History text or primer rec needed

[Laura]

Hi - I thought I'd put this in the teacher/librarian folder, but I'd appreciate anyone's suggestion on this.

To be blunt, I really stink at history. I hated it in school, and wrote poetry or passed notes instead. As a result, I'm looking for a good history primer. I'd really like something written for fifth-graders, or thereabouts.

What I'm looking for is a basic book about US history, that will cover all the basics from the colonies on, and then another book that will give me the basics on World history.

This way, I'd at least have some kind of framework to work forward from, fleshing out the details as I go. Anyone have any suggestions?

[Jennifer W, WT Moderator]

Laura, I took an AP European class in high school. I thought the book we used was very thorough, but for the life of me I can't remember what it was called, which is too bad because I'd like to own it.

If you want some fun, YA US history reading, I'd recommend Ann Rinaldi. She's written many books about early American history that are quite good.

Good luck!

[Dawn]

I kind of like the E. D. Hirsch's "What your Nth grader needs to know" set for very basic history. Even the 2nd and 3rd grade versions are pretty good-and readable, too! Most libraries have them.

What Your Second-Grader Needs to Know ; Fundamentals of a Good Second-Grade Education

He did go into more detailed history, I'm seeing as I look through the books credited to him, but those would give you an idea of the style.

[Laura]

Both great suggestions! I pulled up Nine Days a Queen: The Short Life and Reign of Lady Jane Grey by Ann Rinaldi, and if all of her books are like this one, this might be just what I'm looking for. Are they mostly fiction or non-fiction, Jennifer?

Dawn, I really like your idea as well. I'll have to check my local libraries and see what they have...! Thanks!

[Annette]

I'm not sure how 5th grade equates to English schools but Dorling Kindersley to a fantastic range books aimed at children and covering a wide range of historical periods. I don't know if they're easily available in the US.

[Laura]

Thanks Annette. I have seen those books in the US. They're illustrated beautifully too. I'll have to look into that.

[Jennifer W, WT Moderator]

As far as I know, Rinaldi writes fiction. However, she obviously does some very thorough research.

[Laura]

Thanks Jennifer. Her stuff looks fantastic.

[Jennifer W, WT Moderator]

Also, Laura, Jim Murphy has some excellent non-fiction books about various historical events, the Chicago Fire, Yellow Fever Plague in the US, Civil War books. He's a very engaging author.