Boys & Girls of Colonial Days

by Carolyn Sherwin Bailey, Michael McHugh

This book contains stories of how children lived during the 1700's. It teaches children about America's Colonial period through a series of delighful stories. Children learn more about Benjamin Franklin, George Washington, and Betsy Ross as they read about children who lived during the struggle for liberty. Recommended for children in 5th grade.

Genres: History, Nonfiction, Adventure, Childrens, Chapter Books, American History, Biography

128 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1990

About the author

Carolyn Sherwin Bailey was an American children's author. She attended Teachers College, Columbia University, from which she graduated in 1896. She contributed to the Ladies' Home Journal and other magazines.

Reviews

[Katie · Rating 2 out of 5]

I think we have been spoiled by so many well-written books this year. This one was definitely not a favorite. Too cutesy for my taste and, while I am definitely not the most PC reader, I was annoyed with the way Indians were treated in this book. Embarrassed to read some of the chapters. :-(

My favorite chapter was probably the last one, illustrating the running of Mount Vernon.

[Beth · Rating 2 out of 5]

We read this as part of our homeschool history curriculum (Heart of Dakota). It's not a book I would have chosen. My daughter liked it well enough. There were questions after every other chapter. I would have preferred them for all the chapters. Overall the stories were sweet and showed different character qualities such as industriousness, patience, courage, bravery, honesty, etc.

[Heather · Rating 3 out of 5]

We read part of this together and I read the remaining part alone. The boys liked it for the most part, but it was a bit on the sweet and cutesy side. We didn't finish it because 1) we have a bazillion other books about the colonists to read and this wasn't a favorite and 2) it moved through history way to fast for us. After a few stories we were near the Revolution, but weren't ready to discuss that yet.

A nice little book, but not an essential one. I'm still debating where it stays or goes....

[Victoria (hotcocoaandbooks) · Rating 2 out of 5]

It was filled with various stories about pilgrims and colonists up through the Revolutionary War. A few of them I had read before, and it was interesting to teach my oldest son a bit of what life would be like for a child during that time in our country. I think he enjoyed it.

[Jeannine · Rating 4 out of 5]

Each chapter is a story about a different boy or girl in colonial times. We are reading and discussing it for part of our history study. Yesterday we learned how to make soap!

[forthefamilyssake Hailey White · Rating 3 out of 5]

Read as part of our Beautiful Feet Character Curriculum. Worth the read and I will certainly revisit it as my younger children grow and we do this study again.

[Karen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Read this 2 years ago. It was part of our beautiful feet pkg of books..krb 12/30/16

[Ross Treadway · Rating 3 out of 5]

Plot: —
Pace: —
Writing: 6/10
Morality: 8/10
Profundity: 6/10
Educational: 8/10
Characters: 4/10

Overall: 6.4

This was overall a pretty good book. Some of the stories were better than others.

My 7 and 4 year olds both enjoyed it.

It does teach about the colonial times, so it is valuable in that regard.

Some of the stories picture native Americans in ways that bear some explanation (they are often referred to as savages, and not always seeming very intelligent). However, other stories do provide some balance by explaining that the Indians’ behavior was provoked by the taking of their lands.

One frustrating thing was that some stories seem to be verifiably true, while others are more historical fiction, and it isn’t always clear which is which. This makes some of the stories appear less believable and more corny because of unlikely circumstances and outcomes. I would like a note telling which stories are true.

[Stacy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful living history book for elementary aged children. I read this book to my 3rd grade son, Camden and he enjoyed it. Each chapter consists of a short story of colonial days. Wonderful stories of children left alone to deal with Indians (and surviving without any injury) and even children meeting George Washington. This book teaches early American history from a child’s perspective as well as character training. A wonderful addition to any American history study!

[Mystic Miraflores · Rating 3 out of 5]

I didn't realize that this book was for kids, but I enjoyed it anyway. The stories and characters are so adorable. It would definitely be educational for children. I have to admit I'm struck by the difference between Christmas presents back in the colonial days as compared to today. The kids of long ago were happy with an orange in their stockings and wooden toys. Today kids expect an iPhone or XBox--or if they're teenagers, a car!

[Emily · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was part of my daughter’s history requirement for our homeschool program. There were a lot of great little stories about the pilgrim children and young colonials. It wasn’t an absolute favorite but my daughter enjoyed it and I think learned a lot about historical times. I’d probably give it a 3.5