Welcome to Guest Hollow’s Jr. Modern American History Curriculum Book and Resource List! This list is to give you an idea of what will be needed if you are using Guest Hollow’s Jr. Modern American History Curriculum along with some helpful tips and other information. For details about the curriculum itself, please click here.

Literature-based history that’s engaging and fun!

In order to use Guest Hollow’s Jr. Modern American History Curriculum, you will need to obtain the scheduled books and other items separately. You may be able to borrow many for FREE from your local library! Check out the F.A.Q. below for tips on how to save money when using a literature-based curriculum.

The printable version of the book list features:

• The ISBN number and author’s name
  You can make sure your copy of the book matches the one in the schedule.
• Notification of when each book or item is used
  You can plan ahead when to check out books from the library. Books used throughout the year are marked “multiple weeks,” so you can decide whether you want to purchase them vs. borrow them.
• Books are ranked in order of importance
  Books are ranked in order of importance to help you choose which books you need the most and which can potentially be skipped.
• Checklists for planning
  A handy checklist helps you plan if you are going to buy or borrow a book. It can also help you choose the format of your books (physical copy, e-book, or audiobook).
• Consumables are marked
  You’ll get advance notice of which items are consumable, so you’ll know what you may need to purchase and how many copies you may want to get if you are using the curriculum with multiple students.

Here’s an example of the printable book list:

Keep scrolling to see the full online book list (below the F.A.Q. on this page).

We’ve scheduled in lots of colorful, fact-filled, interesting and engaging books for this year’s early American history study! Before taking a look, we’ve addressed some common questions:

Book and Resource F.A.Q.

Warning! Preview all materials! We strongly recommend you preview all items to see if they are appropriate for your student. Every family is different in what they find offensive! Additional notes about some of the books are in the descriptions below.

Scheduled Books and Materials
Note: If you need to sub out a book or want to add additional books, check out the Big Bad Beautiful Booklist -History Edition! We have hundreds of suggestions and link to legal free copies of many titles.

When you purchase Guest Hollow’s Jr. Modern American History Curriculum, you get a coupon code for 50% off the Big Bad Beautiful Booklist -History Edition! Be sure to look in your downloads for the coupon!

