshly adapted for the next generation, now with brand new content including an author Q&A and never-before-seen photographs Inspiration for the PBS American Experience Documentary 'The Boys of '36'. For readers of Unbroken , out of the depths of the Great Depression comes the astonishing tale of nine working-class boys from the American West who at the 1936 Olympics showed the world what true grit really meant. Accolades for The Boys in the Boat (Young Readers Adaptation): "Offering a model of masterful nonfiction writing, Brown expertly balances the leisurely pacing of the protagonists' back stories with the exciting race scenes, related with concrete nouns, lively verbs, and short sentences, selected and adapted for this edition by Mone. "Those seeking an inspiring true story or a great sports tale will be pleased with this stirring work." "With a lyrical flair, Brown tells the story of these men in a manner that intersperses the drama of the time period with the emotional and physical turmoil of their lives. Young adult readers may not understand or even know about the desperation of the Depression, or what it was like at the genesis of Nazi Germany, but the tale of these persistent men, each with their own personal struggle, will entice readers of all ages." Accolades for the adult edition of The Boys in the Boat : - #1 New York Times bestseller. - 2014 ABA Adult Nonfiction Book of the Year. - 2014 Washington State Book Award.
Reviews
"It relays the hopes and dreams of those who came from a somewhat common upbringing to the World Stage of sports."
"The way the book jumps from Joe's childhood to adulthood every-other chapter might be confusing at first if kids aren't familiar with that literary device."
"Growing up in Seattle, with a historian for a mother, I cannot imagine a richer, more immersive journey through my home town and surrounding areas during the depression and early years."
"This was required reading for my grandson as he enters high school."
"This was an excellent story that gives real insight into the period of the Great Depression."
"Another gift for a young man 13 years old."
"Very inspirational book, it was a one day read and it truly made me think of all the young man and what some endured and still came out on top."
"Every kid over the age of 10 should read this to be reminded of how lucky they are and to take lessons from this amazing story."
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Alamo All-Stars (Nathan Hale's Hazardous Tales #6)
In the early 1800s, Texas was a wild and dangerous land fought over by the Mexican government, Native Americans, and settlers from the United States. Complete with maps, this title is far more effective in telling the complete history than a straightforward state history book.
Reviews
"It is fun, engaging, easy to read, and makes the history come alive."
"I teach struggling readers in junior high and they all love these books."
"Got this book per kid school requirements and the book arrived fast and great history comic book for kid to read."
"My son reads these books in a day."
"One of the best children's books on the history surrounding the Battle of the Alamo!"
"Wow this guy can write, and draw, a story that captivates the young persons attention and imagination."
"My 8 year old lives these books!!"
"I really enjoyed this book."
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The Boys in the Boat (Young Readers Adaptation): The True Story of an American Team's Epic Journey to Win Gold at the 1936 Olympics
The #1 New York Times bestseller about the Greatest Generation freshly adapted for the next generation. Accolades for The Boys in the Boat (Young Readers Adaptation): "Offering a model of masterful nonfiction writing, Brown expertly balances the leisurely pacing of the protagonists' back stories with the exciting race scenes, related with concrete nouns, lively verbs, and short sentences, selected and adapted for this edition by Mone. "Those seeking an inspiring true story or a great sports tale will be pleased with this stirring work." "With a lyrical flair, Brown tells the story of these men in a manner that intersperses the drama of the time period with the emotional and physical turmoil of their lives. Young adult readers may not understand or even know about the desperation of the Depression, or what it was like at the genesis of Nazi Germany, but the tale of these persistent men, each with their own personal struggle, will entice readers of all ages." Accolades for the adult edition of The Boys in the Boat : - #1 New York Times bestseller. - 2014 ABA Adult Nonfiction Book of the Year. - 2014 Washington State Book Award.
Reviews
"The way the book jumps from Joe's childhood to adulthood every-other chapter might be confusing at first if kids aren't familiar with that literary device."
"Growing up in Seattle, with a historian for a mother, I cannot imagine a richer, more immersive journey through my home town and surrounding areas during the depression and early years."
"This was required reading for my grandson as he enters high school."
"This was an excellent story that gives real insight into the period of the Great Depression."
"Another gift for a young man 13 years old."
"Very inspirational book, it was a one day read and it truly made me think of all the young man and what some endured and still came out on top."
"Every kid over the age of 10 should read this to be reminded of how lucky they are and to take lessons from this amazing story."
"I gave this to a pre-teen boy."
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Best Children's Olympics Books

