American History Stories You Never Read in School but Should Have

American History Stories-- You Never Read in School-- But Should Have #1

by Mara L. Pratt

This is the story of the American Revolution as you have never read it before. Volume One is a photo-reproduction of an original history book used in 1889 to teach our children the grandeur of the America vision. It was discovered at a used book sale in a quiet Midwestern Church on the banks of the Mississippi River. These pages contain the stories of countless men, women and children who pledged their lives, liberty and sacred honor to the grand experiment in freedom; a revolution that would change the world forever. This book contains the history that schools leave out. It is unfortunate that many of the stories of patriotism are set aside today for current events and more recent historical interpretations. In the mad rush to offer a little piece of history from each American era, the truly inspirational events of our Founding Fathers are lost.

Genres: History, Nonfiction, American History, Historical, Textbooks, Childrens, Inspirational

150 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1888

About the author

She also wrote books as Mara Louise Pratt and under her married name as Mara Louise Pratt-Chadwick and Mara L. Pratt-Chadwick

Reviews

[Megan · Rating 3 out of 5]

A very brief overview of the Revolutionary War that reads as a piece of history itself. I love that this is an old school textbook from the 1800s. It was incredibly interesting for me, as a history teacher, to view it as one step in the progression of how we tell the stories of our history. How did they present the history of American independence 100 years after the fact as opposed to 200 or 240 years after?

It addresses the school children as an audience and has some super obvious bias, both of which I found quaint and hilarious. Things like, "Foolish people, to suppose the colonists were going to be quieted in that way." And "People who write histories always tell how brave and bold and patriotic the men and boys are; but very seldom do they think it worth while to tell of the brave deeds of the women and girls. Now, I don't think this is fair at all, do you girls?" I love it.

It wasn't the most thrilling page-turner I've ever read or the most compelling history I've picked up, but I'm glad I read it. If anything, for the sake of the social history angle and the heart imbedded in the telling of these lesser known Revolutionary stories. Pratt even mentions it herself. She doesn't want the children to be concerned with all of the dates and details of each battle.

"I shall not try to tell you of the successful raids [General Francis Marion] made, and the successful battles he fought, because battles all sound pretty much alike to little folks, and you might grow tired of hearing of them. If I can tell you some of the stories of those times which will help you to understand the kind of men and women these patriots were, how brave they were, and how much they were willing to suffer for the cause which seemed to them right, I know your teacher will be better satisfied than she would be to hear you repeat like parrots the names and dates of all the battles in our whole history." I agree! And what great little stories they were. Thanks, Mara.

[Jacalyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

My boys and I read this for school as an American History book. Wow was it fun and exciting. We are reading it alongside of History of US. They go together well. We enjoyed the living nature of this book so mcuh that we are going to definitely continue with the series. Once we've caught up in History of US.

This book starts with the early history of the Americas and takes you through the adventures of the French and Indian War. Exciting tales of hardship and adventure!

Perfect for anyone who loves history! History is more than just dry facts and dates and names. Learn the adventure!

[Zinger · Rating 3 out of 5]

These are really great stories that are very simplified. Useful to read to young children or adults who learned nothing in the government schools about history (like myself). My problem with the book is that she made it sound like the early pilgrims had a wonderful happy, cozy, loving home, and that the slaves were mostly content and well treated. I think both groups had a pretty hard-crappy life. Nor do I think the women in both those groups enjoyed doing dishes outside in the winter.

[Mandy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have been reading my kids a selection from this book each day and have learned so much about our country's history! It is written for children (in fact, it was a history book in an 1889 classroom). I wish our children were learning these stories in school now! It's up to us parents to teach them so we don't forget our amazing heritage.

[Jamille Parks · Rating 4 out of 5]

It's sad that some of these stories are not told in the public school system because most of these are incredible and shows true patriotism. The wording though kinda takes down to you, but it was worth the read. I'll share this with my kinds when the time comes.

[Bridget · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Childrens American History book written when patriotism was not just socially acceptable, it was the norm. Exellent read aloud to the family for children 7+ I think.

[Aubrey George · Rating 4 out of 5]

I already knew many of these stories, but in this book they were told in such a way as to ignite patriotism and reverence for those who fought for our country.

[Devonne West · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a collection of short stories taken directly from old elementary history school books. The reader has only to start this book to realize that history was taught much differently back then. Today's history books are a culmination of facts where this book tells stories of heroic people - men and women - who contributed to the fight for independence. I had never even heard of some of the people in this book.

