HISTORY BOOKS FOR MAEVE

By Peggy Thomas

Happy 4^th of July!

As I watch the fireflies light the sky (I hate noisy fireworks), I will be thinking about this wonderful community of nonfiction writers. You give me hope that kids like my 3 ½ -year-old granddaughter Maeve will always have true United States history stories that make them inspired, curious and questioning. I want Maeve to feel connected to the past and to appreciate how people from all walks of life have created the world she now inhabits.

Until this year, my only history books were biographies of dead white guys. But then I learned about journalist Alice A. Dunnigan. Writing Toward Justice is about how Alice became the first woman of color admitted to the White House, Capitol and Supreme Court press corps. She repeatedly questioned Truman and his policies for Black Americans, and she never backed down when Eisenhower shut her out of press conferences (two traits Maeve has already mastered).

Two more books are going on Maeve’s bookshelf. Both tell US history stories, and both are by my fellow Ninja Nancy Churnin. A Teddy Bear for Emily—And President Roosevelt, Too is about the creation of the first Teddy bear.  But it becomes much more because Nancy has told the story from the perspective of a young Jewish girl learning about her parent’s immigration to the United States.  Maeve may not understand how immigrants create US history, but she will definitely absorb the many acts of kindness and gratitude that connected Emily’s family with the president. 

The other book is Rainbow Allies. It is the true story of kids not much older than Maeve who right an injustice in their neighborhood.  Maeve will connect the pride flags in the story to the one hanging outside Nana and Papa’s house. She’ll question why anyone would want to frighten Cari and Lauri who will remind her of her aunts. And she will know that even kids have the power to make history.

So, on behalf of Maeve and kids all over the US, keep writing history books! 

There is plenty of material—250 years’ worth. And the beauty of history is that it is always growing! Find the stories that resonate with you. What do you want your kids and grandkids to know about?  Which stories will make them curious?  Question the status quo?  Or inspire them to action?  Then write!

Dead white guy history: 

Other US History Stories by Nancy Churnin: