Books We Read: The Thirteen Established Colonies

April 27, 2012 by Danika Cooley | 3 Comments

This week, we studied the Thirteen Established Colonies as we lead up the Revolutions (we’re continuing our study of Native Americans, as well).

Next week, we’re looking at colonial culture.  Look for that post next Friday!

(Again, this isn’t a comprehensive list of our resources… just some of the extra reading we enjoyed.)

Maggie’s Choice, Norma Jean Lutz  (Historical Fiction, Grades 4-6)

Maggie’s Choice is set in Boston during 1744 and 1745 during the Great Awakening.  Maggie, who comes from a modest and hard-working family, is caught up into the upper-class life of sloth, folly … and slaves.  As she spends time with her new friends, she must decide for herself how she will live her life.  The book addresses many character issues, slavery, and the impact of the Great Awakening.  I love the fact that this series consistently enforces godly character.

This is book #8 in The American Adventure series – 48 consecutive books from Barbour.  Though the series is out of print, it was produced in the late 1990′s, and there are still lots of copies floating around.  I got most of mine in a large lot on eBay.  When I’m looking for a series, that’s my favorite way to buy, as it really lowers the cost of shipping (per book).

I Am Regina, Sally M. Keene (Historical Fiction, Grades 7-9)

This book is extremely well-written.  I Am Regina is based on the true story of a young woman stolen from her family (along with her sister) in 1755 when her father and older brother are murdered and scalped by Native Americans.  The novel addresses many issues, such as the tension and resentment between Native American tribes and European settlers, Native American culture, the relationship between the French and the English, and “White Indians”.  This book was certainly written for an older child.  As I read aloud to my boys, we skipped much of Chapter 14 which told the story of Regina being beaten and nearly raped.  I simply explained that she had  been beaten by her captor.

I Am Regina was heart-rending.  At times, I felt for the Native Americans; at other moments, my heart broke for the families seeking peace and a better life.  I appreciated the fact that Sally M. Keehn did not take sides.  She simply told the story – allowing the reader to feel with Regina the painful confusion that accompanied her situation.

Hearts and Hands: Volume 4: Chronicles of the Awakening Church, Mindy and Brandon Withrow (Church History, Grades 3-8)

See more about the History Lives series (published by Christian Focus Publications) in Church History Worth Selling Your Silverware For. I couldn’t imagine not including this excellent book in our studies of the 18th and 19th centuries, so I am reading it aloud as we go.

This week we read a fictionalized biographical sketch called “Jonathan Edwards: An Inward Sweet Sense”.  The sketch covers Edwards’ conversion, his early relationship with his wife Sarah, his Resolutions, and the beginning of his preaching career.

We also read “Johann Sebastian Bach: Soli Deo Gloria” another biographical sketch.  The story centered around Bach’s later home and work life, as well as his devotion to giving the Lord the best of his work, and teaching his students to do the same.

James and 1 Peter (The Bible!)

We had some great discussions about the tongue, and about deeds.  Our deeds are not the cause of our salvation; they are the fruit of our salvation.  It’s wonderful to see the boys grow in their understanding of Scripture.

What did your family read last week?

~ Danika Cooley

Danika Cooley is a freelance children’s writer with a love for God’s Word, history, wisdom and small people. Her work has appeared in magazines including Focus on the Family’s Clubhouse and Clubhouse Jr., Pockets, Devozine, Keys for Kids, and Cobblestone Group’s FACES and Odyssey and in Chicken Soup for the Soul: The Magic of Mothers and Daughters.