George vs. George: The American Revolution As Seen from Both Sides

George vs. George: The American Revolution As Seen from Both Sides

Written by: Rosalyn Schanzer

"There are two sides to every story. Rosalyn Schanzer's engaging and wonderfully illustrated book brings to life both sides of the American Revolution. The narrative introduces anew the two enemies, both named George: George Washington, the man who freed the American colonies from the British, and George III, the British king who lost them. Two leaders on different sides of the Atlantic, yet with more in common than we sometimes acknowledge. We are lead through their story, and the story of their times, and see both sides of the arguments that divided the colonies from the Kingdom. Was King George a "Royal Brute" as American patriots claimed? Or was he, as others believed, "the father of the people?" Was George Washington a scurrilous traitor, as all the king's supporters claimed? Or should we remember and celebrate him as "the father of his country?" Who was right? History teaches us that there are two sides to every story."

Publisher's Description

Online Resources:
http://www.archives.gov/education/lessons/revolution-images/
http://www.writingfix.com/WAC/HistoryFix/George_vs_George1.htm

Give Me Liberty! The Story of the Declaration of Independence

Give Me Liberty! The Story of the Declaration of Independence

Written by: Russell Freedman

"Known for his stellar biographies and superb nonfiction, Freedman now offers a fine book about the creation of one of the nation's most important historical documents. The first five chapters vividly bring to life the events that led to Colonial uprising and revolt. The next three chapters describe the Second Continental Congress, formation of the Continental Army, Battle of Bunker Hill, and drafting of the Declaration by Thomas Jefferson.

The final chapter discusses the impact of the famous document at the time it was written and its continuing importance, and offers practical information about its preservation, storage, and display. The author points out the important roles women, slaves, and free blacks played in the Revolution, but is also careful to note the restrictions placed on these groups by the white male majority. Quotations from journals, essays, speeches, letters, and songs of the day add color to the compelling narration. Many bold reproductions, in color and black and white, supplement the text. A must for every collection."

School Library Journal Review

Online Resources:
http://www2.scholastic.com/browse/collateral.jsp?id=787_type=Book_typeId=2637
http://www.mce.k12tn.net/revolutionary_war/american_revolution.htm

If You Were There in 1776

If You Were There in 1776

Written by: Barbara Brenner

"This book demonstrates how the concepts and principles expressed in the Declaration of Independence were drawn from the experiences of living in America in the late eighteenth century, with emphasis given to how children lived on a New England farm, a Southern plantation, and the frontier."

Publishers Description


Online Resources:
http://school.discoveryeducation.com/lessonplans/programs/therevolutionarywar/

Streams to the River, River to the Sea

Streams to the River, River to the Sea

Written by: Scott O'Dell

"A fictional account of the life of the Indian woman who accompanied Lewis and Clark on their exploration in 1803. Sacagawea, a Shoshone Indian, guided and interpreted for explorers Lewis and Clarke as they traveled up the Mississippi, but she had adventures long before that one, like the time she was captured by the Minnetarees, and taken away from her family and everything that she knew and loved."

Publishers Description


Online Resources:
http://www.lewisandclarkexhibit.org/4_0_0/page_4_1_7_1_3_4.html
http://ngm.nationalgeographic.com/ngm/0302/feature4/index.html

Navajo: Visions and Voices Across the Mesa

Navajo: Visions and Voices Across the Mesa

Written by: Shonto Begay

"Begay presents a very personal view of contemporary Navajo life in this picture-book collection for older readers. Pairing 20 of his paintings with original poetry, Begay moves from the spiritual aspects of Navajo life through personal childhood memories into striking present-day images, concluding with an affirmation of continuing life and rebirth. Although his poetry especially speaks to the ongoing struggle of living in a "dual society," his paintings are firmly rooted in the Navajo culture. His work is not angry or sentimental; there is an honesty and straightforwardness that allows his readers/viewers insight into his world-view. The variety of images reflects the complexity of life that many contemporary Navajo face. An excellent addition to poetry and art collections."

