Change is Good

This week there will be no lego challenge because some big, big changes are coming to the blog.  Some will be obvious, some not so much.  The biggest change will be the new format, but don't worry you can still find us at the old address historymagpie.org.  This weekend I will be doing some very computery things to get things started, so don't mind our dust and we should be back up and running great daily recommended history resources on Monday.

I'll Pass For Your Comrade by Anita Silvey

The story of the women who fought in the Civil War.
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Resource: Chapter Book
Time: 1861 - 1865
Place: America

Summary:
Recounting adventures had by women, specifically women who chose to disguise themselves as men, this book brings to light the contribution of women in the American Civil War.  There are seven chapters which together capture whole experience.  There is a first hand account of the experience of the Battle of Bull Run.  The author delves into the motives of women who disguised themselves, the means by which they carried it out, the sometime discovery and life after the war.  In the Battle of Antietam, one of the deadliest of the war, a handful of women fought on both sides.  A recounting of battles from the vantage points of some of these women is shared in some detail.  The text is elaborated with period illustrations and black and white photos.

Potentially Objectionable Content:
There is some detail about the battle including aftermath photos of dead bodies.

Reading Level: grade 5 - 9
Lexile Measure: 1130L
Guided Reading Level: not available


Format Links
Book

Additional Resources:

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Explorers Who Got Lost by Diane Sensevere-Dreher

Stories of explorers who got lost and sometimes found interesting places.
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Resource: chapter book
Time: 1419-1610
Place: Europe

Summary:
Written with engaging prose, this book tells the stories of the explorers who got lost and sometimes found unexpected people, places and things.  Rich in information on a variety of explorers including chapters on Bartalomeau Dias, Vasco Da Gama, Christopher Columbus, John Cabot, Ferdinand Magellan, Giovanni Da Verrazano, Jacques Cartier and Henry Hudson.  Some of the explorers did some very unpleasant things in the name of their kings, queens and God.  How they behaved continues to be an issue even today.  I think that this book deals with those issues fairly and without graphic detail.  In addition to the stories on each of the explorers there are side boxes with additional information on topics relating to each story. Examples include conquistadors, slavery and French Explorers.  There is an introduction and a little history to give some back story on Prince Henry the Navigator who got the whole era started.  The back of the book contains a detailed chronology and an excellent index.  Illustrated with black and white cartoons.

Potentially Objectionable Content:
none

Reading Level: grade 4 - 7
Lexile Measure: not available
Guided Reading Level: not available


Format Links
Book

Additional Resources:

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The Brooklyn Bridge by Ken Burns

An architectural achievement that has become so much more.
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Resource: video
Running Time: 59 minutes
Rating: not rated

Time: 1869 - 1883
Place:  America

Summary:
The Brooklyn Bridge was built in a time of monumental change in America, yet it was ahead of its time and still lives on in the consciousness of America. The first part of this early Ken Burn's documentary is devoted to the history of the building of the bridge.  It's architect was John Roebling, a German immigrant and genius, but dead before construction could begin. His son, Washington Roebling completed the masterpiece at great cost to his health and life.  The story is told with photos, some narration, and the words of the people who lived the experience, told through letters and diary entries.  The second half of this documentary is dedicated to what the Brooklyn Bridge has come to mean to the American people with historians and others expounding on the meaning of the bridge.

Potentially Objectionable Content:
none


Format Link:
DVD
Digital Download 


Related Teaching Resources:


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Ms. Frizzle's Adventures: Imperial China by Jonanna Cole

Take a trip with the incomparable Ms. Frizzle to Imperial China on a great adventure.
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Resource: picture book
Time: 1000
Place: China

Summary:
Ms. Frizzle with two of her students travel back in time and place to Imperial China.  She visited a farming village, busy town, silk factory, a Great wall under construction and an imperial palace in Kaifinag.  They traveled in a barge, ox cart, and on foot.  Told from Ms. Frizzle's point of view with lots of fun details and facts not only in the prose but also in the illustrations.  Illustrated by Bruce Degen.