	Beowulf’s Marvelous Book of Modern American History This book is included with your purchase of Guest Hollow’s Jr. Modern American History and can be found in your downloads. Learn about modern American history in this fantastic and lavishly illustrated book full of true stories. There are tons of full-color photos, illustrations, cartoons, maps, and even some recipes that help make history come to life! Greek and Latin roots help explain vocabulary in the text right as you read. Beowulf makes history understandable, memorable, and fun!
	Guest Hollow’s Modern American History Timeline Figures This vibrant set of modern American history timeline figures is designed for use with Beowulf’s Marvelous Book of Modern American History (and our Jr. and High School American History Curriculums) or any other modern history curriculum. Unlike the boring and plain black-&-white line images found in many other sets, these figures are full of color and feature a mix of primary source photographs and engaging custom illustrations. Don’t have a timeline yet? We’ve got you covered! Check out our very affordable (and customizable) Printable Timeline / Book of Centuries.
Historical fiction	Understood Betsy This book is free at the Open Library. This book is available at Hoopla as an ebook and audiobook. This book is available as an eBook and audiobook on Everand. Click here (get 60 days for free when you join via our link). Elizabeth Ann is being carefully brought up by her Aunt Frances in the early 1900s. Aunt Frances shares in all Elizabeth Ann’s fears and slights, walks her to and from school each day, and conscientiously follows the most modern theories on child-rearing. She is the original helicopter parent. Not surprisingly, at nine years old Elizabeth Ann is timid and shy, friendless, and completely dependent on her doting aunt. Then an emergency occurs, and the fearful little girl is temporarily sent to other relatives who live on a farm in Vermont. When her uncle Henry nonchalantly hands her the buggy reins for the ride from the train station, the newly named Betsy realizes that that this new family expects her to think for herself. Dorothy Canfield Fisher was an early advocate of Maria Montessori’s educational theory of learning by doing, and her heroine flourishes as she becomes aware of and interested in the world around her and discovers how truly capable she is.
History, nonfiction	What Was Ellis Island? This book is on YouTube. From 1892 to 1954, Ellis Island was the gateway to a new life in the United States for millions of immigrants. In later years, the island was deserted, the buildings decaying. Ellis Island was not restored until the 1980s, when Americans from all over the country donated more than $150 million. It opened to the public once again in 1990 as a museum. Learn more about America’s history, and perhaps even your own, through the story of one of the most popular landmarks in the country.
Game for an optional assignment	Minecraft (Optional) There are a few optional assignment ideas for building some historical models in Minecraft.
Choose 1 of the following 2 books: (History, nonfiction)
Book 1: Who Was Theodore Roosevelt? He was only 42 years old when he was sworn in as President of the United States in 1901, making TR the youngest president ever.  But did you know that he was also the first sitting president to win the Nobel Peace Prize? The first to ride in a car? The first to fly in an airplane? Theodore Roosevelt’s achievements as a naturalist, hunter, explorer, author, and soldier are as much a part of his fame as any office he held as a politician. Find out more about The Bull Moose, the Progressive, the Rough Rider, the Trust Buster, and the Great Hunter who was our larger-than-life 26th president in Who Was Theodore Roosevelt?	Book 2: Teddy Roosevelt Was a Moose? (Wait! What?) Note: On p. 13 it states “One day, TR’s father sat down with him and the two of them had a serious talk.” “About the birds and the bees?” “Not that talk!” The book also mentions that TR skinny-dipped. Did you know that Theodore Roosevelt was shot before a rally, and went on to give his speech with the bullet in his chest? Bet you didn’t know that he had a zebra, a lion, and a one-legged rooster at the White House! Narrated by the two spirited siblings and animated by Allison Steinfeld’s upbeat illustrations, Teddy Roosevelt is an authoritative, accessible, and one-of-a-kind biography infused with Dan Gutman’s signature zany sense of humor.
History, Graphic novel	Wildheart: The Daring Adventures of John Muir The exciting life story of John Muir—who sailed to America as a boy and ended up changing the world; told for the first time in a graphic novel. John Muir led an adventurous life, starting with his wild and playful boyhood in Scotland to his legendary exploits in America, where he became an inventor, a global explorer, and the first modern environmentalist; and even became friends with a president! His heart was always in the outdoors and he aimed to experience all he could. Most importantly, though, John Muir told the world about the wonders of nature. His words made a difference and inspired people to protect areas of the wilderness for future generations.
History, nonfiction	The Wright Brothers: Nose-Diving into History (Epic Fails #1) A hilarious nonfiction look at two of history’s most epic “failures”: the Wright brothers, whose countless crashes ultimately led to groundbreaking success. Although Orville and Wilbur Wright are celebrated today as heroes for their revolutionary contributions to science and engineering―they are acknowledged as the first men to successfully achieve powered, piloted flight―their success was hard-earned. (Spoiler alert: there were a lot of nosedives involved.) In fact, it took the self-taught engineers years of work and dozens of crashes before they managed a single twelve-second flight!
History, science	Optional science book related to history topics: Eyewitness Flight (DK Eyewitness) Become an eyewitness to the high-flying world of aircraft and the history of flight. This picture-led guide will take you on a visual tour of incredible flying machines. Children can learn all about the history and science of humanity’s most incredible feat: flying! Find out about how technology made flight possible, which tools pilots use, and how taking to the skies has shaped human history.
Choose 1 of the following 2 books: One is a full text novel. The other is the graphic novel version (and a much shorter read).
History, fiction, end notes filled with historical facts and info Note: A parent dies in the story due to the 1918 flu epidemic. I Survived the Great Molasses Flood, 1919 This book is on YouTube (you have to search around to find all the chapters). This book is available at Hoopla. This book is available as an audiobook on Everand. Click here (get 60 days for free when you join via our link). One hundred years ago, a killer wave of molasses struck a crowded Boston neighborhood. Discover the story of this strange disaster in the next book in the New York Times bestselling I Survived series. It’s been four years since Carmen and Papa moved from Italy to Boston. Life here is exciting, but not always easy. And then there’s the massive metal tank that rises up over their crowded North End neighborhood. The ugly tank, filled with sticky brown molasses, has always leaked. But nobody imagined that it could one day explode apart, sending a tsunami of molasses into the streets. Caught in the flood, Carmen must fight for her life – the life that she and Papa built together in America. But where will she find the strength?	I Survived the Great Molasses Flood, 1919 (I Survived Graphic Novel #11)  One of the strangest disasters in U.S. history is brought to vivid life in this graphic novel adaptation of Lauren Tarshis’s bestselling I Survived the Great Molasses Flood, 1919, with text adapted by Georgia Ball and art by Karen De La Vega. It’s been four years since Carmen and Papa moved from Italy to Boston. Life here is exciting, but not always easy. And then there’s the massive metal tank that rises up over their crowded North End neighborhood. The ugly tank, filled with sticky brown molasses, has always leaked. But nobody imagined that it could one day explode apart, sending a tsunami of molasses into the streets. Caught in the flood, Carmen must fight for her life — the life that she and Papa built together in America. But where will she find the strength? Lauren Tarshis’s New York Times bestselling I Survived series comes to vivid life in graphic novel editions. Perfect for readers who prefer the graphic novel format, or for existing fans of the I Survived chapter book series, these graphic novels combine historical facts with high-action storytelling that’s sure to keep any reader turning the pages. Includes a nonfiction section at the back with facts and photos about the real-life event.
History, science, graphic novel	Fever Year: The Killer Flu of 1918 This book is available at Hoopla. This book is available on Everand. Click here (get 60 days for free when you join via our link). From the Sibert Honor–winning creator behind The Unwanted and Drowned City comes one of the darkest episodes in American history: the Spanish Influenza epidemic of 1918.   New Year’s Day, 1918. America has declared war on Germany and is gathering troops to fight. But there’s something coming that is deadlier than any war.   What made the influenza of 1918 so exceptionally deadly—and what can modern science help us understand about this tragic episode in history? With a journalist’s discerning eye for facts and an artist’s instinct for true emotion, Sibert Honor recipient Don Brown sets out to answer these questions and more in Fever Year.
Choose 1 of the following 2 books: Book 1 has the most photographs from all types of industries that employed children. It is scheduled over several weeks. Book 2 is much shorter and focuses more on boys working in coal mines. It’s scheduled for 1 week.
