Every parent wants to set their kids up for success, and one way to do this is through educational books for children. We can learn much from history, especially from some of the world’s worst ideas that have shaped society over the decades and centuries! Here are some tips on choosing history books for kids and details on some of the best books on American history for kids.
How to Choose Books on American History for Kids
One of the most important concepts you can teach when it comes to American history for kids is freedom. After all, this country was built on the principle of liberty! You’ll want to look for some interesting kids’ books about freedom that don’t just tell them what happened — but rather, show them.
In addition to kids’ books about freedom, you’ll need accurate but engaging books that share stories about what happened — while making learning fun. You’ll also want to spice up your liberty-based curriculum with some fun and exciting fictional books set during the time period you’re teaching.
Here are some other things to look for in books that teach world or American history for kids:
- Age appropriateness – Younger kids will learn better from picture books that include simple text and tell stories in an engaging way, while elementary kids and middle schoolers will gobble up more complex concepts like timelines and books that provide a deeper look at certain periods or people. High schoolers will benefit from history books that teach critical thinking.
- Diversity of perspective – Books that present multiple viewpoints will enhance critical thinking skills and freedom of thought while teaching kids to learn from what happened in the past instead of just learning about it.
- Engaging storytelling – Books about world or American history for kids shouldn’t be dull or boring. They should take your kids on an exciting adventure through past eras — an adventure they’ll want to read over and over!
- Trusted sources – Not all books that teach world or American history for kids are equal. Do some research to uncover the most trusted sources for history — books that are not only accurate but that encourage the freedom of critical thinking without indoctrination as kids explore the past and learn from it.
Tuttle Twins Review
The Tuttle Twins history books are among the best books that teach American history for kids. They check all of the boxes we just discussed while transforming history into a journey that’s exciting for the whole family!
One of the many reasons why Tuttle Twins books are good for homeschoolers is because of how they’re organized by different time periods. For example, America’s History, Volume 1 covers the period between 1215 and 1775, while Volume 2 looks at the period from 1776 to 1791.
There’s also an interesting new book entitled The Tuttle Twins’ Guide to the World’s Worst Ideas, which encourages critical thinking, teaching kids to identify faulty logic, political manipulation, and emotional appeals that only promote destructive ideas. The Tuttle Twins’ Guide to the World’s Worst Ideas also reinforces the principles of freedom, voluntaryism, limited government, and free markets.
The Tuttle Twins history books include not just physical books but also audiobooks and a curriculum for homeschool families.
Other Ways to Make History Come Alive
Walking through history should be more than just dry and boring lessons on what the founding fathers did and what the Constitution says. Teaching American history for kids should involve taking them on an adventure they won’t forget anytime soon!
In addition to books like the Tuttle Twins history books, it’s a good idea to engage your kids by focusing on individual stories and connections to your family or local area. Act out some of the stories to drive home important concepts and encourage your kids to engage personally with the past, using critical thinking skills to consider how past events might relate to them.
Encourage empathy and varying perspectives through discussions and explore additional sources like diaries, letters and photographs.
