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Best Teen & Young Adult United States Colonial & Revolutionary Periods History

A Young People's History of the United States: Columbus to the War on Terror (For Young People Series)
A Young People's History of the United States is also a companion volume to The People Speak, the film adapted from A People's History of the United States and Voices of a People’s History of the United States. In his books, including A People’s History of the United States , its companion volume Voices of a People’s History of the United States , and countless other titles, Zinn affirms the power of the people to influence the course of events.
Reviews
"As this book explains at the beginning, most history books, especially textbooks, look at history from the point of view of power – kings and presidents, scientists and writers and other noteworthy names. Zinn, along with co-writer Rebecca Stefoff, wanted to bring a more accessible version of the book to younger audiences, hence, THE YOUNG PEOPLE’S HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES, which is roughly two-thirds as long with significantly less writing per page. The young people’s version pretty much follows the adult version of the book, starting with debunking the myth of Columbus and continuing until about the date of publication, including information on the September 11 attacks, the war on terrorism and the invasion of Iraq. As simplified as this book is, I don’t recommend it for high school students (most of whom can handle the adult version). I would like to see this book used in conjunction with a supposedly “objective” text book and maybe even an explicitly right-wing focused book. In this way, students will begin to understand how we know what we know about history and to understand the limits of objective “truth” in history, which really makes up a large chunk of what studying history is really all about, rather than simply memorizing names and dates. In fact, the book is quite optimistic in the idea that ordinary people, standing up for what they believe in, have the power to change history and thereby correct the mistakes of our imperialistic, racist, classist past to create a more equitable and just future as enshrined in our founding documents."
"I am supplementing with other resources, and we like it as a jumping off point for more investigation, research, and discussion."
"If you haven't read any of Howard Zinn's books yet, this is a great place to start....don't let the "Young People's" part of the title dissuade you....it's truly for everyone!"
"I purchased this for my granddaughter because she loves American history."
"Excellent for my 12 year old son & I."
"An eighty year-old learns how badly he has been duped and taught to be docile and obedient."
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Behind Rebel Lines: The Incredible Story of Emma Edmonds, Civil War Spy
Determined not to remain on the sidelines, Emma Edmonds cropped her hair, donned men’s clothing, and enlisted in the Union Army. Not only did she serve as a field nurse, tending the wounded at the battle sites, but she also served as a Union spy. Reit has used Emma's own published memoirs (long out of print), research from the National Archives, and U. S. Army re cords.
Reviews
"interesting read for middle school."
"Very interesting account of a young woman from the North who became a spy in the Civil War."
"Great non fiction books for 6th grader for school. Assignment."
"Summer read for rising 5th graders."
"A very enlightening book."
"I love it."
"Present for my mother who thoroughly enjoyed reading this."
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Lives of the Signers of the Declaration of Independence
Most people know the importance of the Declaration of Independence, but few know much about its signers. David Barton is the founder of WallBuilders, an organization dedicated to presenting America's forgotten history and heroes, with an emphasis on our moral, religious, and constitutional heritage.
Reviews
"Everyone who lives in the US should read this book."
"Helps get a much better sense of events and the life of Jefferson and his daughter Patsy and their extended family and friends.. Also very well written such it is hard to put down."
"I appreciate having details of their It is It is good to learn of their personal lives."
"Quick bios of the Signers of the Declaration of Independence."
"Great short insight into the lives of the signers, makes for a good reference book on the subject."
"It is a wonderful book, full of great information on the beliefs of the signers of the Declaration of Independence."
"If you are looking for a book that is great in detail and wanting to know the thinking of the signers of our Declaration, this is the book that you want to read."
"Super duper good job."
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Best Teen & Young Adult United States History