Potentially Objectionable Content:
none

Reading Level: grade K - 3
Lexile Measure: not available
Guided Reading Level: available


Format Links
Book

Additional Resources:

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Katie's Trunk by Ann Turner

Character and compassion are the main characters in this story of a Tory family during the American Revolution.
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Resource: picture book
Time: 1776
Place: America

Summary:
Katie's parents were sympathetic toward the crown of England in a time when that was not the popular thing to do.  Enduring teasing at school, Katie worries with her parents at home, then the house is raided.  I will not give away the ending but I will say that character is not defined by political leanings and this is a story about character as it is about the Revolutionary War.  Illustrated by Ronald Himler.

Potentially Objectionable Content:
none

Reading Level: grade 1 -4
Lexile Measure: 660L
Guided Reading Level: not available


Format Links
Book

Additional Resources:

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Lego Challenge 3 - Old Testament

This next challenge is a scene from the Old Testament.  There are so many stories to choose from.  The rules are simple, make a scene out of Legos.

Need some inspiration or information?

Check out these books and videos:
Kings and Carpenters, One Hundred Bible Land Jobs You Might Have Panned or Praised
Prince of Egypt

Check out these websites:
Bible Gateway




When you are done, snap a picture of your creation and share using our linky below.



Welcome to the Lego Challenge!  Link up photos of your Stonehenge lego creations.  I look forward to seeing all the great work.

Kings and Carpenters, One Hundred Bible Land Jobs You Might Have Praised or Panned by Laurie Coulter

A fun ride through the many occupations of Iron Age Canaan.
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Resource: book
Time: 1200 - 586 BC
Place: Canaan/Israel

Summary:
This book is a fun ride through Iron Age Canaan, that land bridge between the sea and mountains that joins Europe, Asia and Africa.  The book is divided into categories such as Farm Jobs, Craft Jobs, or At-Sea Jobs. Each job is described in 2 to 4 paragraphs, bite sized reading.  It is written in the second person and interspersed with archaeological tidbits and quotes from the Bible.  The book begins with an introduction which includes information of the region, how writing began, archaeology in Israel and a timeline of the dates between 1200 and 586 BC.  The book ends with an author's note reflecting on the recent history of the Holy Lands, recommended further reading and index.  Illustrated by Martha Newbigging.

Potentially Objectionable Content:
none

Reading Level: grade 3 - 6
Lexile Measure: not available
Guided Reading Level: not available


Format Links
Book

Additional Resources:

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The Spanish Inquisition a 15 Minute History podcast

Questions answered about what really happened during the Spanish Inquisition.
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Resource: podcast
Running Time: 15 minutes


Time: 1480 - 1800s
Place: Spain

Summary:
Miraiam Bodian from the University of Texas explains how the Inquisition worked, its methods and its motivations. Easy to listen to and with interesting information.

Potentially Objectionable Content:
none


Website:
iTunes U
15 Minute History Website
Episode Page

Related Teaching Resources:


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Paiute Princess The Story of Sarah Winnemucca by Deborah Kogan Ray

Sarah Winnemucca was a fierce advocate for her people.
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Resource: picture book, biography
Time: 1844 - 1891
Place: America

Summary:
Sarah Winnemucca lived in a time of tribulation for the Native American peoples of the West. She was educated in an patchwork fashion and could speak English and Spanish fluently as well as read and write.  She spent her life fighting the injustices done to her people with words, both spoken and written.  She also served as a school teacher, so that other Indian children could have the same education as she did.  This book is rich with information.  The narrative is told with her actual words punctuating the text so Sarah's voice is heard clearly. The end of the book is also full of information with an author's note, several pages of history, a timeline, and bibliography.

Potentially Objectionable Content:
none

Reading Level: grade 3 - 7
Lexile Measure: 1010L
Guided Reading Level: not available


Format Links
Audiobook 
Kindle
Book

Additional Resources:

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The National Parks by Ken Burns: Great Nature

The National Parks mature and change through the Great Depression and World War II.
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Resource: documentary
Running Time: 2 hours
Rating: TV - G

Time: 1929 - 1945
Place: America

Summary:

CCC boys working,
credit: Library of Congress

With expert narration, still life photos, art, black and white footage, as well as first hand accounts, the story of the National Parks continue in this fifth episode of the acclaimed mini-series.  The parks found a new role through the Great Depression, which was, for the parks a great golden age.  Young, out of work men found purpose through work in CCC camps, sponsored by the New Deal.  George Melendez Wright, a young biologist championed the cause of wildlife in the parks. As America was dragged into the second World War, Japanese Americans, who loved the parks were interred and the parks themselves were used as rest and relaxation stations for soldiers. The fight over Jackson Hold and The Grand Teton National Park is highlighted.

