Where were the textbooks like this when I was a kid???? Joy Hakim isn't just jotting down cold dates and facts, but is telling a true story - which is what history is. One part of history leads directly into the next and I don't remember thinking that history books ever told a story. The three "firebrands" were pretty much losers before they did something great??? King George was likely a mental midget who became mentally ill as his reign went on? Who knew??? I read the chapter called, "A Taxing King," to my 4th graders and by the time they got to the Boston Tea Party, they were chomping at the bit to find out what it was and why it was called the BTP. These are the kids who asked me "Social Studies is boring; when do we do Science again?" a few months ago. They didn't even complain a little when I told them they were to become citizens of the Colonies in 1774 just before the First Continental Congress and write a letter to their delegate, stating their opinion, backed up with three solid reasons, why they should either vote to separate from England or remain part of England.
I think that some people are more analytical and likely to appreciate facts and dates. Others, like me, want to have the same facts and dates have some sort of emotional connection, a person we can cheer on or dislike. I think that Hakim does a fabulous job of reaching both types of learners. The little interesting factoids on the sides of the pages make it even more interesting to read.
They were so interested that they came up with their own questions about what the people looked like whose names we were hearing. We searched the LOC site to find more pictures from the time. (I only wish they had archived the newspapers from that time electronically!)
I will be using this book as a resource for my kids every year. This time period is exactly what we cover in 4th grade!
