Quick and Dirty Early American History

In less than a month we're going to take a week-long trip to the DC area. Our trip is primarily to visit various family and celebrate an important 90-something birthday. But, of course, we will have to incorporate at least one day to visit monuments and museums. My youngest has never been to DC, and my oldest hasn't been there since he was really old enough to appreciate the city. I have my favorite DC destinations (not even going to take the time to list them all right now) and my husband has his favorites too. I'm sure we won't even make it to half of the places we'd like to visit. But, I hope we'll hit some highlights at the Smithsonian and spend some more time on the Mall visiting some of our favorite monuments and memorials.

To date, all of our history study with my rising third grader has been in the Ancient and Medieval periods. So, he hasn't really done much American history at all, with the exception of reading Laura Ingalls Wilder books and reading a few fun books about the Revolutionary War and Westward Expansion. So, this summer we're doing some quick and dirty reading to learn a bit about the founding of our nation and the historical figures associated with Washington, DC. Primarily, I'd just like him to know a bit about the people to whom major monuments in the city are dedicated. We're really just focusing on fun biographies to peak his interest in the history.

Here's our reading list we've been working through in the last few weeks. Anyone want to add any other suggestions? Some of these 8yo has read on his own, and others we are reading together along with little brother.

George Washington: Soldier, Hero, President from the DK Readers series

The Revolutionary War, from the True Book series

Tom Jefferson: Third President of the United States from the Childhood of Famous Americans Series (At some point, I'm going to offer a big enthusiastic post on this series, the discovery of the summer in our house!)

The Declaration of Independence, from the True Book series

Abraham Lincoln, The Sixteenth President, by Mike Venezia

D'Aulaire's Abraham Lincoln (At some point I owe this blog an Ode to the D'Aulaires based on a love born in childhood and fueled by my grandmother.)

Neil Armstrong: Young Flyer, also from the Childhood of Famous Americans series (This one he read primarily because of his own interest, but also in preparation for visiting the Air and Space Museum, AND in honor of the 40th anniversary of the Moon Landing coming up next week. Reading the book was followed by watching one of our favorite films of all time: The Dish.)