We’re doing Early American history and World History next year (1550 to 1850). I know what I’m doing with my 8 and 10 year olds, but am slightly lost for my two 8th graders (both 14-years-old).
I have nice, long lists of living books to read, but am wondering if I need a spine for them. I have looked at many and can’t find anything I like. For reference I have looked at and DO NOT want to use (some because they used it last rotation, some because it’s too ‘young’, and some because I just don’t like it):
Story of the World – Susan Wise Bauer
American History Stories – Mara Pratt
Story of the Thirteen Colonies – Guerber
Story of the Great Republic – Guerber
America First – Lawton Evans
Stories of the Americas and Nations – SCM
BJU Press (American and World History)
Notgrass
Things I’m needing to research more/get opinions:
Quest for a Hemisphere – Donzella Cross Boyle
Mystery of History III and the beginning of IIII
Sweet Land of Liberty (and maybe Story of Liberty) – Charles Coffin
Landmark History of the American People – Boorstin
America: The Last Best Hope – William Bennett (might be too hard for 8th grade?)
A Basic History of the United States – Clarence Carson
Truthquest Age of Revolution I – just have them read through a list without a spine
Not a spine, but what about The Work and the Glory series by Gerald N Lund (covers 1800s Church History), The Undaunted also by Lund is a bit past your time span (1879) but good, there is also Fire of the Covenant by Lund (1856).
I very much enjoyed Boorstin’s Landmark History…with my oldest, and she continued reading it on her own after we wer done to do research for a book she was writing! I think it would be excellent for these ages. Sonlight used to use it (maybe still does?) for younger kids 3-5 grades, but it was quite a difficult read aloud even at that age.
I have the opposite opinion from anniepeter where Boorstin’s book is concerned — but it may suit you. We read it a couple of times and it really didn’t work for us AT. ALL. Note that the first part is as. dry. as. dust. and just as exciting to read aloud as I did with my kids at the time. The second part picked up, but was still not our cup of tea.
Have you looked over Bennett’s books? I ended up ordering them for my high school student to use.
Blue J, I have all the Bennett books and I’ve been reading them on and off this week, trying to get a feel for them. I’m not sure it’s what I want for 8th grade, but can see them working for high school.
I’ve never seen the Boorstin. Did you read the newer, color version or the older blue cover one? I have read reviews that the newer one is better. I requested it ILL so hopefully they’ll be able to get it so I can make a better determination than the few page sample I can find.
I also found All American History by Bright Ideas Press that I’ve been reading through.
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