[Kumar K]

Was written in late 1800s, I believe, and with the kids as a primary audience. I didn't listen to much of it, but DNFed the book when it opened with a very small story of the Natives that I found very dated. This opening story told me that the place was empty before Europeans, Native children had "no toys," and that, unlike common perception, they weren't a Utopian wild society. While I don't disagree with the last sentiment, I found this short of a blurb to be disrespectful.

[Wahyu Awaludin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Saya baru mulai membaca kisah2 klasik dari seluruh dunia dan ini menakjubkan. Dimulai dari Yunani Kuno, Romawi Kuno, Persia, India, Mesir, Arab, Jepang, dan seterusnya sampai ke Amerika dan dunia modern awal abad 20. Kisah-kisah ini menarik, merangsang imajinasi, membuat pikiran saya meledak-ledak bergairah, seperti memutar film di kepala. Tidak heran, memang manusia menyukai kisah. Recommended.

[Cristin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great explanation and proceeds through a time line on how several battles ensued through the Revolutionary War. Very understandable and explains why the British thought they could tax the colonists; why the colonists were prepared to pay the tax, and what the British did to brutally threaten the colonists into fighting for independence. George Washington was a great and "gentle"-man.

[Nathaniel · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was good.

[Nicholas Maulucci · Rating 2 out of 5]

2 1/2 stars. Neat little book. Recommended for 4-6 grade patriots.

[Laura The Book Reader · Rating 4 out of 5]

Supplemental history stories of when America began. Excellent old textbook from 1889. Covers the War for Independence.

[Ruthann Wheeler · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this book! Great stories!

[Jenny · Rating 4 out of 5]

Such great stories! I want the other volumes and I want to read them to my girls.

[Joseph Bigler · Rating 5 out of 5]

A truly wonderful book. The way the stories are told is interesting, not boring. The stories come to life.

[Gena Lott · Rating 4 out of 5]

Well written and easy to understand and follow, this is a great volume for kids who love history or who are having a hard time grasping events from school study.

[Joy C · Rating 3 out of 5]

Can find on LibriVox

[Ginger · Rating 4 out of 5]

Both my children and I really enjoyed the historical stories in this work. The Author has chosen to weave historical time line information with interesting and informative stories of real life people and events. I feel like this gives the reader the feeling of being a part of history. It also lets us see the "real" side of history.

While there is more that can be learned about our history that is not included in this book, it is a wonderful starting point for ideas. It allows children to become interested in history and all it has to offer. We have really enjoyed reading this book and are already into volume 2.

[Doug Cannon · Rating 4 out of 5]

These are very wonderful and inspiring stories. I loved reading them. In fact, I loved them so much, I searched and found an 1889 copy of Mara Pratts book and purchased it (I now have vol 1, 2 and 3 in 1889 and 1890 editions).

These stories are very short. I placed this book by my bed and I would read 1 or 2 stories each night.

[Amy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Geared toward the young reader of the 1800s. I am sure the sense of pride in America would come back if everyone knew the depth of love and loss of life of our country's first Patriots. These forgotten stories are for all ages!

[Karen · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this book. It's filled with little vignettes from U.S. history. It tells the stories (some famous and some less known) in an authentic way, as though your friend is telling the story. Very interesting.

[Kinga · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am almost done with this book in my homeschool. It is amazing what our founding father and mothers went through to bring freedom to our country. A must read!!! it is a textbook from 1889. Amazing stories!

[Chris · Rating 3 out of 5]

Fun collection of short stories that describe the early explores up to the Revolutionary War. Written almost 200 years ago, the style is a bit old-fashioned, not exactly politically correct by today's standards. Still the stories are fun and provide a good survey of early American history.

[Jennifer · Rating 5 out of 5]

These are some of the best early American History Stories for children. I love the old fashioned tone and values in the stories. Isabel is really enjoying these and so am I. We have read a lot of them today, the 4th of July.

Finished it a few weeks after. So inspiring. Need the next volume.

[Sally · Rating 4 out of 5]

I own this one, but you can read it online here.

[Jeniann · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a great little book with short stories about the founding fathers and the Revolutionary War, most of which I had never heard before and were quite touching.

[Katherine · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a great book. It is a copy of an American History textbook from 1889 and has great stories that are rarely discussed today. I loved it.

[Jorgina · Rating 3 out of 5]

Inspiring to be as brave and patriotic.