Booklist Review

Online Resources:
http://shontogallery.com/
http://www.lessonplanspage.com/SSLANavajoPoetryCulture36.htm

Exploration and Conquest: The Americas After Columbus: 1500-1620

Exploration and Conquest: The Americas After Columbus: 1500-1620

Written by: Betsy Maestro
Illustrated by: Giulio Maestro

"This ambitious sequel to the Maestros' The Discovery of the Americas begins with a revisionist summation of Christopher Columbus's famous feats: the explorer "was not the first to discover the Americas. But his voyages led to the European exploration of the New World." The book covers more than 130 years of exploration, presenting brief overviews of Magellan, Cortes, Pizarro, Hudson, Drake, and Champlain. Betsy Maestro also discusses the effects of these incursions on native peoples; she touches upon the African slave trade, the decimation of the Aztec civilization and the general failure of Europeans to honor their agreements with Native Americans."

Publishers Weekly Review

Online Resources:
http://www.uen.org/themepark/exploration/newworld.shtml
http://www.learningthroughhistory.com/newsletter/archives/32005.php

The Discovery of the Americas: From Prehistory Through the Age of Columbus

The Discovery of the Americas: From Prehistory Through the Age of Columbus

Written by: Betsy Maestro
Illustrated by: Giulio Maestro

"The Maestros begin at the beginning as far as we know it, with the crossing of the Bering Land Bridge over 20,000 years ago. They carefully trace what is known of those Stone Age people, and include little-known points such as the possible visits of Phoenician explorers, Irish monks, Japanese fishermen, as well as the fairly well-documented Viking settlements. Illustrations show striking visual comparisons of ancient artifacts from both the Old and New Worlds, which reveal strong similarities. An appropriate emphasis is given to the thousands of years of human civilizations before Europeans established permanent settlements. The arrival of Columbus takes place almost halfway through the book.

Conflicts between explorers who were fiercely ethnocentric and the native people who were often just as fierce in their own defense are treated with trenchant objectivity. Attractive, easy-to-use appendixes give tables of dates, pre-Columbian cultures, European explorers, and other facts."

School Library Journal Review

Online Resources:
http://teacherlink.ed.usu.edu/tlresources/units/monsonunits/melhur/index.htm

Beyond the Sea of Ice: The Voyages of Henry Hudson

Beyond the Sea of Ice: The Voyages of Henry Hudson

Written by: Joan Elizabeth Goodman & Fernando Rangel

"This attractive volume from the Great Explorers Books series begins with an introduction that sets the stage for the Age of Exploration and Hudson's part in it. A foldout map indicating the routes of Hudson's four voyages of exploration extends beyond the pages, making it accessible to readers as they follow his story through the text. Each chapter focuses on one voyage, including its sponsors, purpose, difficulties (sometimes calamities), and its outcome. Full-page, bordered paintings provide dramatic visions of events, while small ink drawings and maps are also effective. An introduction to Hudson's voyages that will spark readers' interest."

Booklist Review

Online Resources:
http://www.emsc.nysed.gov/ciai/chf/elemhudson/hudsonelemintro.html
http://www.allaboutexplorers.com/teachers

Henry the Navigator: Prince of Portuguese Exploration

Henry the Navigator: Prince of Portuguese Exploration

Written by: Lisa Ariganello

"Read about the man who started it all in this exciting new book that traces the beginnings of the European Age of Exploration through the sponsorship of voyages by Prince Henry of Portugal. Trace the adventures of his sailors as they voyaged down the West Coast of Africa in the 1400s, laying the foundations for a Portuguese colonial empire."

Publishers Description

Online Resources:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Henry_the_Navigator
http://cybersleuth-kids.com/sleuth/History/Explorers/Henry_the_Navigator/index.htm

The Sign of the Beaver

The Sign of the Beaver

Written by: Elizabeth George Speare

"Until the day his father returns to their cabin in the Maine wilderness, 12-year-old Matt must try to survive on his own. During an attack by swarming bees, Matt is astonished when he's rescued by an Indian chief and his grandson, Attean. As the boys come to know each other, many months pass without a sign of Matt's family. Then Attean asks Matt to join the Beaver tribe."

Publishers Description

Online Resources:
http://www.uen.org/Lessonplan/preview.cgi?LPid=104
http://www2.scholastic.com/browse/collateral.jsp?id=36282

Twenty Texans: Historic Lives for Young Readers

Twenty Texans: Historic Lives for Young Readers

Written and Illustrated by: Betsy Warren

"This is a collection of short biographies of 20 men and women in Texas history. It includes explorers, Mexican rebel Lorenzo de Zavala, and politician Barbara Jordan."