Unbroken (The Young Adult Adaptation): An Olympian's Journey from Airman to Castaway to Captive
In this captivating and lavishly illustrated young adult edition of her award-winning #1 New York Times bestseller, Laura Hillenbrand tells the story of a former Olympian's courage, cunning, and fortitude following his plane crash in enemy territory. On a May afternoon in 1943, an American military plane crashed into the Pacific Ocean and disappeared, leaving only a spray of debris and a slick of oil, gasoline, and blood. Ahead of Zamperini lay thousands of miles of open ocean, leaping sharks, a sinking raft, thirst and starvation, enemy aircraft, and, beyond, a trial even greater. Featuring more than one hundred photographs plus an exclusive interview with Zamperini, this breathtaking odyssey—also captured on film by director Angelina Jolie—is a testament to the strength of the human spirit and the ability to endure against the unlikeliest of odds. Writing in a gripping, intense tone, Hillenbrand relates how tragedy struck when Zamperini's plane was shot down and he and two other men spent 47 days in a life boat in the Pacific Ocean, fighting sharks, starvation, and dehydration, before being captured by the Japanese navy as prisoners of war.
Reviews
"The changes were immediately apparent: On the first page, the previous version read: Somewhere on the endless expanse of the Pacific Ocean, Army Air Forces bombardier and Olympic runner Louie Zamperini lay across a small raft, drifting westward. The new version read: Somewhere on the Pacific Ocean, American military airman and Olympic runner Louie Zamperini lay on a small raft, drifting. In a nutshell, Hillenbrand deleted "the endless expanse of," and simplified Zamperini's title from "Army Air Forces bombardier," to "American military airman." He is easily the bravest, most remarkable person I've ever read about, and a fine example of what we hope our young people will choose to emulate."
"I would recommend this book specifically to younger audiences because if you are an adult you should read the more complex version as it is more deep."
"Read at school, good for young adults."
"He was one of the most remarkable men I have ever read about. The recounting of their time in the raft, that they survived is due to the courage of the men, especially Louie."
"Good book, my son (12) loves WWII stories."
"Here is a hero who changed his life from a boy always getting into trouble to a high school athlete, Olympic athlete, and outstanding member of WWII armed forces."
"It shares such am amazing story with so many things to learn and to apply to our own lives."
"Got this book for my 11 year old."
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Best Children's Water Sports Books

McElligot's Pool (Classic Seuss)
Imagination runs wild in this Caldecott Honor-winning tale featuring Dr. Seuss's inimitable voice and hysterical illustrations. A small boy is fishing in the tiny, unpromising McElligot's Pool, a puddle that (as a passing farmer informs our diminutive hero) is nothing but a hole where people dispose of their junk. The moral of the story is straightforward: "If I wait long enough, if I'm patient and cool,/ Who knows what I'll catch in McElligot's pool?"
Reviews
"Enter "I Can Draw It Myself, By Me, Myself", and two other interactive Seuss books - such wonderful ways for my older grandchild to entertain himself and stretch his creativity and imagination while I'm focused on the younger! We've collected every Seuss children's book, but there are three books in particular that we ordered two copies of, because they can be personalized by our little guys to make them truly "their own"! This one is just great... each page has colorful Seuss drawings that are incomplete, with his typical whimsical rhymes accompanying them, and your youngster "completes" the drawings him/herself!"
"We think these books should be numbered so people can know which book should be read first."
"It's one of the longer Seuss books, which I like, but it can be a little too long for a 1-year-old."
"I grew up reading Dr. Suess so I am overjoyed to be able to read his books to my son."
"I was raised with Dr. Seuss Books, now time for the next generation."
"Seuss introduces many odd characters through the book and laces their odd situations with even odd-er (if you will) rhymes. In most children’s books, you'll find that many are filled with pictures and silly fonts that are meant to draw a child’s attention to the book. If I had to guess, this may be because the book is aimed more at the parent reading the book to the child. I sing high. and my Ying sings low, and we are not too bad, you know.” ( Seuss23). As a kid I loved hearing this book read to me."
"I read children's books professionally, and I'm appalled at some of the lame rhymes and off rhythm cadences I encounter."
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Best Children's American Revolution History

Nathan Hale's Hazardous Tales: One Dead Spy
New York Times Bestseller Nathan Hale, the author’s historical namesake, was America’s first spy, a Revolutionary War hero who famously said “I regret that I have but one life to give for my country” before being hanged by the British. Comic panels of varying sizes enhance the real-life events and support the stories’ over-the-top humor... the writing is accessible and entertaining; author Hale’s style gives readers an insider-y, you-are-there-type scoop." Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
Reviews
"Great choice for 9-14 year old reluctant reader boys and/or fans of graphic novels."
"I love this book."
"You have but one life to give, but I'll bet you have a few dollars you could spare, and Mr. Hale deserves enough money to be able to care for his family AND write books full-time."
"my child loves the history an d I hear him laugh when he reads it it teaches him and it makes him happy when he is doing so."
"Good book, my son loved it."
"A graphic novel to study battles in the Revolutionary War and the Civil War is such a fantastic idea."
"I ordered this to read with a student."
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Best Children's American History of 1800s