Potentially Objectionable Content:
none

Format Link:
DVD
Digital Download

Related Teaching Resources:
Lesson Plans found at the PBS Website

Find this video and other suggestions from this time period on the History Magpie Timeline.

Harald the Ruthless by Andrea Hopkins

A story of an actual historical figure told as a saga.
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Resource: picture book
Time: 1015-1066
Place: Scandinavia

Summary:
Harald the Ruthless was a real Viking and king of Norway.  This book is the retelling of a saga written by Snorri Sturlson.  What is a saga?  There is a wonderful explanation at the beginning of this book. It is a tale told at a distance from the action, more story than absolute fact. This saga follows Harald from childhood to death on the battlefield, detailing his many clever exploits and bloody battles. Illustrated in black, white and red by Leo Duranona.  There are many maps and pages of historical notes in the back of this book.

Potentially Objectionable Content:
There is a lot of graphically depicted violence.  Some detailed in the prose as well as drawings of bloody battles, a beheading, dead bodies and arrow through the throat.

Reading Level: grade 5 - 9
Lexile Measure: not available
Guided Reading Level: not available


Format Links
Book

Additional Resources:

Find this book and other suggestions from this time period on the History Magpie Timeline.

Lego Challenge 2 - Pyramids

The second challenge is Pyramids.  The rules are simple, build a Pyramid out of Legos.  It can be as we see it today or as it might have looked thousands of years ago. 

Need some inspiration or information?

Check out these books:

You Wouldn't Want to be Pyramid Builder

Pyramid by David Macaulay

Check out these websites:

Smithsonian, has a great list of books and websites. 

The British Museum 

When you are done, snap a picture of your creation and share using our linky below.

An InLinkz Link-up

The Building of the Transcontinental Railroad

Charlie Brown shares with the class a report on building the Transcontinental Railroad.
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Resource: Video
Running Time:
Rating: not rated

Time: 1860s
Place: America

Summary:
Charlie Brown invites viewers to watch as he presents his report on the building of the Transcontinental Railroad.  Charlie tells the story of the how the Central Pacific with thousands of Chinese workers working east from San Francisco and the Union Pacific working west from Nebraska changed the way Americans traveled.  This video uses a delightful combination of cartoons, illustrations and photographs with folk songs like "She's Coming 'Round the Mountains". This is a nicely detailed report.

Potentially Objectionable Content:
none


Format Link:
DVD - found on the DVD This is America Charlie Brown


Related Teaching Resources:

Find this video and other suggestions from this time period on the History Magpie Timeline.

China's Terracotta Warriors by Secrets of the Dead

Find out about historic and scientific discoveries that have been unearthed with the Terracotta warriors.
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Resource: video, documentary
Running Time: 53 minutes
Rating: TV-PG

Time: 210 BC
Place: China

Summary:
China's Emperor, emulating his ancestors, wanted to be buried with his court, but unlike his ancestors his court was made of clay.  The 8,000 terracotta warriors are one of the most magnificent archaeological discoveries of our modern age.  This interesting documentary discusses the history, artistry and science behind the warriors.

Potentially Objectionable Content:
There is discussion of how courts committed mass suicide to be buried with their ruler.


Format Link:
DVD

Related Teaching Resources:

Find this video and other suggestions from this time period on the History Magpie Timeline.

When Harriet Met Sojourner by Catherine Clinton

Harriet Tubman and Sojouner Truth met in Boston one afternoon in 1864.
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Resource: picture book
Time: 1797 - 1864
Place: America

Summary:
These two courageous women left a life of enslavement then fought for other's freedoms as well.  Their lives parallel in many ways. In 1864 they met in Boston.  No one photographed or recorded what was said but the author took a guess at topics discussed and the friendship that blossomed.  Beautifully illustrated by Shane W. Evans.