Book 1: Kids at Work: Lewis Hine and the Crusade Against Child Labor This book is free at the Open Library. Photobiography of early twentieth-century photographer and schoolteacher Lewis Hine, using his own work as illustrations. Hines’s photographs of children at work were so devastating that they convinced the American people that Congress must pass child labor laws.	Book 2: Breaker Boys: How a Photograph Helped End Child Labor This book is free at the Open Library. This book is available on Hoopla. This book is available on Everand as an eBook and audiobook. Click here (get 60 days for free when you join via our link). Note: This book mentions “millions of years” at the beginning of chapter 2 when referencing coal. Little boys, some as young as 6, spent their long days, not playing or studying, but sorting coal in dusty, loud, and dangerous conditions. Many of these breaker boys worked 10 hours a day, six days a week all for as little as 45 cents a day. Child labor was common in the United States in the 19th century. It took the compelling, heart breaking photographs of Lewis Hine and others to bring the harsh working conditions to light.
History, graphic novel *This book is also scheduled in our high school level.	Treaties, Trenches, Mud, and Blood Learn about the most well-known battles (and little-known secrets) of World War I with author-illustrator Nathan Hale’s Treaties, Trenches, Mud, and Blood, a Hazardous Tale from the New York Times bestselling graphic novel series.
Project	The Great War Lap Book/Notebook Project There are few events in history as momentous as the First World War, and sadly there are few events in history as universally overlooked as well. This overloaded lap book and notebooking project helps you remedy that cultural lack of knowledge on the subject by bringing together a number of smaller projects that illuminate many different aspects of that bitter struggle that ushered in the modern era.
Choose 1 of the following 2 books: (History, nonfiction, picture books)
Book 1: Grace Banker and Her Hello Girls Answer the Call: The Heroic Story of WWI Telephone Operators Led by twenty-five-year-old Grace Banker, thirty-two telephone operators — affectionately called “Hello Girls” back in the US — became the first female combatants in World War I. Follow Grace Banker’s journey from her busy life as a telephone switchboard trainer in New York to her pioneering role as the Chief Operator of the 1st Unit of World War I telephone operators in the battlefields of France. With expert skill, steady nerves, and steadfast loyalty, the Signal Corps operators transferred orders from commanders to battlefields and communicated top-secret messages between American and French headquarters. After faithfully serving her country —undaunted by freezing weather and fires; long hours and little sleep, and nearby shellings and far off explosions — Grace was the first and only woman operator in the Signal Corps to be awarded the Army’s Distinguished Service Medal.	Book 2: Rags: Hero Dog of WWI: A True Story This book is free at the Open Library. This book is available at Hoopla. This book is on YouTube. Picture book based on a true story Note: Rag’s “owner”/friend dies at the end of the story (but Rags is adopted by a military family). Preview for sensitive students. During World War I, while stationed overseas in France with the United States Army, Private James Donovan literally stumbles upon a small dog cowering on the streets of Paris. Named Rags for his disheveled appearance, the little stray quickly finds a home with Donovan and a place in his heart. Although the Army did not have an official canine division, Rags accompanies Donovan to the battlefield, making himself a useful companion delivering messages and providing a much-appreciated morale boost to the soldiers. News about Rags spreads and soon the little dog’s battlefield exploits become the stuff of legend. But during a fierce battle near the end of the war, both Rags and Donovan are wounded. Severely injured, Donovan is sent back to the United States. And the little dog with the big heart refuses to leave his best friend’s side.
History, nonfiction	What Were the Roaring Twenties? It was the bees’ knees, the cat’s meow. If you’re not familiar with 1920s slang, all the more reason to read this fascinating look at that wild, exciting decade. It began on the heels of one tragedy–the flu pandemic of 1918–and ended with another: the start of the Great Depression. But in between there were plenty of good times–the Model T cars that Henry Ford made were cheap enough for the masses, the new sound of jazz heated up speakeasies and nightclubs during the time of Prohibition. Women, recently given the right to vote, cut their long hair into bobs, wore short skirts and makeup, and danced the Charleston (sometimes in marathons that lasted days). Michele Mortlock hits all the highlights of this heady age that still feels modern even a hundred years later.
	Optional project: The Roaring 20s Lap Book/Notebook Project This is a nice little project for your student’s notebook.
History, nonfiction, picture book	Unspeakable: The Tulsa Race Massacre This book is on YouTube. This book is available at Hoopla. This book is available on Everand as an eBook and audiobook. Click here (get 60 days for free when you join via our link). Celebrated author Carole Boston Weatherford and illustrator Floyd Cooper provide a powerful look at the Tulsa Race Massacre, one of the worst incidents of racial violence in our nation’s history.
Fiction (set sometime around the late 1920’s or the beginning of the Great Depression) Note: A boy dies in this book. Dogs die in this book. Hunting is mentioned. The word damn is used.	Where the Red Fern Grows This book is on YouTube. This book is free at the Open Library. 2nd option if you’ve already read this book or prefer another: The Mighty Miss Malone (unscheduled) Read the beloved classic that captures the powerful bond between man and man’s best friend. This edition also includes a special note to readers from Newbery Medal winner and Printz Honor winner Clare Vanderpool.
Language arts, history, art, science, etc.	Optional: Literature Unit: A Guide for Where the Red Fern Grows This resource is directly related to its literature equivalent and filled with a variety of cross-curricular lessons to do before, during, and after reading the book.
Science	Optional science book related to history topics: Outdoor School Essentials: Animal Tracks Choose any book about identifying animal tracks. You can look for a book that works for your local area.
History, graphic novel Note: The last page of this book gives a couple of bios of the book creators. It mentions how one of them specializes in LGBTQ books and how the other created a queer historical romance. This type of content is not in the book itself. Page 53 of the book states in a speech bubble, “…as well as four, uh, self-proclaimed psychic mediums, who say they’ve communicated with her.” There is no other info about this, but you may want to discuss your family’s beliefs about that sort of thing.	Who Was a Daring Pioneer of the Skies?: Amelia Earhart: A Who HQ Graphic Novel  Explore the story of Amelia Earhart, as she embarks on her second and final journey around the globe. A story of determination, heart, and courage, this graphic novel invites readers to immerse themselves into the daring grit of the aviation pioneer — brought to life by gripping narrative and vivid full-color illustrations that fly off the page.
History, nonfiction	Spooked!: How a Radio Broadcast and The War of the Worlds Sparked the 1938 Invasion of America On the night of October 30, 1938, thousands of Americans panicked when they believed that Martians had invaded Earth. What appeared to be breaking news about an alien invasion was in fact a radio drama based on H. G. Wells’s War of the Worlds, performed by Orson Welles and his Mercury Theatre players. Some listeners became angry once they realized they had been tricked, and the reaction to the broadcast sparked a national discussion about fake news, propaganda, and the role of radio. In this compelling nonfiction chapter book, Gail Jarrow explores the production of the broadcast, the aftermath, and the concept of “fake news” in the media.
	The 1930s was during the Golden Age of Radio. Your student can build a crystal radio using a kit. The other option is to make an AM or FM radio kit. Choose 1 from Amazon or another source.
History, nonfiction Note: This book mentions ruined businessmen jumping to their deaths.	What Was the Great Depression? On October 29, 1929, life in the United States took a turn for the worst. The stock market – the system that controls money in America – plunged to a record low. But this event was only the beginning of many bad years to come. By the early 1930s, one out of three people was not working. People lost their jobs, their houses, or both and ended up in shantytowns called “Hoovervilles” named for the president at the time of the crash. By 1933, many banks had gone under. Though the U.S. has seen other times of struggle, the Great Depression remains one of the hardest and most widespread tragedies in American history.
	After watching a video about how King Kong was made, students have the option of making their own stop motion video. There are kits and books for stop motion (for kids) on Amazon if you want resources for this project. We like the Klutz Lego Make Your Own Movie kit.
History, nonfiction Note: p. 56 There is a curse word in the context of a quote. Suicide and death are mentioned.	Years of Dust: The Story of the Dust Bowl This book is free to read at the Internet Archive. In the 1930’s, great rolling walls of dust swept across the Great Plains. The storms buried crops, blinded animals, and suffocated children. It was a catastrophe that would change the course of American history as people struggled to survive in this hostile environment, or took the the roads as Dust Bowl refugees. Here, in riveting, accessible prose, and illustrated with moving historical quotations and photographs, acclaimed historian Albert Marrin explains the causes behind the disaster and investigates the Dust Bowl’s imact on the land and the people. Both a tale of natural destruction and a tribute to those who refused to give up, this is a beautiful exploration of an important time in our country’s past.
