Grade 4
Maestro, Betsy and Maestro, Giulio, The Discovery of the Americas: From Prehistory Through the Age of Columbus
(Harper Trophy, 1992 ISBN 0688115128)
A beautiful picture book examines the voyages of discovery from the facts to the suppositions and possibilities.
Fritz, Jean, Where Do You Think You're Going, Christopher Columbus?
Illustrated by Margot Tomes (Putnam, 1980 ISBN 0399207236)
Fritz uses a light touch in her faithful rendering of the facts. Here is one of the most successful, easy reading books about Columbus's voyages and visions.
Sis, Peter, Follow the Dream: The Story of Christopher Columbus
(Dragonfly, 1996 ISBN 0679880887)
Starting with Columbus's childhood dreams, the book summarizes Columbus's life and accomplishments and is illustrated with fascinating maps and pictures.
Hurst, Carol and Rebecca Otis, A Killing in Plymouth Colony
(Houghton, 2003 ISBN 0618275975)
Based on real people living in Plymouth in 1630 and a real murder committed by one of those Pilgrims, the authors have created a story about what might have happened. This is a focus book.
Arenstam, Peter, Mayflower 1620
(National Geographic, 2003 ISBN 0792261429)
Using photographs of the Plymouth Plantation Living Museum, the authors tell the story of the original voyage.
Fritz, Jean, What's the Big Idea, Ben Franklin?
(Paper Star, 1996 ISBN 0698113721)
The fascinating life of one of the best known signers of the Declaration of Independence is told with Fritz's usual blend of humorous foibles and serious accomplishments. The biography concentrates on Franklin's "big ideas": that lightning and electricity are the same and that the United States should he a free and independent nation. The book is easily accessible to young readers and provides insight into the man and his time.
Fritz, Jean, Shhh! We're Writing the Constitution
Illustrated by Tomie dePaola (Paper Star, 1998 ISBN 0698116240)
The trouble didn't end with the Revolution. A document had to be written that would satisfy every representative from every state. As usual, Fritz's text is historically accurate and she includes the human details that let us care. The book includes a copy of the US Constitution.
