Teaching History with Picture Books

Using books is a great way to teach children about history.  Important people and events come to life in the pages of books.  All of my choices illustrate the powerful difference that just one person can make in our world!

Read along through the blogs to discover history and social studies books for your classroom!

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Mama Miti by Donna Jo Napoli

Wangari Muta Maathai was an environmental activist, known as "Mama Miti".  She founded the Green Belt Movement in 1977, which empowered the people of Kenya to combat deforestation by planting trees.  In 2004, she became the first African woman to win the Nobel Peace Prize. 

Biblioburro by Jeanette Winter

Luis Soriano is a Columbian school teacher who loves to read.  He has a house full of books and decides that he want to spread his passion for reading to the children who live far away in the hills.  He uses his two burros, Alfa and Beto, to help carry himself (and the books) to kids in the remote areas of Columbia.

Martin's Big Words by Doreen Rappaport
This is a wonderful book to use when teaching about Martin Luther King, Jr.

I used this book as a springboard for my door decorations during Black History Month.  You can see all the details {HERE}.

The Watcher by Jeanette Winter

This book tells the story of Dr. Jane Goodall, who spent years in the Tanzanian forests observing and studying chimpanzees.  It also discusses the important work she continues to do protecting the land and animals of Africa.

Mr. Lincoln's Whiskers by Karen B. Winnick

It was 1860, and Abraham Lincoln was a presidential candidate.  He received a letter from 11-year-old Grace Bedell suggesting that he would look better if he grew a beard.  He does just that and during a train stop in Grace's hometown, she gets to meet him!  This book includes copies of the actual letters that Grace and Mr. Lincoln wrote to each other.

Check out Abe's Whiskers (class graph and craftivity).  

Now it's time to hop over to Minute Mommy and see Katie's choices.

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