History, graphic novel Note: p. 5 a character says “Oh my G*d.” p. 6-7 mentions millions of years ago in the context of how the Great Plains were formed. Creationists can add a sticky note denoting God’s creation and whatever beliefs you have concerning that page spread. The book mentions how some people suffocated to death in the dust storms.	Book 1: The Great American Dust Bowl This book is free at the Open Library. On a clear, warm Sunday, April 14, 1935, a wild wind whipped up millions upon millions specks of dust to form a duster—a savage storm—on America’s high southern plains. The sky turned black, sand-filled winds scoured the paint off houses and cars, trains derailed, and electricity coursed through the air. Sand and dirt fell like snow—people got lost in the gloom and suffocated… and that was just the beginning. Don Brown brings the Dirty Thirties to life with lively artwork in this graphic novel of one of America’s most catastrophic natural events: the Dust Bowl.
History, nonfiction	Who Was Franklin Roosevelt? Although polio left him wheelchair bound, Franklin Delano Roosevelt took office during the Great Depression and served as president during World War II. Elected four times, he spent thirteen years in the White House. How he led the country through tremendously difficult problems, much like the ones facing America today, makes for a timely and engrossing biography.
History, nonfiction This book contains what we consider age appropriate war related violence.	Eyewitness World War II (DK Eyewitness) In collaboration with the Imperial War Museum, go back in time and experience history with this picture-led guide to the Second World War. This book tells the story of the second devastating conflict of the 20th century that tore the world apart – divided by international alliances and growing tensions between nations. Meet the key players who influenced the outcome of this global struggle. Explore major events such as the attack on Pearl Harbor, the Battle of Britain, the D-Day invasion, and the atomic bombs in Japan, and discover how clever code-breakers developed new technology to decipher hidden messages and gain military advantage over their enemies. Loved and trusted for over 30 years, Eyewitness has a new look and even more content!
	WWII: On the Home Front Lap Book/Notebook Project This expansive lap book/notebooking project (which includes many smaller projects) shows some of the many sacrifices people on the homefront had to endure to help keep soldiers supplied and encouraged as they fought to topple the empires of the Nazis and imperial Japan.
History, nonfiction Note: This book contains what we consider age appropriate war related violence.	History Smashers: Pearl Harbor Myths! Lies! Secrets! Uncover the hidden truth behind the infamous Pearl Harbor attack with beloved educator/author Kate Messner. The fun mix of sidebars, illustrations, photos, and graphic panels make this perfect for fans of I Survived! and Nathan Hale’s Hazardous Tales.
History, comic/graphic novel, nonfiction	History Comics: World War II: Fight on the Home Front When we think of war, we often focus on the battlefields. But during the war years of 1941 to 1945, Americans at home did whatever they could to support the troops and defeat the Nazis. While millions of soldiers ship out to fight on battlefronts in Europe and the Pacific, millions of men, women, and children step into new and exciting roles in cities and towns all across the United States. Four curious kids take us into factories, farms, and even kitchens to show what the fight on the home front looks like up close
History, nonfiction told in verse Note: This book tells of lost lives during Pearl Harbor and Hiroshima.	On the Horizon This book is available at Hoopla. This book is available on Everand. Click here (get 60 days for free when you join via our link). From two-time Newbery medalist and living legend Lois Lowry comes a moving account of the lives lost in two of WWII’s most infamous events: Pearl Harbor and Hiroshima. With evocative black-and-white illustrations by SCBWI Golden Kite Award winner Kenard Pak. Lois Lowry looks back at history through a personal lens as she draws from her own memories as a child in Hawaii and Japan, as well as from historical research, in this stunning work in verse for young readers. In turns haunting, heartbreaking, and uplifting, On the Horizon will remind readers of the horrors and heroism in our past, as well as offer hope for our future.
Choose 1 of the following: Book 1 is much longer and detailed. It is scheduled for 3 weeks. We recommend it for older students or students who enjoy detailed military history. Book 2 is a much easier read and is scheduled for 1 week.
History, nonfiction Book 1: D-Day: The World War II Invasion that Changed History (Scholastic Focus) This book is available at Hoopla. This book is available as an audiobook on Everand. Click here (get 60 days for free when you join via our link). Note: This book contains what we consider age-appropriate war related violence. The WWII invasion known as D-Day was the largest military endeavor in history. By June 6, 1944, Hitler and his allies had a strong grip on the European continent, where Nazi Germany was engaged in the mass extermination of the Jewish people. The goal of D-Day was the total defeat of Hitler’s regime, and the defense of free democracies everywhere. Knowing they had to breach the French coast, the US, Great Britain, and Canada planned for the impossible. D-Day was an invasion not for conquest, but liberation, and required years to plan and total secrecy to keep the advantage of surprise. Once deployed, Operation Overlord involved soldiers, sailors, paratroopers, and specialists. Acclaimed author Deborah Hopkinson weaves together the contributions of not only D-Day’s famous players, but African Americans, women, journalists, and service members in a masterful tapestry of official documents, personal narratives, and archival photos to bring this decisive battle to vivid, thrilling life.	Book 2: What Was D-Day? In the early morning hours of June 6, 1944, an armada of 7,000 ships carrying 160,000 Allied troops stormed the beaches of Nazi-occupied France. Up until then the Allied forces had suffered serious defeats, yet D -Day, as the invasion was called, spelled the beginning of the end for Nazi Germany and the Third Reich. Readers will dive into the heart of the action and discover how it was planned and carried out and how it overwhelmed the Germans who had been tricked into thinking the attack would take place elsewhere. D-Day was a major turning point in World War II and hailed as one of the greatest military attacks of all time.
	Optional for a diorama project: Cut & Assemble World War II Paper Soldiers
History, graphic novel Note: This book contains: violence, a man’s arm is chopped off by a plane prop, minor cursing *This book is also scheduled in our high school level.	To be read if you choose Book 2 (listed above) What Was D-Day?: Raid of No Return (Nathan Hale’s Hazardous Tales #7): A World War II Tale of the Doolittle Raid “On December 7, 1941, the Japanese bombed Pearl Harbor, officially bringing the United States into World War II. A new generation of pilots were recruited to fly bombing missions for the United States, and from that group, volunteers were requested for a dangerous secret assignment. For the first time in American history, Army bombers would be launched from an aircraft carrier. Once at sea, they were told their mission was a retaliation strike against targets in Tokyo. But on the day of the raid, a Japanese patrol boat spotted them and they had to launch early, with barely enough fuel to get them past their target. After the bombing, some pilots crashed, some were captured, and many ended up in mainland China and were carried to safety by Chinese villagers, being hunted by Japanese forces all the while. With tales of high-flying action and bravery, Raid of No Return is a story of heartbreak and survival during wartime.”
Note: There is a sentence about the model minority myth being used as an “insidious tool” of white supremacy in the very last section (sort of an afterword with comments by the contributors) by Lauren Tamaki. You may want to be on hand to discuss this section.	Seen and Unseen: What Dorothea Lange, Toyo Miyatake, and Ansel Adams’s Photographs Reveal About the Japanese American Incarceration This important work of nonfiction features powerful images of the Japanese American incarceration captured by three photographers—Dorothea Lange, Toyo Miyatake, and Ansel Adams—along with firsthand accounts of this grave moment in history. In Seen and Unseen, Elizabeth Partridge and Lauren Tamaki weave together these photographers’ images, firsthand accounts, and stunning original art to examine the history, heartbreak, and injustice of the Japanese American incarceration. This impactful book engages with an underrepresented topic in American history, and highlights important and timely themes like primary sources, censorship, and visual literacy.
History, nonfiction Note: This book may be upsetting to sensitive students as it mentions death.	What Was the Bombing of Hiroshima?  By August 1945, World War II was over in Europe, but the fighting continued between American forces and the Japanese, who were losing but determined to fight till the bitter end. And so it fell to a new president–Harry S. Truman–to make the fateful decision to drop two atomic bombs–one on Hiroshima and one on Nagasaki–and bring the war to rapid close. Now, even seventy years later, can anyone know if this was the right choice? In a thoughtful account of these history-changing events, Jess Brallier explains the leadup to the bombing, what the terrible results of it were, and how the threat of atomic war has colored world events since.
Comic, nonfiction P. 21 The word n*gger is present in a quote by Muhammade Ali, but is partially covered up by another speech bubble on purpose. There is also a quote that says “-ELL no! We won’t go.” Hell is turned into “ell” since this book is for students.	Korea ‘Nam: The Cold War Heats Up This comic explains the Korean and Vietnam Wars in an easy to undestand and visual format.
Choose 1 of the following:
Item 1: Sergeant Reckless: The True Story of the Little Horse Who Became a Hero This book is on YouTube. This book is free at the Open Library. The inspiring true story of Reckless, the brave little horse who became a Marine.  When a group of US Marines fighting in the Korean War found a bedraggled mare, they wondered if she could be trained to as a packhorse. They had no idea that the skinny, underfed horse had one of the biggest and bravest hearts they’d ever known. And one of the biggest appetites! Soon Reckless showed herself more than willing to carry ammunition too heavy for the soldiers to haul. As cannons thundered and shells flew through the air, she marched into battle—again and again—becoming the only animal ever to officially hold military rank—becoming Sgt. Reckless—and receive two Purple Hearts.	Item 2: Cobblestone Magazine: Harry S. Truman (Issue: May-June 2021) You can also access this magazine via a Magzter Gold subscription. There is a free one week trial available. Harry S. Truman became president during a turbulent time in American history, made some extremely impactful decisions that not only affected the country, but the world at large, and also spent the majority of his time after being President answering the information line in his local library. There are many levels to this important yet often overlooked president and you can get to know them all with this edition of COBBLESTONE Magazine. You’ll also take a brief jaunt around the globe to meet other famous folks during the time of Truman to get a context of what the rest of the world was like.
History, graphic novel Note: There is the word “hell” used on page 38 and 111. There is age-appropriate (in our opinion) war violence. *This book is also scheduled in our high school level.	Cold War Correspondent (Nathan Hale’s Hazardous Tales #11): A Korean War Tale In 1950, Marguerite Higgins (1920–1966) was made bureau chief of the Far East Asia desk for the New York Herald Tribune. Tensions were high on the Korean peninsula, where a border drawn after WWII split the country into North and South. When the North Korean army crossed the border with Soviet tanks, it was war. Marguerite was there when the Communists captured Seoul. She fled with the refugees heading south, but when the bridges were blown over the Han River, she was trapped in enemy territory. Her eyewitness account of the invasion was a newspaper smash hit. She risked her life in one dangerous situation after another––all for the sake of good story. Then she was told that women didn’t belong on the frontlines. The United States Army officially ordered her out of Korea. She appealed to General Douglas MacArthur, and he personally lifted the ban on female war correspondents, which allowed her the chance to report on many of the major events of the Korean War.
History, biography	Promises to Keep: How Jackie Robinson Changed America A warm, intimate portrait of Jackie Robinson, America’s sports icon, told from the unique perspective of a unique insider: his only daughter. Sharon Robinson shares memories of her famous father in this warm loving biography of the man who broke the color barrier in baseball. Jackie Robinson was an outstanding athlete, a devoted family man and a dedicated civil rights activist. The author explores the fascinating circumstances surrounding Jackie Robinson’s breakthrough. She also tells the off-the-field story of Robinson’s hard-won victories and the inspiring effect he had on his family, his community. . . his country! Includes never-before-published letters by Jackie Robinson, as well as photos from the Robinson family archives.
	Through My Eyes This book is free at the Open Library. This book is on YouTube. This book is at Hoopla. This book is available on Everand as an audiobook. Click here (get 60 days for free when you join via our link). In November 1960, all of America watched as a tiny six-year-old black girl, surrounded by federal marshals, walked through a mob of screaming segregationists and into her school. An icon of the civil rights movement, Ruby Bridges chronicles each dramatic step of this pivotal event in history through her own words.
History, nonfiction Note: This book has one bad word (ass) and several bleeped out curse words in the context of quotes from famous people (like President Kennedy). One of the bleeped out curse words is the F word. It retains the F, but the rest of the word has various characters. There is some violence.	Fallout: Spies, Superbombs, and the Ultimate Cold War Showdown New York Times bestselling author Steve Sheinkin presents a follow up to his award-winning book Bomb: The Race to Build–and Steal–the World’s Most Dangerous Weapon, taking readers on a terrifying journey into the Cold War and our mutual assured destruction. As World War II comes to a close, the United States and the Soviet Union emerge as the two greatest world powers on extreme opposites of the political spectrum. After the United States showed its hand with the atomic bomb in Hiroshima, the Soviets refuse to be left behind. With communism sweeping the globe, the two nations begin a neck-and-neck competition to build even more destructive bombs and conquer the Space Race. In their battle for dominance, spy planes fly above, armed submarines swim deep below, and undercover agents meet in the dead of night. The Cold War game grows more precarious as weapons are pointed towards each other, with fingers literally on the trigger. The decades-long showdown culminates in the Cuban Missile Crisis, the world’s close call with the third―and final―world war.
History, science, nonfiction	How We Got to the Moon: The People, Technology, and Daring Feats of Science Behind Humanity’s Greatest Adventure This is an amazing book. The illustrations, the research, the included experiments – everything is fantastic! We love this book so much; we bought our own copy to keep! Everyone knows of Neil Armstrong’s famous first steps on the moon. But what did it really take to get us there? The Moon landing is one of the most ambitious, thrilling, and dangerous ventures in human history. This exquisitely researched and illustrated book tells the stories of the 400,000 unsung heroes–the engineers, mathematicians, seamstresses, welders, and factory workers–and their innovations and life-changing technological leaps forward that allowed NASA to achieve this unparalleled accomplishment.
History, graphic novel This book discusses Kennedy’s assassination and other deaths such as Medgar Evers, a civil rights activist who was shot.	Action Presidents #4: John F. Kennedy! Want a book that’s not a graphic novel? Use this one, instead: I thought this book was going to be fairly light-weight, but it’s actually packed with a lot of easy-to-understand history! Historically accurate and highly entertaining, Action Presidents’ bold and hilarious comic-style illustration is perfect for curious minds, filled with timelines, maps, charts, and more, readers will keep learning until the last page.
History, nonfiction Note: There is war related violence in this book.	What Was the Vietnam War? Learn how the United States ended up fighting for twenty years in a remote country on the other side of the world. The Vietnam War was as much a part of the tumultuous Sixties as Flower Power and the Civil Rights Movement. Five US presidents were convinced that American troops could end a war in the small, divided country of Vietnam and stop Communism from spreading in Southeast Asia. But they were wrong, and the result was the death of 58,000 American troops. Presenting all sides of a complicated and tragic chapter in recent history, Jim O’Connor explains why the US got involved, what the human cost was, and how defeat in Vietnam left a lasting scar on America.
	Optional toy: Etch A Sketch, Classic Red Drawing Toy with Magic Screen Everyone needs an Etch A Sketch. 😉
History, fiction	I Survived the Great Alaska Earthquake, 1964 (I Survived #23)  The Great Alaska Earthquake is the largest and most powerful recorded earthquake in US history. Lauren Tarshis’s story of one child surviving this terrifying natural disaster pounds with page-turning action and heartwarming hope.
	Optional art activity: Tie Dye Kit (any kit will work) If you want a one-step kit, this one does not require presoaking cloth in soda ash.
History, biography	DK Life Stories: Martin Luther King Jr.  Martin Luther King Jr. will always be remembered for his famous “I have a dream” speech, which he gave during the March on Washington in 1963. But his life before and after that big event, and his other enormous contributions to the Civil Rights Movement in the United States, largely go unspoken. In this biography for kids ages 8-12, learn all about MLK – from his early family life and experiences in education, to his untimely death and the worldwide mourning and riots that followed. This new biography series from DK goes beyond the basic facts to tell the true life stories of history’s most interesting people. Full-color photographs and hand-drawn illustrations complement thoughtfully written, age-appropriate text to create an engaging book children will enjoy reading. Definition boxes, information sidebars, fun facts, maps, inspiring quotes, and other nonfiction text features add depth, and a handy reference section at the back makes this the one biography series every homeschooler will want to collect.
History, fiction, picture book for older students	Patrol: An American Soldier in Vietnam In a gripping and powerful story-poem, award-winning author Walter Dean Myers takes readers into the heart and mind of a young soldier in an alien land who comes face-to-face with the enemy. Strikingly illustrated with evocative and emotionally wrenching collages by Caldecott Honor artist Ann Grifalconi, this unforgettable portrait captures one American G.L’s haunting experience.
Choose 1 of the following 2 books (History, nonfiction): Book 1 is a much longer book that is focused on the Watergate scandal in detail. Book 2 is a much easier read and covers more of Nixon’s entire life and career, giving a more complete picture of the man himself.