The Day the World Went Nuclear: Dropping the Atom Bomb and the End of World War II in the Pacific
World War II is nearly over in Europe, but in the Pacific, American soldiers face an enemy who will not surrender, despite a massive and mounting death toll. “This thrillerlike adaptation captures the excitement of the Union victory in the Civil War and the shock and horror that quickly followed as the country learned of Lincoln's death and sought revenge on his assassins. The popularity of O'Reilly's adult title will drive interest in this version, but it definitely stands alone and will find an audience among general readers and report writers.” ― School Library Journal.
Reviews
"As usual, great read."
"Excellent history on how the nuclear arms race started and how in this case saved American lives and ended war in the Pacific."
"I haven't had time to read this yet, but, I am anxious to do so."
"History that most of America probably never knew."
"Some better detail, but a lot like Killing the Rising Sun."
"I bought this as a gift for my dad and he has re-read it, he loves it."
"I've read many books about World War II, and this is a good one."
"I recommended this book to all my friends."
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Best Teen & Young Adult United States State & Local History

Black Pioneers of Science and Invention
A readable, perceptive account of the lives of fourteen gifted innovators who have played important roles in scientific and industrial progress. DR. LOUIS HABER had a long and distinguished career teaching science.
Reviews
"Great educational book."
"Not only did they learn things but so did I, this book has great information."
"I have learned more in the time Of reading this book then in all of my schooling."
"My eight and nine years old daughters love this book."
"I read this to my daughter so she can understand that the everyday stuff we use was created by people of color."
"This book is brimming with information."
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Best Teen & Young Adult President & First Family Biographies

The Day the President Was Shot: The Secret Service, the FBI, a Would-Be Killer, and the Attempted Assassination of Ronald Reagan
From the scene of the shooting and the dramatic action of the Secret Service, to the FBI's interrogation of the shooter, the life-saving measures of the medical professionals and the president's extraordinary recovery, this is a page-turning account of an attempted assassination and its aftermath. “This thrillerlike adaptation captures the excitement of the Union victory in the Civil War and the shock and horror that quickly followed as the country learned of Lincoln's death and sought revenge on his assassins. The popularity of O'Reilly's adult title will drive interest in this version, but it definitely stands alone and will find an audience among general readers and report writers.” ― School Library Journal.
Reviews
"The insight and time line that led to the attempted assassination of Ronald Reagan is meticulously written."
"O'reilly's historical treatises on famous figures are always factual and satisfying!"
"Adolph Hitler in 1940 said, "how fortunate for those of us in power that people don't read.""
"This book was for my husband who loves Bill O'Reilly."
"Excellent book."
"A solid book, though Killing Reagan was more comprehensive and enjoyable."
"This was gift, he loved it!!"
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Best Children's Canadian History

Elijah of Buxton
Master storyteller Christopher Paul Curtis's Newbery Honor novel, featuring his trademark humor, unique narrative voice, and new cover art--now in paperback! The Watsons Go to Birmingham - 1963 won a Newbery Honor and a Coretta Scott King Honor book citation in 1996.
Reviews
"Only Christopher Paul Curtis can take me to the lowest depths of man's inhumanity and then bring me back on the path of hope and resilience."
"We also see through Elijah's eyes, when he runs off to the USA, the terror slaves lived with every day, and the faith that allowed them to keep going in spite of the terror."
"Purchased for 10 year old Daughter 4th Grade Battle of the Books."
"Confusing at first to see where the story was going... spent a lot of time living the life of Elijah... but then, the plot thickens and it all makes sense why we needed that build up."
"A work of historical fiction, the novel tactfully and respectfully educates readers about issues related to slavery and freedom, all while entertaining us with moments of humor and humbling us with scenes of loss and sadness."
"The opening funny chapters draw the reader in well, but the characters and events keep one firmly with Elijah. A very appropriate book for an intermediate-grades reader, especially one studying U.S. history, a lone reservation is that, because the speaking is dialectically true, there are times when the speech or era-appropriate words may be unclear to a young reader ("I'm-a" or "our'n" for example or "spectacles" or "brogans")."
"This wonderful book tells the story of Elijah, the first freeborn child in the Canadian settlement of Buxton, a real village of runaway slaves who gain their freedom in Canada."
"I love a book that makes me laugh and cry, not to mention hope and pull for the characters."
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Best Teen & Young Adult United States Civil War Period History

