American History Collections
Unit 8 Supplies
Read-aloud - Choose one of the following books for read-aloud time:
Esperanza Rising, by Pam Muñoz Ryan
Interest Level: All Ages
A beautiful story of a wealthy family in Mexico who after coming upon great misfortune have to escape to California where they join a Mexican labor camp. Set in the time of the Great Depression, this book gives a detailed look at some of the great hardships of the time and the oppression and trials of those families living and working in the labor camps.
On the Horizon, by Lois Lowry
Interest Level: All Ages
This book is so powerful! It is short, coming in at 72 pages and is a very quick read since most of the book is written in verse. However, it packs a punch with happiness, sadness, heartache, and joy all within its pages. It tells stories of the bombing of Pearl Harbor and Hiroshima as well as life in Japan for an American girl about a decade after Hiroshima. Individuals are highlighted, as well as historical events. The book ends with a wonderful account of how people can still be friends after horrific events in their shared history.
Snow Treasure by Marie McSwigan
Interest Level: All Ages
This adventurous book follows a group of Norwegian children who use their toboggans and sledding skills to help smuggle gold out of Norway before the occupying Nazi soldiers find it. Fast paced, clever, and full of bravery, this book is a great read aloud for the whole family.
The Boys in the Boat by Daniel James Brown
Interest Level: Late Elementary/Middle School
The University of Washington’s rowing team is good, but their rivals from the University of California are good, too. A lot is on the line as these teams compete against each other (and others) to get a spot on the US Olympic Rowing team going to Berlin, Germany in 1936. Follow the life of one of the crew mates, Joe Rantz, through his difficult childhood, life during the Depression, and feelings of not being good enough as he and his team persevere in their quest to represent their country in a sport to which they’ve dedicated their time, their grit, and their hearts.
Note: Sensitive children may be affected by how Joe is treated by his father and stepmother and from the information included regarding how Nazi Germany was treating Jewish people in 1936.
The Silence of God by Gale Sears
Interest Level: Middle/High School
This book told a sweet story of a family of Latter-Day Saints living in St. Petersburg during the Russian Revolution and World War I (mostly focusing on Bolshevism and the Revolution). It tells how their faith in God brought them through these conflicts and loss in their family. It has a historical summary at the end of most chapters, adding to the educational value of the story.
Optional Read Aloud Picture Book:
More Than Anything Else by Marie Bradley