Book 1 (for older, more mature students or as a read-aloud): Conspiracy: Nixon, Watergate, and Democracy’s Defenders Note: On p. 28 there is the word “hell” in the context of a quote. On p. 45 there is the word “damned” in the context of a quote. Page 200 says about modern times (as of around 2020), “Yet there is almost no evidence to support their accusations that the mainstream media lies or reports false or fake news.” I believe this statement has been proven incorrect. You may want to discuss this comment based on your personal beliefs. *This book is also scheduled in our high school level. The Watergate scandal created one of the greatest constitutional crises in American history. When the House Judiciary Committee approved three articles of impeachment against President Richard Nixon and the Supreme Court ruled that he had to turn over to Congress the tapes that proved the claims against him, he realized his support in the Senate had collapsed. He resigned rather than face almost certain conviction on abuse of power and obstruction of justice. We know the villain’s story well, but what about the heroes? When the country’s own leader turned his back on the Constitution, who was there to defend it? Conspiracy is about the reporters, prosecutors, judges, justices, members of Congress, and members of the public who supported and defended the Constitution when it needed it most.	Book 2: Book 2: Who Was Richard Nixon? On August 8, 1974, millions sat stunned as they watched Richard Nixon on TV when he announced he was stepping down as the President of the United States. He’d participated in a scandal that included secret tape recordings, a burglary, and a cover-up, and now his secrets and lies were catching up to him. How could Nixon, a man who had been reelected in a landslide victory just two years earlier, now be leaving office in disgrace?Author Megan Stine takes readers through President Nixon’s life–from his childhood and military experiences during World War II–to his long political career and the Watergate scandal that tarnished his legacy and deepened American’s mistrust of the government.
History, biography	Ronald Reagan: Destiny at His Side (Heroes of History)  From his early days living in small-town poverty, young Dutch Reagan’s thoughts were always on the future. Whether helping his family through financial hard times or doggedly pursuing opportunities reserved for the few, Dutch knew that all the knowledge that he had absorbed over the years was waiting inside of him for a chance to come out. Achieving success as an athlete, sports announcer, and actor, Ronald Reagan discovered his greatest role late in life as the fortieth president of the United States and “The Great Communicator,” a man with the ability to reach out to the American people and leave a lasting legacy (1911-2004).
History, nonfiction, science/technology	The History of the Computer: People, Inventions, and Technology that Changed Our World A strikingly illustrated overview of the computing machines that have changed our world—from the abacus to the smartphone—and the people who made them, by the New York Times bestselling author and illustrator of Women in Science. “A beautifully illustrated journey through the history of computing, from the Antikythera mechanism to the iPhone and beyond—I loved it.”—Eben Upton, Founder and CEO of Raspberry Pi
History, biography	Who Was Jim Henson? Jim Henson broke into television with a five-minute puppetry segment when he was only a freshman in college. He created puppets like none ever seen before, with expressive fabric faces and rod-controlled arms. His Muppets became world-renowned celebrities and formed the backbone of a media empire. With black-and-white illustrations throughout, this easy-to-read biography will be published twenty years after Henson’s untimely death.
History, nonfiction Note: Chapter 6 talks about the man who ran Mount St. Helen’s Lodge and that he “never seemed to be without a drink in his hand – Coke and whiskey, no matter the time of day.” The book refers to swearing without swear words. An example from chapter 19: ” Dorothy turned around, looking behind her to the summit. She swore.” In chapters 23, 25, and 41 people are quoted as saying, “Oh my g*d.” In chapter 29 a man is quoted as saying when referring to some ash he was walking through: “…the bottom six inches were hot as hell.” The book mentions how some people died in the eruption.	Mountain of Fire: The Eruption and Survivors of Mount St. Helens Mountain of Fire is the narrative nonfiction account of the violent volcanic eruption of Mount St. Helens on May 18, 1980, the story of the people who died, those who survived, and the heroes who fought to raise an alarm.
History, science	Optional science book: Eyewitness Volcano and Earthquake (DK Eyewitness) This book tells you everything you need to know about the Earth’s most extraordinary natural forces – from active volcanoes, including Kilauea in Hawaii and Mount Etna in Italy, to devastating earthquakes that have hit San Francisco and Japan. Discover how the eruption of Mount Vesuvius devastated the cities of Pompeii and Herculaneum but left in its wake remarkably preserved treasures. Eyewitness Volcano and Earthquake explores how tectonic plates collide, what causes magma to escape from deep inside Earth and why eruptions affect our weather. Learn how scientists predict and measure the magnitude of earthquakes, and find out what a volcanologist does.
	Pick a set of Shrinky Dinks or any other shrink art kit for an optional art project.
History, biography	Who Is Jimmy Carter? Everyone was rather surprised when small-town farmer Jimmy Carter first announced that he’d be running for president in 1976. When Jimmy told his mother, she replied, “President of what?” But this former naval officer and governor of Georgia was ready for the role. Who Is Jimmy Carter? details the entire life of Jimmy Carter, beginning with his 1924 birth in Plains, Georgia. Readers will learn about his life as a peanut farmer, a Sunday school teacher, a president, a Nobel Prize winner, and more.
History, biography in a magazine (or short book) format	U.S. Presidents: George H.W. Bush This book is FREE here. In 1989, George H.W. Bush entered the White House with decades of government experience and a hard-earned reputation for integrity. During his one term in office, he presided over momentous changes in the world and led the nation to an impressive military victory in the Persian Gulf War. So, why wasn’t he re-elected? Your elementary students will find out in this biographical book on the 41st President of the United States.
History, nonfiction	The Persian Gulf War (Cornerstones of Freedom) It’s almost impossible to find a book for this age group about the Persian Gulf War, but this one does a decent job at explaining the facts. This book is only available used, but you can check it out for free at the Open Library. Please return it immediately after reading, so other families can read it, as well. 🙂
History, biography	Who Is Bill Gates? Bill Gates, born in Seattle, Washington, in 1955, is an American business magnate, investor, philanthropist, and author. In this Who Was…? biography, children will learn of Gates’ childhood passion for computer technology, which led him to revolutionize personal computers. Through the success of his now-world-famous software company, Microsoft, Bill Gates became one of the wealthiest philanthropists in history. This fascinating story of a child technology genius is sure to captivate any audience!
History, nonfiction	From an Idea to Google: How Innovation at Google Changed the World This book is on YouTube. This book is available at Hoopla. From an Idea to Google is a behind-the-computer-screen look into the history, business, and brand of the world’s largest search engine. With humorous black & white illustrations throughout, learn about the company that even earned its own catchphrase: Google it! Today, Google is the number one internet search engine and the most visited website in the world. But a long time ago, two college friends, Larry Page and Sergey Brin, started out with just an idea. Find out more about Google’s history, the business, and the brand in this illustrated nonfiction book!
History, biography Note: This book mentions that Clinton had an affair (no graphic details).	William Clinton (Presidents of the U.S.A.) We don’t recommend you purchase this book (it’s only available in eBook format and is expensive. This book is available at Hoopla. Any other library biography about Bill Clinton will work. This is a thorough, illustrated biography discussing the childhood, career, family, and term of William (Bill) Clinton, forty-second president of the United States.
History, biography Note: This is the only bio for kids we could find that didn’t talk about Steve’s drug use and other edgy topics. We do not recommend other bios about him for this age group due to this fact. Chapter 3 mentions that Steve’s girlfirend had a daughter and that Steve refused to have anything to do with his baby.	Who Was Steve Jobs? Steve Jobs, adopted in infancy by a family in San Francisco, packed a lot of life into fifty-six short years. In this Who Was…? biography, children will learn how his obsession with computers and technology at an early age led him to co-found and run Apple, in addition to turning Pixar into a ground-breaking animation studio. A college dropout, Jobs took unconventional steps in his path to success and inspired the best and the brightest to come with him and “change the world.”
History, biography	George W. Bush: Texas Governor and U.S. President Any other library biography about George W. Bush will work. This book is available via Hoopla. George W. Bush grew up in a prominent political family in Texas. After serving as Texas governor, Bush followed his father’s footsteps in becoming President of the United States. This biography allows readers to discover the life of George W. Bush and explore some the impact he made as president through acts like No Child Left Behind. Readers will also learn of the many unexpected challenges Bush faced, such as the al-Qaeda attack on September 11, 2001, the War on Terror, and the Iraq War. The engaging facts, vibrant images, and supportive text work in conjunction with the accommodating glossary and index to help children understand Texas history, the content, and vocabulary.
History, article and question sheet	Bush v. Gore Article & Review | Landmark Supreme Court Cases for Civics This Bush v. Gore Article & Review explores the 2000 landmark Supreme Court case with a clear, easy to understand reading passage and review. Students read about candidates George W. Bush and Al Gore, the Electoral College confusion, and the Supreme Court case that decided the election. The review contains eight questions that test comprehension of the reading passage.
