American History – War of Independence to Civil War

Last term Koala studied American History; from the War of Independence to Westward Expansion. We were blessed to purchase some lovely new books and I thought I’d share here. For even more American History titles Koala enjoyed head on over to Aussie Book Threads, I will be adding over the next few days.

America’s Paul Revere by Esther Forbes is a long picture/illustrated short chapter book making the ‘Midnight Ride of Paul Revere’ come alive. Koala was inspired to memorise the WHOLE poem!

Over 10s

John Treegate’s Musket by Leonard Wibberely tells a riveting tale of the ‘Boston Massacre’ and subsequent events. Published by one of our favourite publishers, Bethlehem Books.

The Reb and the Redcoats by Constance Savery is another published by Bethlehem Books. This is set in England and tells the tale of a young American prisoner of war who is determined to escape.

The Swamp Fox of the Revolution by Stewart H. Holbrook tells the tale of Francis Marion and his men who appeared out of the gloom of the swamps to attack the British. America’s First Guerilla Fighters.

Early Thunder by Jean Fritz is a vivid and compelling story of the American Revolution, set in Salem, when people were either Tories or Whigs and violence between the two groups split Salem.

Ben Franklin of Old Philadelphia by Margaret Cousins is a Landmark book. This book gives a great picture of the many talents of Ben Franklin and his part in supporting America in the Continental Congress.

Guns for General Washington by Seymour Reit tells the tale of the battle for Boston. Riveting.

Calico Captive by Elizabeth George Speare is based on an actual diary. Teenage Miriam and her family awake to the cries of an Indian raid and are taken captive. This book lives up to the quality of all of Speare’s books, exceptionally well written.

By the Great Horn Spoon by Sid Fleischman is the book on which one of our favourite movies is based, Bullwhip Griffin. Jack and his butler head out to the Californian gold fields hoping to strike it rich.

Becky Landers by Constance Lindsay Skinner is another excellent Bethlehem Book. Becky Landers forms a plan to join George Rogers Clark on his dangerous mission to capture the British forts of Kaskaskia and Vincennes.

Over 13s

An Enemy Among Them by DeFord and Sotut is a tale of loyalty, love and betrayal during the Revolutionary War. A farm girl and a soldier for hire paths cross.

Rifles for Watie by Harold Keith follows a 16 year old boy into the Civil War. Considered one of the best Civil War fiction for young people.

 *Be sure to visit Aussie Book Threads for more book reviews.