Lately, I've been daydreaming about creating a social studies classroom library. When I see the amazing collections amassed by my friends who teach ELA, I think back to the collection of thirty year old encyclopedias, old textbooks, and atlases that made up my classroom library when I was in the classroom. They definitely served a purpose, but students weren't exactly excited to use them.
So...
What if teachers added books to their libraries that hooked students and made them want to learn more? What if the books made a foreign culture or time more relevant? What if the books were just fun to read? What if the classroom library became a spot that students liked to go to and were excited about?
While I was creating a wish list of books for my dream library, I realized I didn't have many recent books on my list. So, I asked my good friend and ELA teacher, Rachel of Writing by Rachel, to make me a list of recent books that should be added to a middle school social studies classroom collection. Here are her amazing suggestions.
HISTORICAL
FICTION
(in no particular order)
Calico Girl by Jerdine
Nolen.
As the Civil War rages, twelve-year-old Callie Wilcomb and her family attempt to break free from the bonds of slavery. A Kirkus Reviews Best Book of 2017.
As the Civil War rages, twelve-year-old Callie Wilcomb and her family attempt to break free from the bonds of slavery. A Kirkus Reviews Best Book of 2017.
The War that Saved My
Life by Kimberly Brubaker Bradley.
Ada was born with a clubfoot, a fact that embarrasses her mother who forbids her from leaving the house. So, when Ada’s brother is sent out of London to escape the War, Ada takes advantage of the opportunity and sneaks along. Free from her mother, Ada can leave her new house, and form bonds with new people. What will happen to Ada when the War ends? Winner of the 2016 Newbery Honor.
Ada was born with a clubfoot, a fact that embarrasses her mother who forbids her from leaving the house. So, when Ada’s brother is sent out of London to escape the War, Ada takes advantage of the opportunity and sneaks along. Free from her mother, Ada can leave her new house, and form bonds with new people. What will happen to Ada when the War ends? Winner of the 2016 Newbery Honor.
Betty before X by
Ilyasah Shabazz.
Inspired by Betty Shabazz’s life, this fictionalized account of 11-year-old Betty’s experiences will resonate with all teens searching for purpose and acceptance, and will introduce readers to Betty Shabazz against a backdrop of pre-Civil Rights era social protest.
Inspired by Betty Shabazz’s life, this fictionalized account of 11-year-old Betty’s experiences will resonate with all teens searching for purpose and acceptance, and will introduce readers to Betty Shabazz against a backdrop of pre-Civil Rights era social protest.
Amina’s Voice by
Hena Khan.
Amina, a Pakistani-American, must balance two cultures: her rich Pakistani heritage and home life with her American school. When her mosque is vandalized, Amina discovers her voice is even more important.
Amina, a Pakistani-American, must balance two cultures: her rich Pakistani heritage and home life with her American school. When her mosque is vandalized, Amina discovers her voice is even more important.
Refugee by Alan
Gratz
A Jewish boy in 1930s German. A Cuban girl in 1994. And, a Syrian boy in 2015. Three young adults in search of refuge. Their stories draw connections between events and themes that are at once historical and timely.
A Jewish boy in 1930s German. A Cuban girl in 1994. And, a Syrian boy in 2015. Three young adults in search of refuge. Their stories draw connections between events and themes that are at once historical and timely.
NONFICTION
(in no particular order)
City: A Story of
Roman Planning and Construction written by David Macaulay
With time, our attention to older books often fades. But, this still deserves a place on your history shelf. It shines a light on a commonly taught place and time, and is still revolutionary in how its detailed illustrations work with the text to reveal the intricacies of Roman cities and design.
With time, our attention to older books often fades. But, this still deserves a place on your history shelf. It shines a light on a commonly taught place and time, and is still revolutionary in how its detailed illustrations work with the text to reveal the intricacies of Roman cities and design.
Witches: The
Absolutely True Tale of Disaster in Salem written by Rosalyn Schanzer.
300 years later, we are still mesmerized by the Salem Witch Trials. Schanzer’s Siebert winning Witches combines primary source documents with an engaging and unbelievable but true narrative that transports readers back to a dramatic time of ‘witches,’ lies, and ruined lives. Jerry Springer has nothing on history!
300 years later, we are still mesmerized by the Salem Witch Trials. Schanzer’s Siebert winning Witches combines primary source documents with an engaging and unbelievable but true narrative that transports readers back to a dramatic time of ‘witches,’ lies, and ruined lives. Jerry Springer has nothing on history!
An American Plague
written by Jim Murphy.
Murphy takes readers back to 1793 and, with engaging writing and thorough research, leads us through the social and political aspects of the plague, as well as how doctors responded. Winner of a Sibert Award, this book is a great partner to Laurie Halse Andersen’s popular fictional account of the same time, Fever 1793.
Murphy takes readers back to 1793 and, with engaging writing and thorough research, leads us through the social and political aspects of the plague, as well as how doctors responded. Winner of a Sibert Award, this book is a great partner to Laurie Halse Andersen’s popular fictional account of the same time, Fever 1793.
Two Miserable
Presidents: Everything Your Schoolbooks Didn't Tell You about the Civil War
written by Steve Sheinkin.
