This is a great list -- my only word of caution is to keep an eye out for the likelihood that Native Americans are portrayed inaccurately and misrepresented in many of these titles. In my experience, any reading about early America -- the Revolution or otherwise -- is rife with Manifest Destiny, even before that term was born, if not racist undertones.
To this list, I would add former First Lady Lynne Cheney's picture books When Washington Crossed the Delaware and We the People: The Story of Our Constitution, as well as her chapter book, A Time for Freedom. They're all quite well done.
I heartily agree. We have the same issue with old books on British history. I actually find it a very useful opportunity to talk about how views have changed, and interpretations of history change over time, and how we should always ask ourselves whether what we’re reading really rings true.
One of the biggest problems with the outdated representations is the lack of Native voices in the story telling. Talking about outdated views is a start, but without high quality own voices texts to counter the pernicious narratives I find that interpretations can remain limited. This website is a great resource! https://americanindiansinchildrensliterature.blogspot.com/?m=1
Oh, my! What a rich list. Thank you. I can tell you have a passion for the American Revolution. Your children will surely bless you. Your choice of "living books" is excellent. One collection I really enjoy because it covers Colonial America leading up to the Revolution is James Otis' 6-volume set, each featuring a child hero They are long out-of-print but we reprinted them because they are such a great contribution to the Early America literature. I offer the link here: https://charlottemasonhomeschooling.com/products/colonial-americas-series-6-volumes
The quote from Middlemarch was so perfect. It goes on my word-wall. Thank you again.
This is a great list -- my only word of caution is to keep an eye out for the likelihood that Native Americans are portrayed inaccurately and misrepresented in many of these titles. In my experience, any reading about early America -- the Revolution or otherwise -- is rife with Manifest Destiny, even before that term was born, if not racist undertones.
To this list, I would add former First Lady Lynne Cheney's picture books When Washington Crossed the Delaware and We the People: The Story of Our Constitution, as well as her chapter book, A Time for Freedom. They're all quite well done.
I heartily agree. We have the same issue with old books on British history. I actually find it a very useful opportunity to talk about how views have changed, and interpretations of history change over time, and how we should always ask ourselves whether what we’re reading really rings true.
One of the biggest problems with the outdated representations is the lack of Native voices in the story telling. Talking about outdated views is a start, but without high quality own voices texts to counter the pernicious narratives I find that interpretations can remain limited. This website is a great resource! https://americanindiansinchildrensliterature.blogspot.com/?m=1
I love that.
This is such a good list! I'm need to get my hands on some of these titles. I love that Liberty's Kids was mentioned. 🥲
Oh, my! What a rich list. Thank you. I can tell you have a passion for the American Revolution. Your children will surely bless you. Your choice of "living books" is excellent. One collection I really enjoy because it covers Colonial America leading up to the Revolution is James Otis' 6-volume set, each featuring a child hero They are long out-of-print but we reprinted them because they are such a great contribution to the Early America literature. I offer the link here: https://charlottemasonhomeschooling.com/products/colonial-americas-series-6-volumes
The quote from Middlemarch was so perfect. It goes on my word-wall. Thank you again.