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Best Children's US State & Local History Books

The Boys in the Boat (Young Readers Adaptation): The True Story of an American Team's Epic Journey to Win Gold at the 1936Olympics
The #1 New York Times bestseller about the Greatest Generation freshly adapted for the next generation. Gr 4–7—This adaptation of the adult title The Boys in the Boat: Nine Americans and Their Epic Quest for Gold at the 1936 Berlin Olympics (Viking, 2013) chronicles the powerful University of Washington crew team that took the gold in Berlin. The team was guided by the determined UW coach, Al Ulbrickson, whose obstacles to success were the rival rowing team from the University of California, Berkeley, and his own inconsistent rowers.
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."
"Great story!"
"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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Nathan Hale's Hazardous Tales: Alamo All-Stars
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. A must-have that will add value to any children's graphic nonfiction collection—John Trischitti, Midland County Public Libraries, TX Nathan Hale is the #1 New York Times bestselling author and illustrator of the Nathan Hale’s Hazardous Tales series, which includes One Dead Spy; Donner Dinner Party; Treaties, Trenches, Mud and Blood; Big Bad Ironclad! He also illustrated the graphic novel Rapunzel’s Revenge , which was a TODAY show “Al’s Book Club for Kids” selection, an ALA-ALSC Notable Children’s Book, and a YALSA Great Graphic Novel for Teens, as well as the recipient of three starred reviews.
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."
"I love how historically informative they are and how they are appealing enough to a young generation."
"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."
"Great series for kids."
"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."
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What Is the Statue of Liberty? (What Was?)
In 1876, France decided to give the United States a very big and very special present--the Statue of Liberty. What Is the Statue of Liberty? Right in the middle of it all stood that towering symbol of American freedom—the Statue of Liberty! The statue’s real name is Liberty Enlightening the World, but it’s often called Lady Liberty or the Statue of Liberty.
Reviews
"My 8 year old is really onto this series right now so grandparents purchased a lot of them for her birthday."
"As I've said before, best books ever for kids."
"MY GRANDSON LOVES THESE BOOKS."
"Great story with lots of information."
"Book was a little difficult for my seven year old to read."
"My kids love reading this series."
"My oldest grand daughter loves to read."
"Another fantastic book in this series!"
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Best Children's Mexican History Books

What Was the Alamo? (What Was?)
The Alamo was a crucial turning point in the Texas Revolution, and led to the creation of the Republic of Texas. Pamela Pollack and Meg Belviso have co-authored several children's books, including Who Was J.K. Rowling?
Reviews
"my kids all love the who/what was series."
"Great for adults and children."
"Sensitive children might be disturbed by this though I guess many kids see far worse on tv and video games."
"I bought this book for my 11 year old son who is taking a trip to Texas this summer with his grandparents and the Alamo will be one of the places that they will get to see."
"I liked it beacause it tells you what happened before , in the middle and at the end of the battle of the Alamo I like history a lot so I loved the book it's really a good book !!!"
"Nice book for my 12 year old granddaughter."
"Very easy read, it is a kids book, but I wanted some basic info about the Alamo and this fit the bill."
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Best Children's Water Sports Books

Peppa Goes Swimming (Peppa Pig)
An all-new storybook featuring Peppa -- a lovable, slightly bossy little piggy!
Reviews
"It's also got value as a book to let a kid read by herself because it's simple and they can get the entire story just from the pictures. But the other Peppa books are better if you're looking to buy only 1 or 2."
"Great book."
"My Grand daughter loves Peppa & its a great stocking stuffer!"
"I read this book every night to my daughter at bedtime."
"This little story is one of my 2 year old's favorites."
"Very cute."
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Best Children's 19th Century American History

Lincoln's Last Days: The Shocking Assassination that Changed America Forever
With an unforgettable cast of characters, page-turning action, vivid detail, and art on every spread, Lincoln's Last Days is history that reads like a thriller. 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
"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."
"Rill O'Reilly is an incredibly good writer, engaging, and descriptive but not over-done."
"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 was amazed at the size and scope of the plot considering how little I knew from history classes."
"Bill O'Reilly hits it out of the park with this book."
"Well written in a dramatic style, with details I was not previously familiar with."
"I wish I could have known President Lincoln...he's a great man in my eyes."
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Best Children's Olympic Sports 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. Gr 9 Up—Adapted from the best-selling adult book of the same name, this riveting account tells the story of Louis Zamperini, a thief turned track star, Olympian, airman, castaway, and prisoner of war. Though this is a strong, well-written work, the adult version is accessible and engaging; students are better off sticking with the original.—Stephanie Farnlacher, Trace Crossings Elementary School, Hoover, AL “This adaptation of Hillenbrand’s adult best-seller is highly dramatic and exciting, as well as painful to read as it lays bare man’s hellish inhumanity to man.”-- Booklist , STARRED. "This captivating book emphasizes the importance of determination, the will to survive against impossible odds, and support from family and friends.
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 20th Century American 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. "A skillfully organized overview of the fall of the Third Reich, O’Reilly’s summary coordinates text with graphic photos for maximum impact." “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. He holds a history degree from Marist College, a masters degree in Broadcast Journalism from Boston University, and another masters degree from Harvard's John F. Kennedy School of Government.
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."
"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."
"Loved this history lesson."
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Best Children's American Revolution History

Who Was George Washington? (Who Was?)
In 1789, George Washington became the first president of the United States. Roberta Edwards lives in New York, New York.
Reviews
"My kids love these books."
"Perfect, quick reads for my 1st and 3rd graders!"
"I purchased this book for my son who was behind in school with his reading."
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