History for kids

World War II for Kids: A History with 21 Activities by Richard Panchyk "is the ideal tool to teach children about the war that insured the freedom they enjoy today... The activities in World War II for Kids provide hands-on opportunities to explore the era of the war through projects and games. Children will learn how soldiers communicated with their families by writing their own v-mail messages, discover the language of war by creating a code for friends to crack and experience how soldiers lived by making their own field rations and care packages from home." My favorite parts of the book were the interview and eyewitness accounts excerpted from actual letters written by soldiers or civilians between 1939 and 1945. The book also contains graphics and timelines that are helpful in giving an simple overview of a complex historical event. World War II for Kids is endorsed by veteran and former senator John McCain, whose father and grandfather were both combat commanders during WWII.

Similarly, The American Revolution for Kids: A History with 21 Activities by Jane Herbert "brings the country's struggle for independence to life by helping kids share in the hardships, pride, and triumphs the colonists experienced as they fought for their freedom... Kids will love the 21 activities that teach them first-hand about the lives of distinguished officers, wise delegates, rugged riflemen and hard-working farm wives and children who created our young nation." The American Revolution for Kids is filled with short biographies, activities, famous quotes, military guides, and a typed copy of the Declaration of Independence. It would make a great unit study when combined with the children's literature of Jean Fritz or the American Girl Felicity books.