Pearl

Children can have a hard time thinking of history in personal terms.  It happened so long ago, to strangers – it’s hard to imagine they are real people.

That’s why I like Pearl by Debby Atwell so much.  Pearl traces the history of America from it’s roots to the 1960’s through the story of one family.  At first, I thought it was rather far-fetched, but in the back of the book, Atwell includes a timeline of Pearl’s life with some comparison to American history.

Pearl is born in the beginning of the Civil War, and remembers many notable events that happened in her lifetime and to her children.  Because it’s told from Pearl’s perspective, history becomes very personal and accessible – especially to young children.

Highly recommended for ages 3 – 10.