Potentially Objectionable Content:
none

Reading Level: grade 1 - 3
Lexile Measure: 1030L
Guided Reading Level: not available


Format Links
Book

Additional Resources:

Find this book and other suggestions from this time period on the History Magpie Timeline.

Rollo and the Viking Age, a podcast of the Norman Centuries

The Normans descend from Vikings in this first episode of the Norman Centuries podcast series.
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Resource: podcast
Running Time: 18 minutes


Time: 911
Place: France and Europe

Summary:
The Normans were descended from a Viking warrior named Rollo, but before his particular story was laid out, Lars Brownworth the narrator of this exceptional podcast paints the picture of the Viking age as Europe enters into the Dark Ages.  Rollo, a roving Viking warrior, through guile and strategy gains the lands around the city of Rouen in the north of France in what will become Normandy.  Well written and delivered this podcast is informative and interesting.

Potentially Objectionable Content:
Viking pillaging with bodies and a wall of animal corpses.


Website:
normancenturies.com/

Related Teaching Resources:

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Amos Fortune Free Man by Elizabeth Yates

A rich story of a life lived with integrity.
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Resource: chapter book, biography
Time: 1725 - 1801
Place: Africa/America

Summary:
In this Newberry Award winning book a tale is spun out of a life lived without expectation, reliant on the Lord and lived with integrity.  Amos Fortune was born in Africa, a prince of his tribe. Taken with force and violence from his home, he was transported to the English colonies in America, to Boston where he was sold to a Quaker man.  At age 15 his life as a slave starts. He is sold once and buys his own freedom at age 60.  Then goes on to live a free life as a skilled Tanner, gains a wife and adopts her child.  Along the way he is always thinking of others.  He gave freedom to as many as he could with dignity and integrity. Events in this story take place during and around the Revolutionary War, although it is included only incidentally.

Potentially Objectionable Content:
Slavery is a horrific institution and the middle passage was designed to dehumanize.  Both of these things are discussed, although not graphically.  It also mentions Africans who would rather jump off the ship to their deaths than live as slaves.

Reading Level: grade  6 - 8
Lexile Measure: 1090L
Guided Reading Level: V


Format Links
Audiobook 
Book

Additional Resources:

Find this book and other suggestions from this time period on the History Magpie Timeline.

Lego Challenge 1 - Stonehenge

Welcome Lego lovers to this brand new feature on the History Magpie!  Every Friday at noon (eastern time), for the whole year of 2015 you will find a history centered Lego building challenge. The challenges will run chronologically, more or less, through the year. After you complete your fabulous creation link up so others can enjoy. Happy Building

The first challenge is Stonehenge.  The rules are simple, build Stonehenge out of Legos.  It can be as we see it today or as it might have looked thousands of years ago.  You can build just the stone circle or more of the building complex that archaeologists are still discovering.

Need some inspiration or information?

Check out this book:
 If Stones Could Speak by Marc Aronson 

Check out these websites:
English Heritage Website 

What Lies Beneath Stonehenge - an article by the Smithsonian Magazine 

History.com 

When you are done, snap a picture of your creation and share using our linky below.

An InLinkz Link-up

If Stones Could Speak by Marc Aronson

An archeology story about the famous Stonehenge.
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Resource: chapter book, non-fiction
Time: prehistory
Place: England

Summary:
This is the story of an archeologist, an island and a stone circle.  Mike Parker Pearson was given some interesting insight by a man from Madagascar on the nature of Stonehenge that countered the popularly held views.  He then spent several years searching out proof of this theory and he found it.  I like that while Stonehenge is front and center in this story, the people of Stonehenge cannot speak for themselves for they had no writing, the author makes the archeologists the people of the story.  This is a fascinating, fact filled book sure to spark the amateur sleuth or archaeologist in many.

Potentially Objectionable Content:
none

Reading Level: grade 5-8
Lexile Measure: 1070L
Guided Reading Level: not available


Format Links
Book

Additional Resources:

Find this book and other suggestions from this time period on the History Magpie Timeline.