Sheinkin combines attention-grabbing, little known anecdotes with historical facts, and lots of graphics– cartoons, maps, illustrations, and diagrams. The result, as you might expect from the title, is a lively look at the Civil War that kids will enjoy (and learn from.)
Sheinkin combines attention-grabbing, little known anecdotes with historical facts, and lots of graphics– cartoons, maps, illustrations, and diagrams. The result, as you might expect from the title, is a lively look at the Civil War that kids will enjoy (and learn from.)
The Family Romanov:
Murder, Rebellion, and the Fall of Imperial Russia written by Candace
Fleming.
Among history’s most fascinating mysteries is that of the Romanov family. Fleming weaves together information about the family and the times to create a page-turning tale with first-hand accounts and photos.
Among history’s most fascinating mysteries is that of the Romanov family. Fleming weaves together information about the family and the times to create a page-turning tale with first-hand accounts and photos.
We Will Not be
Silent: The White Rose Student Resistance Movement that Defied Adolf Hitler
written by Russell Freedman.
Freedman is known for his clear, eloquent, and accessible writing. All that is true but this book will appeal to students because it focuses on the youth of the White Rose Resistance. Learning about the Holocaust is important, but can be draining. It helps to balance the darkness of the Holocaust with information about people who fought for right and against Hitler. That Freedman’s focus in this book is a brother and sister team, Hans and Sophie Scholl, is even more compelling to young readers.
Freedman is known for his clear, eloquent, and accessible writing. All that is true but this book will appeal to students because it focuses on the youth of the White Rose Resistance. Learning about the Holocaust is important, but can be draining. It helps to balance the darkness of the Holocaust with information about people who fought for right and against Hitler. That Freedman’s focus in this book is a brother and sister team, Hans and Sophie Scholl, is even more compelling to young readers.
Bomb: The Race to
Build—and Steal—the World's Most Dangerous Weapon written by Steve
Sheinkin.
The story of the atomic bomb is full of risk, lies, spies, twists and turns that will grab the interest of students from page one.
The story of the atomic bomb is full of risk, lies, spies, twists and turns that will grab the interest of students from page one.
Claudette Colvin:
Twice Toward Justice written by Phillip Hoose.
Nine months before Rosa Parks refused to relinquish her seat, 15-year-old Claudette Colvin did the same. Author Phillip Hoose, who believes youth should be involved in social change, brings us the forgotten story of Claudette Colvin and her persistent efforts amid the civil rights movement.
Nine months before Rosa Parks refused to relinquish her seat, 15-year-old Claudette Colvin did the same. Author Phillip Hoose, who believes youth should be involved in social change, brings us the forgotten story of Claudette Colvin and her persistent efforts amid the civil rights movement.
Chasing King’s
Killer: The Hunt for Martin Luther King Jr.’s Assassin written by James
Swanson.
Swanson traces King’s life and importance in America’s Civil Rights’ Movement, and then examines the facts surrounding his death. Packed with primary source photos and notes. Bonus: You can refer satisfied readers to Swanson’s Chasing Lincoln’s Killer.
Swanson traces King’s life and importance in America’s Civil Rights’ Movement, and then examines the facts surrounding his death. Packed with primary source photos and notes. Bonus: You can refer satisfied readers to Swanson’s Chasing Lincoln’s Killer.
Vietnam: A History of
the War written by Russell Freedman.
More than other wars, the Vietnam War can be difficult to understand. Why were American troops there? What was it about? Freedman’s Vietnam provides an unbiased overview of a complicated conflict.
More than other wars, the Vietnam War can be difficult to understand. Why were American troops there? What was it about? Freedman’s Vietnam provides an unbiased overview of a complicated conflict.
I am Malala: How One
Girl Stood Up for Education and Changed the World (Young Reader’s Edition)
written by Malala Yousafzai.
Perhaps more than any other young adult, Malala Yousafzai is known around the world as a crusader for education for girls, and for her tremendous perseverance in the face of violence. Few people make a lasting mark on the world and remain known generations later. Malala Yousafzai not only made her mark on today and for generations to come, she did it as a teenager. She is unique and inspirational.
Perhaps more than any other young adult, Malala Yousafzai is known around the world as a crusader for education for girls, and for her tremendous perseverance in the face of violence. Few people make a lasting mark on the world and remain known generations later. Malala Yousafzai not only made her mark on today and for generations to come, she did it as a teenager. She is unique and inspirational.
A FEW TIPS
FOR GETTING BOOKS TO BUILD A LIBRARY
Are you excited about building a classroom library for your social studies class? Books are expensive so to get them cheaper requires some work. Here are 9 ways to build up your collection without breaking the bank:
Are you excited about building a classroom library for your social studies class? Books are expensive so to get them cheaper requires some work. Here are 9 ways to build up your collection without breaking the bank:
(1) Collect gently used books from people in your
neighborhood
(2) Go to your local libraries semi-annual book sales
(3) Go to Scholastic Warehouse sales and fill up boxes of books
for a fraction of the regular cost
(4) Visit used book stores
(5) Use Donor's Choose to fund new books
(6) Ask your PTA/PTSA (parent/teacher/student organization)
for funds to buy some books
(7) Ask local bookstores if they'll donate a book or two
(8) Use Ebates when you do your normal online shopping and
use the reward checks to buy books
(9) Create a wish list of books and post it on your class
website or school website
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