Publishers Description

Online Resources:
http://www.lsjunction.com/

Texas in Historic Sites and Symbols

Texas in Historic Sites and Symbols

Written by: Betsy Warren

Author Betsy Warren brings 50 important sites and symbols of Texas History to life in this book. Students will enjoy learning snippets about each site and symbol with illustrations to support their understanding of the text.

Online Resources:
http://www.tsl.state.tx.us/ref/abouttx/

Sam and the Speaker's Chair: The Story of Sam Rayburn, Speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives

Sam and the Speaker's Chair: The Story of Sam Rayburn, Speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives

Written by: Maurine Liles

"Sam Rayburn represented Texas in the U.S. House of Representatives for nearly 50 years, from 1912 to 1961. He was a democrat who earned the respect of Republicans during his 24 years as Speaker of the House. This book tells his story."

Publishers Description

Online Resources:
http://friendsofsamrayburn.org/history.htm

I Am Sam Houston

I Am Sam Houston

Written by: Mary Wade

"Sam Houston was a man as large as the events in which he took part. From his early years among the Cherokees in Tennessee through the time he served as president, senator, and governor of Texas, the Hero of San Jacinto was as colorful as the clothes he wore. Because of the way he made the S in his first name, his signature seemed to say, "I am Sam Houston."

Publishers Description

Online Resources:
http://www.shsu.edu/~smm_www/Reference/index.html

The News Hounds in the Great Balloon Race: A Geography Adventure

The News Hounds in the Great Balloon Race: A Geography Adventure

Written by: Amy Axelrod
Illustrated by: Tim Bowers

"These three news hounds travel all over the United States to cover unusual and exciting events. This time they are headed for the Great Piney Woods Balloon festival in eastern Texas, where they will tape a thrilling race called the Ring Grab. Little does Isaac know that Molly has arranged for them to cover it from the air, in their own balloon.... Follow this daring trio as they experience many regions and climates, reading maps to keep them on the right trail. This fun-filled geography adventure will make your spirits soar!"

Publishers Description

Online Resources:
http://www.texaspineywoodsexperience.org/

This Big Sky

This Big Sky

Written by: Pat Mora
Illustrated by: Steve Jenkins

"Latina poet Pat Mora offers 14 short poems about the American Southwest. Each poem appears within a double-page-spread illustration featuring cut and torn papers of varied hues and textures. The artwork creates its own impact, leaving an impression at least as strong as the verses in the reader's mind. Though many of the illustrations feature details of overlapped, textured papers, the most effective images are the clean lines of animals and trees silhouetted against sand or sky. The inclusion of a few Spanish words within the verse will please some readers and annoy others, but a glossary on the last page provides both pronunciation and translation. A visually dynamic collection of distinctively regional verse."

Booklist Review

Online Resources:
http://www.patmora.com/book_pages/bigsky.htm

Make Way for Sam Houston

Make Way for Sam Houston

Written by: Jean Fritz
Illustrated by: Elise Primavera

"This biography of the 19th-century hero captures his fascinating life. Fritz uses Houston’s belief in destiny to explain his interactions with other characters and responses to events. For example, Houston accepted Andrew Jackson’s vision of America because “now he had a picture and words for what he’d call Destiny” (p. 20). Houston considered the eagle a sign and allowed its presence to influence major decisions in his life."

SSC Social Studies Center

Online Resources:
http://www.shsu.edu/~smm_www/Genealogy/children.shtml

Rio Grande: From the Rocky Mountains to the Gulf of Mexico

Rio Grande: From the Rocky Mountains to the Gulf of Mexico

Written by: Peter Lourie

"Peter Lourie explores the Rio Grande to discover what makes the "Great River" great. He follows it from its headwaters in Colorado's snow-capped Rockies to the Gulf of Mexico's sub-tropical shores. His journey takes him into the territories of Billy the Kid and Pancho Villa. He visits an ancient Pueblo where he witnesses an annual feast day and corn dance. When the river becomes a 1,000-mile border between Mexico and the United States, he accompanies the U.S. Border Patrol, then takes a whitewater rafting trip through desert canyons of Big Bend National Park. Finally, the author's journey ends with a dive into the warm waters of the Gulf."