History, graphic novel	I Survived the Attacks of September 11, 2001: A Graphic Novel I liked the graphic novel version of this book better than the text only novel. The pictures added to the drama of what happened that day in a way the book just didn’t convey (imo). This is a gripping graphic novel adaptation of Lauren Tarshis’s bestselling I Survived the Attacks of September 11, 2001. The only thing Lucas loves more than football is his Uncle Benny, his dad’s best friend at the firehouse where they both work. Benny taught Lucas everything about football. So when Lucas’s parents decide the sport is too dangerous and he needs to quit, Lucas has to talk to his biggest fan. The next morning, Lucas takes the train to the city instead of the bus to school. It’s a bright, beautiful day in New York as Lucas heads to the firehouse. But just as he arrives, everything changes — and nothing will ever be the same again.
History, nonfiction Note: This book mentions war violence. It mentions that some servicemen were killed. Preview for younger students.	Ryan Pitts: Afghanistan: A Firefight in the Mountains of Wanat Staff Sergeant Ryan M. Pitts enlisted in the Army when he was seventeen, and was just twenty-two years old when he fought at the Battle of Wanat in Afghanistan, where his heroic actions earned him the Congressional Medal of Honor. On July 13, 2008, Staff Sergeant Pitts was trapped and badly wounded at an elevated outpost, but helped turn back a brutal attack by 200 insurgents and save many of his company in one of the bloodiest battles of the war with Afghanistan. Lots of background information about the War in Afghanistan is explained.
History, fiction, with a non-fiction afterward Note: This book mentiones people who drowned. A character calls himself a “dumb-butt.” Chapter 18 is titled “Come Hell or High Water.” In chapter 20, the word hellion is used. In Chapter 28 a dog is shot (but survives). One of the main characters has a mom in a treatment center because she is a drug addict (no details are given).	Zane and the Hurricane: A Story of Katrina Newbery Honor author Rodman Philbrick presents a gripping yet poignant novel about a 12-year-old boy and his dog who become trapped in New Orleans during the horrors of Hurricane Katrina. Based on the facts of the worst hurricane disaster in U.S. history, Philbrick includes the lawlessness and lack of government support during the disaster as well as the generosity and courage of those who risked their lives and safety to help others. Here is an unforgettable novel of heroism in the face of truly challenging circumstances.
Choose 1 of the following: Week 33 We scheduled a graphic novel to compliment to the book being read about the subject, because the graphic novels do such a great job of showing what happened vs. telling. The first option is much more “dark” and doesn’t skimp in discussing some of the harsh conditions surriounding the storm, including death.	The 2nd book showcases the storm and its effects, but it much more of a hopeful “survivor” type story. It’s more appropriate for a sensitive student.
Grahpic novel, nonfiction Book 1: Drowned City: Hurricane Katrina and New Orleans Note: Death and drownings are mentioned. Dead bodies are illustrated. On August 29, 2005, Hurricane Katrina’s monstrous winds and surging water overwhelmed the protective levees around low-lying New Orleans, Louisiana. Eighty percent of the city flooded, in some places under twenty feet of water. Property damages across the Gulf Coast topped $100 billion. One thousand eight hundred and thirty-three people lost their lives. The riveting tale of this historic storm and the drowning of an American city is one of selflessness, heroism, and courage—and also of incompetence, racism, and criminality.        Don Brown’s kinetic art and as-it-happens narrative capture both the tragedy and triumph of one of the worst natural disasters in American history.	Book 2: I Survived Hurricane Katrina, 2005: A Graphic Novel Barry’s family tries to evacuate before Hurricane Katrina hits their home in New Orleans. But when his little sister gets terribly sick, they’re forced to stay home and wait out the storm. At first, Katrina doesn’t seem to be as bad as predicted. But overnight the levees break, and Barry’s world is literally torn apart. He’s swept off by the floodwaters, away from his family. Can he survive the storm of the century — alone? Lauren Tarshis’s New York Times bestselling I Survived series comes to vivid life in graphic novel editions.
History, biography	Who Is Barack Obama? This is a quick biography of the 44th president of the United States that fills readers in on his early life, upbringing, and career that led him to the presidency. DK Life Stories Barack Obama: Amazing People Who Have Shaped Our World
Choose 1 of the following 2 books:
Option 1: Poisoned Water: How the Citizens of Flint, Michigan, Fought for Their Lives and Warned the Nation  Note: This may possibly be a tough book to read due to descriptions of health issues caused by poisonous public water. We recommend it as a read-aloud for younger students, so parents can be on hand to discuss. Grades 7 and up should be OK in our opinion to read it by themselves. Preview for sensitive students. Here are some things to be aware of: The word hell is used in the context of a quote in chapter 3 and chapter 5. Chapter 4 states that, “Two boys held homemade signs: “flint water good for sh…” (the curse word is not fully present). Right at the beginning of chapter 11 “Oh my G*d” is used in a quote. Chapter 22 states: “Visitors call the scene “ruin porn” to mock their fascination” (when referring to parts of Flint that are very run down). Chapter 23 is skipped due to a statement that an independent bookshop hosts a Drag Queen night. This chapter is not necessary for the narrative. *This book is also scheduled in our high school level. Based on original reporting by a Pulitzer Prize finalist and an industry veteran, this is the first book for young adults about the Flint water crisis. In 2014, Flint, Michigan, was a cash-strapped city that had been built up, then abandoned by General Motors. As part of a plan to save money, government officials decided that Flint would temporarily switch its water supply from Lake Huron to the Flint River. Within months, many residents broke out in rashes. Then it got worse: children stopped growing. Some people were hospitalized with mysterious illnesses; others died. Citizens of Flint protested that the water was dangerous. Despite what seemed so apparent from the murky, foul-smelling liquid pouring from the city’s faucets, officials refused to listen. They treated the people of Flint as the problem, not the water, which was actually poisoning thousands.	Option 2: Permanent Record (Young Readers Edition): How One Man Exposed the Truth about Government Spying and Digital Security A young reader’s adaptation of whistleblower and bestselling author Edward Snowden’s memoir, Permanent Record―featuring a brand-new afterword that includes resources to learn about the basics of digital security. In 2013, Edward Snowden shocked the world when he revealed that the United States government was secretly building a system of mass surveillance with the ability to gaze into the private lives of every person on earth. Phone calls, text messages, emails―nothing was safe from prying eyes. Now the man who risked everything to expose the truth about government spying describes for a new generation how he helped build that system, what motivated him to try to bring it down, and how young people can strive to protect their privacy in the digital age.
History, fiction	I Survived the Joplin Tornado, 2011 Eleven-year-old Dexter has always wanted to see a tornado. So when he gets the incredible opportunity to go storm chasing with the famous Dr. Norman Rays, he has to say yes! Dr. Rays is the host of Tornado Mysteries, the show that Dex and his older brother, Jeremy, watched every night until Jeremy joined the U.S. Navy SEALs and left Joplin. Dex certainly knows how deadly tornadoes can be, but this one isn’t heading toward Joplin, and wouldn’t it be great to have a brave and exciting story of his own to tell Jeremy when he comes home? But when the tornado shifts direction, Dexter’s bravery is about to get seriously tested..
History, nonfiction, science Note: This book is pro-vaccine. Chapter 9 states that microbes change, evolve, and reproduce. Creationists may want to explain that this is microevolution, which is consistant with the Biblical account. Chapter 9 also talks about HIV and states that the first people to get sick from it were gay men. It says one way the virus is transmited is by sexual content. No graphic details are given. Chapter 9 is negative about a comment Trump made about the COVID virus and doesn’t talk about the early steps he made to combat the virus. It states the vaccines for COVID were safe and effective and lists Dr. Fauci in a heroes section. You may want to discuss your family’s views about these things if they differ from the book’s presentation.	History Smashers: Plagues and Pandemic During the Black Death in the 14th century, plague doctors wore creepy beaked masks filled with herbs. RIGHT? WRONG! Those masks were from a plague outbreak centuries later–and most doctors never wore anything like that at all!   With a mix of sidebars, illustrations, photos, and graphic panels, acclaimed author Kate Messner delivers the whole truth about diseases like the bubonic plague, cholera, smallpox, tuberculosis, polio, influenza, and COVID-19.
History, nonfiction	Living in Lockdown (COVID-19; Meeting the Challenge) If the book is out of stock at Amazon, you can purchase it from the publisher here. When COVID-19 was declared a pandemic in 2020, nearly every country in the world went into some form of lockdown. Yet each was different. With fascinating images and informative text, this book looks at the rules and restrictions people lived under and how they affected work, school, commerce, and daily life. A detailed final chapter examines the success and failures of lockdown and how countries could approach future pandemics.

