|
|
|
|
|
|
Born in 1738 and homeschooled by her mother, Mary Katharine Goddard was unique for her times — taking over her brother's printing business rather than marrying and having children. After a career spent printing newspapers and other documents, standing up for the idea of a free and independent press all the while, Mary was asked to print the Declaration of Independence in 1776. Lively text and brightly colored artwork tell this fascinating true tale, which invites further exploration of the American Revolution, the colonial era, and the history of the press. Ages 6 - 10 United States History; Biography; Women's History; Revolutionary War; Newspapers and Printing |
|
|
|
This book tells the uplifting story of Mary Myers, born in 1850, who always dreamed of flying. When "balloon madness" arrived in America from France in the late 19th century, she saw her path to the skies. Marrying inventor/scientist Carl Myers at age 21, the two worked together to design and build better balloons. But who would pilot the vessel, collecting scientific/weather data while also dazzling the crowds who paid to see flying exhibitions? Mary, of course, who embraced the more-exotic-sounding stage name of Carlotta and embarked on a high-flying adventure. There is so much to enjoy here, from the crisply detailed artwork to the razzle-dazzle language to the abundance of information effortlessly woven into the text. Several pages of author's notes round out this offering. Ages 7 - 10 United States History; Biography; Women's History; Balloons; Aviation |
|
|
|
Born in Lithuania, Abraham Cahan loved words and found a career that depended on this passion. Eventually, he traveled to the United States, where, at age 22, he got permission to attend a middle school class to perfect his English. He began reporting immigrant experiences to American newspapers, but really wanted to provide news in Yiddish, a common language shared by Jewish people from many different countries. After cofounding a newspaper printed in Yiddish, Abraham began explaining American traditions, like baseball, table settings, and the importance of voting. Colorful illustrations set the time and place, and the book ends with a solid section of additional information. United States History; Biography; Jewish Immigrants; Newspapers; Learning New Ways of Life |
|
|
|
Spanning from 1869 to 1925, stirring text and dynamic artwork tell the true tales of four women who took on this difficult and demanding job. These hardworking heroines also often saved lives, bravely setting off in a rowboat during a freezing storm to rescue drowning sailors in Rhode Island's Newport Harbor (Ida Lewis) or navigating through an ice-packed channel to the Virginia shore for much-needed supplies (Venus Parker). Readers will feel inserted directly into the action as the adventures unfold. An author's note provides more background and will inspire further research into lighthouse keeping (a profession now made obsolete by technology). Ages 5 - 9 United States History; Women's History; Lighthouse Keepers |
|
|
|
In 1902, a bustling New York City welcomed eager travelers from across the globe, most of them arriving by rail. A "tangle of trains" crisscrossed the streets of Manhattan, creating a mess of traffic, smog, smoke, and noise. A train wreck inspired chief engineer William J. Wilgus to rethink the whole system, replacing coal-powered engines with electric trains, moving the works beneath the city, and building the most magnificent railroad station ever. Detail-packed artwork and fast-reading text describe this incredible endeavor, including both major moments and fascinating facts (did you know there was once a ski slope in Grand Central?). Ages 7 - 10 United States History; Trains and Transportation; New York City; Biography; Engineers |
|
|
|
It's 1903, and though cars were still considered novelties, Dr. Horatio Nelson Jackson saw more to these “horseless carriages” and bet that he could drive from California to New York in less than three months. There were a few problems to solve before he started this journey. First, he had to learn to drive a car. He hired someone to teach him to drive and to be his mechanic, and off they set. But cars were a bit on the primitive side: no doors, no roof, no lights for night driving, no seatbelts. Illustrated with humorous artwork and packed with entertaining adventures (and even a bulldog named Bud), this based-in-truth story makes a great read aloud. Fun facts are provided at the end, along with a map and timeline. Ages 5 - 10 United States History; Early Automobile Travel; Transportation |
|
|
|
Never heard of Big Boy steam engines? Well, grab this book and fill that transportation knowledge gap. In the 1940s, trains hauled heavy loads over the Wasatch Mountains, and specially designed and built steam engines were integral to getting this done in a timely manner. Eventually replaced by less-expensive diesel-electric engines, Big Boy engines were pulled from service. This book tells the story of the team that took Big Boy 4014, retired in 1959, and restored it to working order. The statistics at the end of this picture book, as well as YouTube videos, can give you an idea of just how big this engine is. This easy-to-read book includes dramatic illustrations, great information, and a look at history that is particularly important to those in the Western United States. United States History; Trains and Transportation; Restoration |
