Slip in a Little History

Love a good story that is based on a real time or place? To celebrate Independence Day, pick up some of these incredible stories, which just happen to be true.

As an adult, I love to read historical fiction. I love a good story that is based on a real time or place. But, how do I foster that love of history in my kids? Put away those textbooks, and pick up some of these incredible stories, which just happen to be true. Lets stick with a few examples of American History as a way to celebrate Independence Day!

MOSES: When Harriet Tubman Led Her People to Freedom by Carole Boston Weatherford. A handsome and poetic book illustrated by the amazing Kadir Nelson, this book ties Tubmans leadership to her faith in God. Her story appears in regular lettering, while the words she hears from God are in capital letters, much larger on the page. The dialogue is inspiring, befitting the heroic Moses she becomes to her people. The foreword explains the concept of slavery for younger children and the authors note provided a brief bio of Tubman. But it is the moving illustrations that capture your heart. Check out other books illustrated by Nelson: Ellington Was Not a Street and Hes Got the Whole World In His Hands. Ages 5 - 8.

AMELIA AND ELEANOR GO FOR A RIDE by Pam Munoz Ryan. Meaning Amelia EARHART, and Eleanor ROOSEVELT. Based on a true story, Ryan and illustrator Brian Selznick tell a story about the true meeting of two amazing women. A story to match these passionate and unconventional women, we get a glimpse of a glamorous dinner at the White House. And we see two determined women breaking the rules to enjoy a beautiful night appreciating the strengths they share. A shining book about two American heroes. Ages 6 - 9.

TEAM MOON: How 400,000 People Landed Apollo 11 on the Moon by Catherine Thimmesh. This book has been on all the non-fiction book award lists for 2007. Although many children will know the few and famous men and quotes associated with this historical event, this book celebrates the many workers who made the trip possible. Their thoughts and feelings, their worries and elation, in the language of the American worker contrasts to the techno-engineering terms of astronaut jargon. Did you know the space suits were made of twenty-two layers of fabric? The seamstress tells you about that little known fact. A celebration of human ingenuity and hard work, an American story about an amazing number of people who took on a singular goal, this book is fascinating to read and share. Ages 9 & up.

If none of these catches your childs interest, try this book:

OH, YIKES! Historys Grossest, Wackiest Moments, by Joy Masoff. For some kids, picking up any kind of book is yucky, and history is the yuckiest of them all. Heres a book you might be able to slip under the radar In the same vein as Grossology, this book provides the juicy insights into historys messiest, dumbest, and weirdest moments. Tie this into the movie Night at the Museum. You can look up gross stuff about Attila the Hun, (the evil warrior died of a nosebleed) or the Aztecs (Did they use blow darts? Maybe. But they did sacrifice 250,000 people a year for the gods.) Bring home other books on Teddy Roosevelt, Easter Island and Sacagawea and youve got all the main characters in that awesome movie! Ages 8 & up.

Julie Hubble lives in Leawood and doesnt think history is gross at all.