Weird Civil War: Your Travel Guide to the Ghostly Legends and Best-Kept Secrets of the American Civil War
Weird Civil War delves into the peculiar history and ghastly legacy of the bloodiest period in American history, featuring the era's most gripping tragic tales, fascinating facts, spooky scenarios, and eccentric characters. After graduating from Parsons School of Design, Mark Moran set out on a journey of weird discovery, wandering the back roads of the United States, listening to the tall tales locals would tell and photographing the unusual sites he found.
Reviews
"This book brings out some very interesting facts."
"this was a gift to our brother in law who is a real Civil War buff."
"Got this as a gift for my brother in law!"
"Fun facts, good for campfire stories for those who like Civil War history."
"Interesting book of fact and trivia."
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Best Teen & Young Adult 21st Century United States History

The Americans: Reconstruction to the 21st Century, Student Edition
Book for grades 9-12.
Reviews
"Now, my granddaughter listens to the text without my assistance, and is getting a B in American History."
"Turned in to school, was excepted and saved the $65 lost book charge."
"fine for what my son needed at a decent price."
"I ordered this as a replacement copy for my niece."
"Very fast shipping and arrived 3 days before the expected delivery date. The books is written by a variety of people who have an enormous amount of knowledge."
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Best Teen & Young Adult 20th Century United States History

The Day the World Went Nuclear: Dropping the Atom Bomb and the End of World War II in the Pacific
World War II is nearly over in Europe, but in the Pacific, American soldiers face an enemy who will not surrender, despite a massive and mounting death toll. “This thrillerlike adaptation captures the excitement of the Union victory in the Civil War and the shock and horror that quickly followed as the country learned of Lincoln's death and sought revenge on his assassins. The popularity of O'Reilly's adult title will drive interest in this version, but it definitely stands alone and will find an audience among general readers and report writers.” ― School Library Journal.
Reviews
"I’ve read books and watched documentaries on this subject before but I can always count on Bill O’Reilly to add information to a subject I thought I pretty much knew."
"I haven't had time to read this yet, but, I am anxious to do so."
"History that most of America probably never knew."
"I bought this as a gift for my dad and he has re-read it, he loves it."
"I've read many books about World War II, and this is a good one."
"I recommended this book to all my friends."
"Loved this history lesson."
"I bought this for my husband who likes O'Reilly's books and this one did not disappoint."
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Best Teen & Young Adult 19th Century United States History

Chasing Lincoln's Killer
NEW YORK TIMES bestselling author James Swanson delivers a riveting account of the chase for Abraham Lincoln's assassin. Divided into 14 chapters and an epilogue, the sentences are shorter and chapters are condensed from the original but the rich details and suspense are ever present. Devoted to the South, John Wilkes Booth had planned to kidnap Lincoln and hold him hostage, but when that plan did not materialize, he hatched his assassination plot.
Reviews
"Chasing Lincoln’s Killer is a fast-paced thriller about pursuing Lincoln’s killer, John Wilkes Booth. Booth was planning to kidnap Lincoln months before he planned to kill the President.Readers would like Chasing Lincoln’s Killer because not only are they reading a book about history, they are reading about gore and murderous activity."
"This is by far the best account of what transpired throughout the country during and after John Wilkes Booth killed our president. For example, Swanson makes this about as entertaining as Billy the Kid stories, which I find very entertaining."
"I did not get the book back until the end of the year as it was passed from student to student, each of them enjoying the book in his own way."
"Easy read and provide great background information."
"Chasing Lincolns Killer details the story of the plots to murder the all notable Northern officials after the Civil War."
"This is far more detailed than what you would learn in your middle school/high school history class and would be a great supplement to the time when an instructor might be teaching about Lincoln."
"This book gave me a lot of information on the assassination of President Lincoln and the manhunt of John Wilkes Booth and David Herold."
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