|
|
|
No one knew that George Washing wore glasses! In 1783, he discovered that his army officers, who had not been paid for their war service, were ready to storm Congress. Washington delivered an impassioned speech, but the officers were unmoved. However, when he put on his spectacles to read a letter from Congress, the men understood that their beloved general, who had sacrificed so much for his country, was growing old, and were moved to tears. Playful text, a variety typographical fonts, and comical illustrations reveal this moment in Amercian history (the little-known Newburgh Conspiracy), told through Washington's eyes. Ages 7 - 10 United States History; George Washington; Loyalty |
|
|
|
Though published in 2012, this first volume in the entertaining and informative "Hazardous Tales" graphic novel series is not to be missed. Beginning when Nathan Hale (the famous spy of the American Revolution) was about to meet his fate, the book allows this historical figure to tell his own story. The narrator clearly establishes the time, place, and events that led to the moment, while also supplying some elements of humor, a welcome addition to a historical work. The story moves along quickly with action-packed illustrations and simple explanations of why particular places and events are important. Biographical sketches of the highlighted personages and other facts are included at the end. This innovative series provides a unique, informative, and never-boring foray into history. United States History; Graphic Novels; Spies Hazardous Tales available as eBooks Check out PPLD's Hoopla platform where many of these titles are available for instant streaming (no holds needed!) |
|
|
|
Part of the "History Comics" series, this nonfiction graphic novel is an easy way to learn about Ellis Island, both the history of the place itself and the people who came through this busy immigration point. The book is framed by a story: Superstorm Sandy leads to a power outage in New York City and leaves a family and a neighbor with time on their hands. Lucky for us all, Mom works as a park ranger and historian at Ellis Island and she is a great storyteller. Covering a huge amount of history, this book is effectively told and often moving. Read the preface and afternotes for even more of an understanding of immigration. United States History; Ellis Island; Immigration |
|
|
|
One of the most remarkable feats of the 19th century, the Erie Canal spans 363 miles from Buffalo on Lake Erie to Albany on the Hudson River. Though there were many questions about completing the project — including never-before attempted engineering challenges, soaring costs, labor shortages, and more — the ambitious project was completed in 1825 after seven years of construction. Historical maps, artworks, and contemporary quotes are sprinkled throughout this clearly written, fact-packed account that wraps together political history, social history, economics, geology, geography, and ecology. A robust bibliography and resource section will inspire young researchers who want to dig deeper. Ages 10 and up United States History; Erie Canal; Transportation |
|
|
|
In this unforgettable retelling of Cinderella, an enslaved girl called CeeCee toils endlessly for the Townsend family, cleaning and caretaking two cruel-hearted little girls. Overhearing stories read aloud by the children, CeeCee begins to yearn for a different life. When Binty, the cook, tells her of a "prince" named Moses who can help people find freedom via the Underground Railroad, CeeCee is determined to take her fate into her own hands. Riveting storytelling and dynamic artwork tell a tale of bravery, resourcefulness, and heart. Read this together and discuss how the familiar elements of the Cinderella story are echoed, expanded upon, and/or modified. Use this tale as a starting point to research Harriet Tubman, the Underground Railroad, and this period in Amercian history. Ages 6 - 9 Cinderella Stories; Fairytale Variants; Courage; Underground Railroad; Enslaved People; United States History |
|
|
|
Set in the 1880s, this story follows Rose, a young Métis-Ojibwe girl, and her family, who have journeyed to a biannual buffalo hunt with other families. Her father is one of the captains of the hunt, but buffalo prove extra difficult to track since the arrival of settlers in the area. Rose longs to help, and though she has been told to stay at camp, she mounts her horse, thanks the "buffalo for the gift of their life," dons her father's wolf skin, and bravely sets out to track the herd. Color-drenched artwork packed with details of day-to-day life set the scene, and the gracefully told text seamlessly incorporates elements of Métis culture along with a sense of adventure. An author's note provides additional information. Ages 5 - 9 Courage; Family Stories; Indigenous Peoples; United States History |
|
|
Pikes Peak Library District
P.O. Box 1579, Colorado Springs, Colorado 80901
(719) 531-6333https://ppld.org/ |
|
|
|