American History Reading List For Homeschoolers

American History Reading List

The best American History books bring your child’s study of the United States to life. These books can be used as read-alouds, for independent reading or in conjunction with any us history homeschool curriculum. These books also allow your student to gain a more in-depth understanding of historical events by viewing them through a different lens.

For elementary students, many of these american history books focus on one specific event or figure. This is a great way to introduce students to the events that made America what it is today. Christopher Columbus, Discoverer of America by Bennie Rhodes: Beautiful illustrations and first person text tells the story of the famous explorer’s desire to spread Christianity to new lands. The Pilgrims of Plimoth by Marcia Sewall: Detailed illustrations and first person text share the daily struggles, and eventual triumph of the first Pilgrim colonists. The Thanksgiving Story by Alice Dagliesh: The story of the first Thanksgiving celebration and its importance in our country’s history. Pocahontas by Ingri and Edgar Parin D’Aulaire: This book shares the true story of this young princess through vivid colorful images and a touching narrative.

As your student progresses through middle school and into high school, it’s time to start exploring the American Historical timeline in a little more detail. This is a perfect time to start working on the Sonlight American History Courses, which are broken down into 7 time periods ranging from Three Worlds Meet (beginning in 1607 through today) and include such fascinating subjects as Westward Expansion, the Revolutionary War, Civil Rights, WWII and more.

American History Reading List For Homeschoolers

These books are also excellent for teaching about the various cultures that have made up our nation, and their contributions to the US. These books will help your student develop a greater appreciation for the diversity that exists in our country and in the world.

For the older students, these books offer a little more challenge as they are written at a college level and often require more in-depth research and analysis. These are a wonderful way to give your student a taste of the type of reading that is expected in college, and help them make a smooth transition into their future studies.

This is an excellent time to introduce your student to the great American authors. You can use these for reading aloud, for independent reading or as a book club selection. Some of these books are even used for CLEP exams, which some students take to earn college credits.

These are some of my favorite books that teach about the American History timeline and give your students a taste of what it will be like to study at the college level.

Uncle Tom’s Cabin by Harriet Beecher Stowe: This classic novel opened the eyes of Americans to slavery in the years leading up to the Civil War. It is an essential read for any student of American History.