Locomotive (Caldecott Medal Book)
The Caldecott Medal Winner, Sibert Honor Book, and New York Times bestseller Locomotive is a rich and detailed sensory exploration of America’s early railroads, from the creator of the “ stunning ” ( Booklist ) Moonshot. The substantial text is delivered in nonrhyming stanzas as enlightening as they are poetic: the “smoke and cinders, / ash and sweat” of the coal engine and the Great Plains stretching out “empty as an ocean.” Blasting through these artful compositions are the bellows of the conductor (“FULL STEAM AHEAD”) and the scream of the train whistle, so loud that it bleeds off the page: “WHOOOOOOO!” Font styles swap restlessly to best embody each noise (see the blunt, bold “SPIT” versus the ornate, ballooning “HUFF HUFF HUFF”).
Reviews
"I loved the cadence of this book... it was just the right rhythm to correspond to the rolling rumbling train. The imagery was so wonderful and you really felt like you were there on the long trip. The fact that this book held the attention of my kids despite its length says it all. I do plan to purchase this book... but I wanted to throw my review in the pot immediately!"
"I bought this book for my two year old."
"Yes, some information is beyond his age but he retains and learns it anyway."
"This books exudes quality. To describe the book itself."
"I bought this book for my 3 year old not really knowing the story but knowing that it's an award winning book with great reviews."
"My six-year-old and I had also just read the true and rather brutal story of a pioneer girl who took a wagon train across the country, which made the contrast in travel particularly vivid."
"When he plays with his train set now, he incorporates vocabulary as well as actions that the book uses. Our babysitter thought he was saying words from a song since the passages are so rhythmic."
"It will elicit questions from children about families of the past too."
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Best Children's American History of 2000s

Five Epic Disasters (I Survived True Stories #1)
Read their incredible stories: The Children’s Blizzard, 1888. The Titanic Disaster, 1912. The Great Boston Molasses Flood, 1919. The Japanese Tsunami, 2011. The Henryville Tornado, 2012. Gr 2–5—Tarshis retells the stories of five natural disasters, including the sinking of the Titanic in 1912, the Children's Blizzard of 1888, and the Henryville Tornado in 2012, from the third-person perspective of a young person who survived each of the events.
Reviews
"Enjoyed this book and I think my 9 yr old great-nephew will enjoy also."
"We like how they are all in one book instead of having separate books for each story."
"Historical fiction that captures the attention of the elementary reader."
"I know some of the material matter may be dark, or hard, for some kids, but he likes history and learning about others."
"awesome book for my students!"
"My son Carter is 8 years old and we LOVE to read the I survived series together."
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Best Children's American History of 1900s

Rad American Women A-Z: Rebels, Trailblazers, and Visionaries who Shaped Our History . . . and Our Future! (City Lights/Sister Spit)
"The very first kids' book released by the iconic publishing house City Lights, Rad American Women A-Z navigates the alphabet from Angela Davis to Zora Neale Hurston with colorful illustrations and short, powerful narratives. Like all A-Z books, this one illustrates the alphabet—but instead of "A is for Apple", A is for Angela—as in Angela Davis, the iconic political activist. B is for Billie Jean King, who shattered the glass ceiling of sports; C is for Carol Burnett, who defied assumptions about women in comedy; D is for Dolores Huerta, who organized farmworkers; and E is for Ella Baker, who mentored Dr. Martin Luther King and helped shape the Civil Rights Movement. And the list of great women continues, spanning several centuries, multiple professions, and 26 diverse individuals. There are artists and abolitionists, scientists and suffragettes, rock stars and rabble-rousers, and agents of change of all kinds. By offering a fresh and diverse array of female role models, we can remind readers that there are many places to find inspiration, and that being smart and strong and brave is rad. Pre-school and young children will be captured by the bright visuals and easily modified texts, while the subject matter will stimulate and inspire high-schoolers and beyond. Women need to take radical steps to become feminists, and to be strong to fight for their rights and those of others facing oppression and discrimination. One woman represents each alphabetical letter beginning with Angela Davis, an activist, teacher, and writer, and concludes with Zora Neale Hurston, an anthropologist and writer.
Reviews
"We read a page of this each night before bed."
"I bought this as a christmas gift for my daughter and have loved reading it with her."
"I bought this book for a friend of mine who was expecting a little girl."
"Super fun, colorful, engaging and interesting book for kids who want to learn more about amazing women in history."
"Fabulous book, a great gift idea for women of all ages."
"Wonderful book with great message for girls."
"Fun, interesting book!"
"great gift for a young girl, too bad we didnt learn a more balanced history growing up...this can hellp."
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Best Children's American Civil War Era History Books

Lincoln's Last Days: The Shocking Assassination That Changed America Forever
Adapted from Bill O’Reilly’s bestselling historical thriller, Killing Lincoln , this book will have young readers—and grown-ups too—hooked on history. It opens in the often-chaotic closing days of the Civil War, capturing the jubilation following Lee's surrender, the events of Lincoln's last days, and Booth's obsessive hatred of Lincoln and his conspiracy to assassinate him.
Reviews
"Good book to read if one is a history seeker and decent book for a story into lives of individual of the time."
"Interesting book."
"I came away disappointed in this book because I felt that, given the volume of research material available, the authors could have provided much more of a backstory to the issues that motivate men like Booth to be driven to achieve such an ignominious act."
"An excellent book, well writing, factual, including facts I had not read before."
"A very compelling documentation, told like a story, of the events leading up to the assassination of President Lincoln."
"The storytelling is gripping...a real page turner."
"O'Reilly's fall from grace, notwithstanding, he gives information about Booth's fiance, which I had not read in another book."
"I had no idea of the circumstances surrounding Lincoln's assassination or how closely it was to the end of the war."
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