Fact: Students who read widely and frequently are higher achievers than students who read rarely and narrowly. (Scholastic: Classroom Libraries Work!, Research on the Use of Trade Books to Improve Reading Achievement)
Encourage your children to explore the world of books. They are guaranteed to find something that will inspire them and, in turn, spur them on to higher achievement—a win-win! Take your child on a time-travel adventure through American history with these books and activities.
1. Dear America.
The diary format of this series brings readers back in time to experience different events in American history. A City Tossed and Broken: The Diary of Minnie Bonner, San Francisco, California 1906 by Judy Blundell is a great example, and there are volumes for all sorts of places and events.
2. Esperanza Rising by Pam Munoz Ryan. Immerse your child in Mexican-American history with this touching story about Esperanza, who leaves Mexico with her family to work on a farm in California in the 1930s.
3. Book Videos. In the spirit of exploration, invite your kids to watch these book trailer videos to find a new book to read.
4. Mother-Daughter Book Club. Find discussion questions and recipes for a whole bunch of historical fiction books you and your child can enjoy together. Choose one and start your own book club. And of course, it doesn't just have to be mothers and daughters participating; sons, fathers, grandparents, aunts, and uncles should join, too!
