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American History Reading List
1810 - 1830
the Star-Spangled Banner, the War of 1812, Mountain Men, & Frontier Life
When choosing books on the War of 1812 for the elementary student, be sure to look at Peter Speier's The Star Spangled Banner. His illustrations give meaning to the words & history behind our National Anthem that most kids wouldn't grasp on their own.
There is a real variety in book choices for the 1820's. One of our favorites is the fascinating story behind one of history's more famous mountain men, Hugh Glass. This book's reading level is appropriate for upper elementary, but the story is great even for adult reading. The grit, determination, and survival skills exhibited when this man was faced with certain death are amazing!
Abigail's Drum by John A. Minahan, illus. Robert Quackenbush. Pippin Press, 1995. E-UE
An easy reader about the brave 2 girls who fooled the British into retreat during the War of 1812. Fun!
An American Army of Two by Janet Greeson. 1992. E
Based on a true story, 2 sisters trick the British army and help the American cause during the War of 1812.
The Star-Spangled Banner by Peter Spier. Doubleday. E+
Peter Spier's illustrations are in a class all their own. Fun, and gives excellent visuals to help children understand the song and the history behind it.
Abe Lincoln Grows Up by Carl Sandburg, illus. James Daugherty. UE
The Erie Canal by Peter Spier. K-E
Peter Spier's illustrations are in a class all their own. Fun!
Hugh Glass, Mountain Man: Left for Dead by Robert M. McClung. Morrow Junior Books, 1990. UE+
A true adventure story of a frontiersman traveling West with a fur company who gets mauled by an 800 lb. grizzly bear, and is left for dead in the wilderness. Sheer grit and determination help him survive and travel alone the 200 miles to the nearest post. Especially appealing for boys. Recommended.
Now may be a good time to read Jim Bridger: Man of the Mountains (Discovery Biography)
(E-UE) since he is mentioned in the Hugh Glass novel.
If You Grew Up With Abraham Lincoln by Ann McGovern, illus. George Ulrich. Scholastic, 1966. E
Describes the typical childhood in the early 1800's in the Midwest—similar to what Abe Lincoln may have experienced.
Josefinas Story Collection (The American Girls Collection): The set includes these books:
Meet Josefina, an American Girl (American Girls Collection),
Josefina Learns a Lesson: A School Story (American Girls Collection), Josefina's Surprise: A Christmas Story (American Girls Collection),
Happy Birthday, Josefina!: A Springtime Story (American Girls Collection),
Josefina Saves the Day: A Summer Story (American Girls Collection), and Changes for Josefina: A Winter Story (Amrican Girls Collection)
by Valerie Tripp. The Pleasant Co. 1997. E-JH
Based on the life of a fictional American girl in the southwest in 1824, and written especially for girls.
The Story of the Erie Canal, Cornerstones of Freedom series, by R. Conrad Stein, illus. Keith Neely. Children's Press, 1985. UE+
Easy to read, includes line, one-color drawings, and keeps interest level high.
Timmy O'Dowd and the Big Ditch: A Story of the Glory Days on the Old Erie Canal by Len Hilts (Great Episodes series). Harcourt Brace Jovanovich, 1988. UE+
Timmy's family's life revolved around the Erie Canal, but it was all new to his cousin from the city. This story provides an incredible wealth of information about the daily use and upkeep of the Erie Canal, its construction, and its impact on New York State.
Welcome to Josefina's World 1824: Growing Up on America's Southwest Frontier (American Girls Collection). Pleasant Co. UE-JH
Expanding on the Josefina series, this book illustrates and explains many facets of the typical way of life of her time period and location.
Young Abe Lincoln : The Frontier Days, 1809 - 1837
by Cheryl Harness. National Geographic Society, 1996. E-UE
Short paragraphs and full-page, color illustrations tell of Abe's growing up days until just before his political career. Sequel is Abe Lincoln Goes to Washington 1837 - 1863.
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