Publishers Description

Online Resources:
http://www.peterlourie.com/journeys/index.htm
http://www.edutopia.org/storytelling-adventure-peter-lourie

Stephen F. Austin: The Son Becomes Father of Texas

Stephen F. Austin: The Son Becomes Father of Texas

Written by: Mary Dodson Wade

"The heroic life of Stephen F. Austin, the "Father of Texas," is vividly portrayed in this biography that describes how a gentle man finished the work of his father and helped found an independent Texas. Detailing how Austin inherited a grant of land with instructions to form a colony in Spanish-controlled Texas, this biography tells of how Stephen spent the next 15 years negotiating, cajoling, and eventually taking up arms against the newly independent Mexico to help found the Republic of Texas. Austin's patience, courage, and character are celebrated throughout this resource for young readers. A directory of web links, for teachers to employ as potential activities, is also included."

Publishers Description

Online Resources:
http://www.house.state.tx.us/kids/rangers/places/stephenaustin.htm

Miss Lady Bird's Wildflowers: How a First Lady Changed America

Miss Lady Bird's Wildflowers: How a First Lady Changed America

Written by: Kathy Appelt
Illustrated by: Joy Fisher Hein

"From a lonely childhood in the Piney Woods of East Texas to an exciting life in the White House, Lady Bird Johnson loved these wildflowers with all her heart. They were her companions in her youth, greeting her everywhere as she explored wild forests, bayous, and hills. Later, as First Lady, she sought to bring the beauty of wildflowers to America's cities and highways. She wanted to make sure every child could enjoy the splendor of wildflowers.

In this warm, engaging look at the life of a great First Lady, Kathi Appelt tells the story behind Lady Bird Johnson's environmental vision. Joy Fisher Hein's colorful wildflowers burst from every page, inviting us to share in Lady Bird's love for natural beauty."

Publishers Description

Online Resources:
http://www.wildflower.org/teachers/
http://www.lone-star.net/wildflowers/flowers.htm

Sam Houston: Standing Firm

Sam Houston: Standing Firm

Written by: Mary Wade Dodson

"Sam Houston comes alive in this fascinating biography for young readers. Houston's endeavors and accomplishments include becoming a lawyer, congressman, governor, President of the Republic of Texas, and army general. His defeat of Santa Anna's army at San Jacinto in 1836 secured the independence of Texas and this resource helps his legend live on in Texas history and lore."

Publishers Description

Online Resources:
http://samhoustonmovie.com/index.php/lesson_plans/

Jane Long: Choosing Texas

Jane Long: Choosing Texas

Written by: Mary Dodson Wade
Illustrated by: Virginia Roeder

"The great achievements and fascinating life of Jane Long, "Mother of Texas," are celebrated in this captivating biography. Readers will learn how Jane, orphaned as a young child and widowed at an early age, raises three children on her own and opened and operated a successful boarding house in Brazoria, the main port of Texas. The biography details how Jane's hotel became the central hub of activity for many of the major figures in the Texas Revolution, including William Barret Travis and Sam Houston, and how Jane used her domestic skills to serve her country in a time when other doors were shut for women. Designed with age-appropriate illustrations and language, this inspirational story of a strong, independent, and ground-breaking woman informs and enlightens beginning readers, revealing that people can overcome significant hardships to ultimately succeed."

Publishers Description

Online Resources:
http://www.utexas.edu/gtw/long.php

Jane Wilkinson Long: Texas Pioneer

Jane Wilkinson Long: Texas Pioneer

Written by: Neila Petrick
Illustrated by: Joyce Haynes

"Often called the "Mother of Texas," Jane Wilkinson Long led an eventful life on the Texas frontier. Her life as a pioneer, mother, widow, businesswoman, and revolutionary is brought to life for children in "Jane Wilkinson Long: Texas Pioneer." After being orphaned at a young age, Jane married Dr. James Long when she was only sixteen. Dr. Long dreamed of conquering "Tejas" and used his wife’s fortune to build an army. Jane and her family soon joined him on the Bolivar Peninsula, only to be left again as Dr. Long attempted to conquer Mexico. Alone on the frontier with only her slave to help her, Jane endured a brutal winter. With the coming of spring, Jane learned of her husband’s death in Mexico. Now a widow, Jane joined Stephen Austin’s pioneers in the Austin colony and obtained a land grant. She built an inn in Brazoria that soon became a meeting place for revolutionaries like Stephen Austin, William Barret Travis, and Sam Houston. Jane’s unflagging spirit helped her to build a life for herself and her family despite numerous setbacks."

