Synergy: Investigating History

HISTORY studies the past including all aspects of human society. Historians use oral accounts, written documents, artifacts, and other primary sources to tell the story of people, places, and events.

To understand a concept, it’s useful to read a cluster of books related to a theme. Explore these recently published books for young people:

MORE THAN A DREAM: THE RADICAL MARCH ON WASHINGTON FOR JOBS AND FREEDOM by Yohuru Williams and Michael G. Long is a compelling middle-grade history exploring the 1963 March on Washington. Featuring numerous photos from the time period, this engrossing work of nonfiction weaving in primary source materials to explore the broader impact of this event on racial justice and the civil rights movement. This is an important work for the school library collection. ARC courtesy of Farrar, Straus and Giroux, imprint of Macmillan

HEAR OUR VOICES by Radhika Natarajan and Chao Tayiana retells the story of the British Empire through 20 fascinating true stories. Exploring perspectives often overlooked, this beautifully illustrated picture book uses two-page spreads and small blocks of text to feature key figures and events from across five continents. ARC courtesy of Wide Eyes Editions, Quarto Group.

ATTACKED: PEARL HARBOR AND THE DAY WAR CAME TO AMERICA by Marc Favreau is a fast-paced work of narrative nonfiction balancing the broad world view with inspiring, individual accounts of this momentous event. Middle grade and young adult readers will enjoy the focus on the unique perspectives of everyday people along with soldiers and sailors.

ARC courtesy of Little, Brown Books for Young Readers, an imprint of Hachette Books.

THE LIGHT THAT SHINES written and illustrated by David T. Warner is a stunning picture book exploring the rescue of 669 children at the onset of World War II. Along with beautiful illustrations, the book also incorporates photographs and primary source documents to bring the rescue to life. ARC courtesy of Shadow Mountain Publishing.

FACING THE MOUNTAIN by Daniel James Brown is an adaption of the acclaimed work of adult nonfiction. This engaging true story explores the Japanese American heroes of World War II. Facing discrimination at home, this riveting narrative nonfiction follows three soldiers deployed to Europe and the challenges faced by their families back home. ARC courtesy of Viking Books for Young Readers and Penguin Random House.

RISING ABOVE written by Hayley Diep and illustrated by Naomi Giddings is a picture book telling the story of Wataru “Wat” Misaka who became the first non-white athlete to play in the NBA. Born to immigrant parents, Wat overcame discrimination, lived in a Japanese-American incarceration camp, served in the U.S. Army and ultimately played in the NBA. The engaging text combined with the simple illustrations will appeal to young readers. ARC courtesy of Triumph Books.