Accelerating Student Learning and Motivation in Your U.S. History Classroom

Books and Resources

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Why Study U.S. History?
Using the Standards
Standardized Exams
Developing Themes in U.S. History
Historical Stories and Unit Hooks
Using Primary Sources in the Classroom
General Strategies
Alternative Assessments
Rubrics and Scaffolds
Long Term Projects
Additional Resources
Kevin Williams: Contact and Information

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1.  Liberty and Freedom, David Hackett Fisher.  This book explores the theme of "Liberty and Freedom" throughout American History.  It explores it ever-evolving meaning - our Founding Fathers depended heavily on these ideas, but so did the Ku Klux Klan during their revival in the 1920s.  SHORT chapters, and great images, make this one of my favorite books.

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2.  Oxford Companion to the Supreme Court, Kermit Hall.
Excellent, and readable collection of summaries of important Supreme Court decisions throughout American history.  This book will help you answer the many "why" questions your students ask when confronted with Supreme Court decisions.  I use this book ALL THE TIME!!.

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3.  Made In America, Bill Bryson.  While this book focuses on the history of American language, Bryson often forays into history to explain our history of language.  This book is well researched and accurate, and will give your students valuable insight into the history behind their language.

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4.  The Words We Live By, Linda Monk.  An excellent, annotated look at the most important document in American History.  If you've ever wondered how the the Constitution is interpreted in today's society, look no further than this book.

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5.  The New Yorker Political Cartoons.  Cartoons are a great way to engage students - often they see things you do not see.  This book collects some of the best cartoons seen in the New Yorker. 

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6.  Lies My Teacher Told Me, James Loewen.  Excellent alternative history of the United States - this book is not radical or too liberal.  It simply tells the accurate stories behind many American myths.  I learned a lot from this book.

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7.  Presidential Anecdotes, Paul Boller, Jr.  This book details many unknown stories about each of our executives.  Stories, as stated throughout the seminar, are a great way to hook our students.  While all the stories in this book are not "hook-worthy", many give you or your students a
better insight into our Presidents.

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8.  Grand Old Party, Lewis Gould.  An excellent, objective history of the Republican Party from its founding to the present. 

9.  Party of the People, Jules Witcover.  This excellent resource covers the history of the Democratic Party - all the way back to the period of the American Revolution. 

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10.  An Empire of Wealth, John Gordon Steele.  This is an economic history of the United States.  Students are often confused by our economic history.  They are not accustomed to thinking of history in terms of economics.  This book gives one a sound understanding of the role of economics up until the internet revolution of the 1990s.

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11.  Hershey - Michael D'Antonio.  Excellent history of Milton S. Hershey and his chocolate empire.  This is an excellent example of the rise of a great industrialist during the Gilded Age.  But what sets Hershey apart is that it also covers the utopian vision of Milton Hershey.  He created Hershey, PN, and this book covers his vision, but also how the town grew within and apart from his vision.  This covers a nearly 50 year history of the town - from 1900 through WWII.  Finally, one gets a fine example of unions during the Great Depression.  Hershey did have a sit-down strike that was crushed.

12.  Stay Tuned, Joe Garner.  This book contains information regarding important news, sports, and entertainment moments.  It comes with a DVD and an audio CD.  The great thing is the clips are short, yet they contain the actual clips. 

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(Click image to go to Amazon.com - a cheap place to buy this book)

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
13.  Non Campus Mentis - Anders Hendrickson
I used this book to find all of the historical bloopers written by college students.  When you're feeling low about the quality of your student work, open this book.  You'll feel immediately better, and you will get a good laugh at the same time.

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