Publishers Description

Online Resources:
http://www.lsjunction.com/people/long.htm
http://www.womenintexashistory.org/bio/

Buffalo Hunt

Buffalo Hunt

Written by: Russell Freedman

"As in his other acclaimed pictorial histories, Newbery Medalist Russell Freedman brings a lost world vividly to life for young readers. In accessible text full of fascinating details, he describes the importance of the buffalo to the way of life of the Great Plains Indians, paying particular attention to their various hunting methods, and the uses found for each part of the animal. He then moves on to the devastation caused by the gradual encroachment of white settlers, whose ferocious, firearm slaughter of the animals brought the species to near-extinction."

Scholastic Book Review

Online Resources:
http://teacherlink.ed.usu.edu/tlresources/units/byrnes-literature/Mabey.html

An American Safari: Adventures on the North American Prairie

An American Safari: Adventures on the North American Prairie

Written by: Jim Brandenburg

"This informational book emphasizes prairie ecology and prairie animals. Large colored photographs accompany the text and clarify the concepts developed. The book can help students to identify characteristics of the prairie and to compare those characteristics with the geography of various parts of Texas."

Publishers Description

Online Resources:
http://www.kidbibs.com/topics/environment.htm

Indians Who Lived in Texas

Indians Who Lived in Texas

Written by: Betsy Warren

"We tend to lump Indians into one vast group, but the lifestyles of different tribes were as different as the nations of Europe. This is the authoritative and informative story of the 10 tribes native to Texas, clearly describing the varied lives these original Texans lived."

Publishers Description


Online Resources:
http://viking.coe.uh.edu/~mroy/puma/page57.htm
http://www.texasindians.com/

I Remember the Alamo

I Remember the Alamo

Written by: D. Anne Love

"Jessie’s not surprised when her father says they’ll be moving from their Kentucky home to a better life in Texas. But there’s no work for her father in their new small town and Jessie doesn’t know how they’ll go on when tragedy strikes their family. Jessie’s only comfort is her new friend, a Mexican girl named Angelina. Their friendship must stay secret because Jessie’s father is joining other soldiers who are against Mexico in the fight for an independent Texas. When Jessie’s father and older brother leave, she and the rest of her family run toward the safety of the fort — the Alamo. What will become of the family now?"

Publishers Description

Online Resources:
http://youngtexasreader.blogspot.com/2009/03/alamo-lesson-plans.html

The Littlest Vaquero: A Story of the First Texas Cowboys, Longhorns, & the American Revolution

The Littlest Vaquero: A Story of the First Texas Cowboys, Longhorns, & the American Revolution

Written by: Maureen Liles

"During a cattle drive from Texas to Louisiana aiding the American Revolutionary war effort, hard work earns young Manuel Ruafaz the right to call himself a true vaquero, a professional horseman and herder. Set in 1779, this work of historical fiction focuses on a little-known aspect of history but suffers from an awkward, stilted narration. Black-and-white drawings appear throughout."

Horn Book Review

Online Resources:
http://edtech.kennesaw.edu/web/amrevol.html

Trail Fever: The Life of a Texas Cowboy

Trail Fever: The Life of a Texas Cowboy

Written by: D.J. Lightfoot
Illustrated by: John Bobbish

"The life of early Texas trail driver George Saunders is sketched in a simple style, with an emphasis on his cowboy years. Working from the subject's own writings, Lightfoot includes interesting details, dialogue, and lore from the man's childhood on a ranch during the Civil War to his teenage experience on his first real cattle drive north on the newly established Chisholm Trail. The hard life of riding and herding comes through, as does a love for challenges. An easy biography that Texas libraries especially will welcome, as will cowboy fans everywhere."

