Tag: teaching history through books
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A Girl Called Samson by Amy Harmon
Hannah
A Girl Called Samson is based on a true story about a girl who disguised herself as a man to serve in the Continental Army in the American Revolution. Samson (known as Robert Shurtliff in the army) served as an aide to General John Paterson (who mainly fought in New York and Philadelphia). Don’t skip… Read more
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The Mystery of Mrs. Christie by Marie Benedict
Hannah
The Mystery of Mrs. Christie was such a fun read, based on Agatha Christie’s real-life 11-day disappearance. I love Agatha’s books, but I had no clue that she actually disappeared herself. We also don’t fully know why she disappeared. She really did abandon her car and check herself into a hotel under the name of… Read more
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The Girls in Navy Blue by Alix Rickloff
Hannah
I saw The Girls in Navy Blue advertised all over Facebook and Instagram. This historical fiction novel is about friendship, serving your country, and World War 1 (for a refreshing change). I was hooked from the first chapter. Three young women proudly join the Navy to serve their countries, but for other reasons as well.… Read more
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The War That Saved My Life by Kimberly Brubaker Bradley
Hannah
The War That Saved My Life is a hope-filled saga of a girl with a clubfoot who learns how to love herself and enjoy life in the midst of World War II. As you know, I love to learn history through books (and kindness). Ada is kept trapped in her London flat by her mom,… Read more
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The Betrayal of Anne Frank: A Cold Case Investigation by Rosemary Sullivan
Hannah
The Betrayal of Anne Frank: A Cold Case Investigation by Rosemary Sullivan was a fascinating way to learn history through books of the search for the person who lead the Nazis to the Annex. This un-put-down-able read shows how a Dutch filmmaker, journalist and a former FBI agent methodically look for the betrayer. Along the way… Read more
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Band of Sisters by Lauren Willig
Hannah
I found out about Band of Sisters from a post in a Facebook group I’m in (The Book Club Girls). The author posted about how the cover was chosen, and I fell in love with the idea of a group of women alumni from Smith College (which is still a women’s college to this day). This group… Read more
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The Rose Code by Kate Quinn
Hannah
The Rose Code will teach you about codebreaking in Britain during WWII. This book had a slightly more cerebral feel than Kate Quinn’s other books (The Alice Network, The Huntress); that being said, I tore through this book! I’m definitely glad I read it in print though (I listened to The Alice Network and The Huntress on audio). Kate Quinn… Read more
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If I Were You by Lynn Austin
Hannah
If I Were You by Lynn Austin is a riveting Christian historical fiction novel about an upstairs/ downstairs friendship. The story revolves around one friend’s grand manor house and begins just after WWI. The book keeps you engaged with what happens to the two friends throughout WWII and beyond- helping you learn history through books (Great… Read more
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Before the Crown by Flora Harding
Hannah
Full disclaimer: I read an ARC copy of Before the Crown on my Kindle app, so I don’t have a picture of the physical book. I could not put this book down! Some of the slight historical inaccuracies bothered me, but it was fast moving and an insightful look at what both Elizabeth AND Philip… Read more
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Cast Two Shadows by Ann Rinaldi
Hannah
Cast Two Shadows was a great read-aloud for my classroom- I would usually take a few minutes at the end of class and read until the bell rang. I love when my students are learning history through books. “It’s the first step in growing up, Caroline, putting your own feelings aside and tending to the… Read more