Movies

This video contains: A mild curse word is used via text. The main character flirts with a married woman.	The Kid This is a classic Charlie Chaplin movie.
	Annie Set in 1933 during the Great Depression, Annie tells the story of Annie, a young orphan from New York City who is taken in by the wealthy billionaire Oliver Warbucks.
Preview for mild cursing and animal death.	There are 2 versions of this movie. Choose 1: This one was made in 1974: Where the Red Fern Grows This one was made in 2003: Where the Red Fern Grows
	Pick a Shirley Temple movie of your choice.
Rated G. Click here for a parent’s guide. Preview, especially for younger students.	Tora! Tora! Tora! The history of the Dec. 7, 1941, attack on Pearl Harbor is re-created from U.S. and Japanese viewpoints. Our children watched this movie several times. 🙂
	Molly: An American Girl on the Home Front World War II rages in Europe, and Molly is a nine-year-old girl whose family life has been thrown into turmoil since her father, a doctor, has been stationed with the U.S. Army.
Click here for a parent’s guide to this movie. Preview, especially for younger students.	The Great Escape Director John Sturges’ epic adventure is based the true story of Allied POW’s who escape from an allegedly impenetrable Nazi prison during WWII. This is one of our family favorites. 🙂
	The Muppet Movie (1979) Students will watch this movie after learning about Jim Henson.

Unscheduled Books and Materials
You can add some of these in these books for an older or voracious reader, if you wish

History, nonfiction Note: This book discusses Kennedy’s assassination.	Kennedy’s Last Days: The Assassination That Defined a Generation On a sunny day in Dallas, Texas, at the end of a campaign trip, President John Fitzgerald Kennedy is assassinated by an angry, lonely drifter named Lee Harvey Oswald. The former Marine Corps sharpshooter escapes briefly but is hunted down, captured, and then shot dead while in police custody.Kennedy’s Last Days is a gripping account of the events leading up to the most notorious crime of the twentieth century. Author Bill O’Reilly vividly describes the Kennedy family’s life in the public eye, the crises facing the president around the world and at home, the nation’s growing fascination with their vigorous, youthful president, and, finally, the shocking events leading up to his demise.Adapted from Bill O’Reilly’s bestselling historical thriller Killing Kennedy, with an unforgettable cast of characters, page-turning action, and art on every spread, Kennedy’s Last Days is history that reads like a thriller. This exciting book will captivate adults and young readers alike.
History, nonfiction, easy read	Simple History: The Vietnam War The war in Vietnam was a bitter and unpopular conflict for the American soldiers and people back home. It was also a war where the media played a big role. Both French colonial rule and the American intervention in Vietnam failed, but why? Find out inside! Discover a timeline telling the story of the conflict and explore the battles, technology and tactics of combat. Imagine you’re in the humid jungles of Vietnam, the Vietcong ready to ambush your squad any minute and booby traps lay hidden across the ground and you’re only a teenager. That was the experience for many Americans in the sixties.
History, nonfiction	All That Trash: The Story of the 1987 Garbage Barge and Our Problem with Stuff “The year was 1987 and a ship full of trash was about to become famous…The narrative is immensely readable…A fresh take on a story of old garbage guaranteed to spark conversations and a desire for actions among students. Highly recommended.” —School Library Journal (starred review)