School Library Journal Review

Online Resources:
http://members.authorsguild.net/djlightfoot/trail_fever__the_life_of_a_texas_cowboy_12553.htm

If You Traveled West in a Covered Wagon

If You Traveled West in a Covered Wagon

Written by: Ellen Levine

"If you were traveling West in a covered wagon, you would have a lot of questions, including where you were going, how you would get there, and what you would take with you. You would wonder what would happen along the way, what you would do, and who and what you would see. Using a conversational tone and a question-and-answer format, the author draws readers into the preparations for the long trip to the Oregon Territory in the 1840's and ‘50's by answering these and many other practical questions in an honest and informational way. The information given, from start to finish, is very useful and descriptive and is presented in an age-appropriate manner. While the book itself is well written and thorough, it does have one small drawback. The book states that it is the new and updated version. It is larger and the illustrations are in full color, which is much more engaging. Unfortunately, it lacks a further reading page or a resource page including places to visit or web sites to explore. Overall, though, this a great resource book that children will enjoy and gain much from."

Children's Literature Review

Online Resources:
http://www.daily-tangents.com/BOB/BookLink/M/M_wagon.shtml

Cowboy Stories from East Texas

Cowboy Stories from East Texas

Written and Illustrated by: John Lash

"Cowboy Stories from East Texas, written and illustrated by John Lash, is a fun book for young readers. The book has "tall tale" qualities and Lash writes in a comfortable and conversational way. His exciting stories of cowboys, their critters, and their exploits will no doubt especially hold boys spellbound. Daddy Bob, "the best cowboy who ever came out of Texas," Nanny, and 6-year-old Bubba have an array of adventures with wampus cats, ghosts, giant catfish, brave and loyal dogs, ornery `gators, persnickety goats, "the biggest, meanest bull in Texas," and even the weather. The book's introduction does justice to Texas geography, too; it is actually set in Southeast Texas, known for its thick forests and soupy swamps - the perfect setting for your child's imagination."

Reviewed By: Deborah Deggs Cariker

The Great Texas Scare: A Story of the Runaway Scrape

The Great Texas Scare: A Story of the Runaway Scrape

Written by: Martha Tannery Jones
Illustrated by: Donna Loughran

"Victorious at the Alamo, Santa Anna moved east to mop up resistance and firmly secure the territory for Mexico. Santa Anna's coming terrified settlers: some men organized to resist; women and children hid or fled. During "The Runaway Scrape," as this time of fleeing was later called, occurs the an anecdotal account of two neighboring families at Nacogdoches, near the Sabine River that separates Texas territory from Louisiana--and safety in the United States. Most of the action centers around two girls, age ten. Jane, conniving and selfish, is no role model for anyone; Manda plays with Jane buts resents Jane's tricks. Incidents involve a pet pig, a mad dog, an encounter with a skunk, an ice storm, and a flight to cross the Sabine."

School Library Journal Review

Online Resources:
http://www.socialstudiesforkids.com/wwww/us/santaannadef.htm

Stephen F. Austin: Wilderness Pioneer

Stephen F. Austin: Wilderness Pioneer

Written by: Carol Hoff

This biography presents the history of Texas during Austin’s time in the state, from 1821 to 1836. During the period, the territory’s status changes from being a part of New Spain to an independent republic.

Publishers Description

Online Resources:
http://www.house.state.tx.us/kids/rangers/places/stephenaustin.htm

Jonny Texas

Jonny Texas

Written by: Carol Hoff

"Johnny's story is one of adventure and excitement woven with threads of early Texas history. Carol Hoff's Texas classic is an authentic and unforgettable picture of a pioneer German family and young Johnny, whose life is full of wonder as he explores the woods and streams near his farm home."

Publishers Description

Jonny Texas on the San Antonio Road

Written by: Carol Hoff

"When Johnny has to drive a wagon by himself over the long and lonely road from his home to San Antonio, he has a big adventure out of proportion to his age. The road he travels was used by the heroes of the early Texas republic, and Johnny responds to his adventures in ways those heroes would have admired. Today's readers will admire his independence and resourcefulness.

Publishers Description

Online Resources:
http://hendricklongpublishing.com/resources.php