Back when I was in school, my history book — throughout all four years — was on the verge of falling apart. While I was lucky enough to have enthusiastic teachers who helped make the process of learning a little easier and more fun, I didn't realize that I was at a disadvantage at the time.
The truth about history is that sometimes straight facts get lost in the mix. We do the best we can to keep factual records concerning what happened both politically and geographically back in the day, but those stories can be biased or missing details.
A prime example of this is how we were most likely taught about Christopher Columbus. All children learn that in 1492, Columbus sailed "the ocean blue." He had three ships and happened to discover the Americas — well, sort of. There were people already there, and they greeted Columbus with kindness. Columbus noted that he could very easily turn them into servants. "They have no iron," he wrote in his journal, per History . "They would make fine servants. With fifty men we could subjugate them all and make them do whatever we want."
That part, obviously, was left out of our education. And it gets worse from there.
Aside from Columbus, plenty of achievements from Black individuals also seem to get swept under the rug. It's 2020, and we need to teach our kids better. So here are eight great titles to add to your home library, assuring that your kids get the well-rounded education they deserve.
'Home of the Brave: An American History Book for Kids: 15 Immigrants Who Shaped U.S. History'
It's incredibly important for kids to know that politicians aren't the only people who've shaped the world. Social activists, musicians, artists, and teachers have also contributed. This book, written by Brooke Khan, focuses on some of the most influential Americans who happened to be immigrants.
Shop Now: Home of the Brave: An American History Book for Kids: 15 Immigrants Who Shaped U.S. History ($10.99, Amazon)
'Separate Is Never Equal: Sylvia Mendez and Her Family's Fight for Desegregation'
Sylvia Mendez may not be a household name, but she should be. Her family helped fight for integrated schools and helped change the world. Those with a Prime membership can read this title for free digitally. But it's also available in hardcover.
Shop Now: Separate Is Never Equal: Sylvia Mendez and Her Family's Fight for Desegregation ($14.55, Amazon)
'50 Fearless Women Who Made American History: An American History Book for Kids'
It's hard to believe that it's 2020 and we haven't seen a woman president yet. If you have a daughter, this book by Jenifer Bazzit will prove to her that she's capable of anything.
Shop Now: 50 Fearless Women Who Made American History: An American History Book for Kids ($10.59, Amazon)
'The Story of Barack Obama: A Biography Book for New Readers'
Most children have studied influential presidents like George Washington and Franklin D. Roosevelt in school before. But they likely don't have as much knowledge about recent presidents. It's important for kids to know what's happening currently. They may have been around while Barack Obama was president, but they may not know why he was such an important figure for our time. This book, geared toward younger children, will help.
Shop Now: The Story of Barack Obama ($6.99, Amazon)
'History Year by Year: The History of the World, From the Stone Age to the Digital Age'
This impressive book is mainly geared toward those in grades 4 through 8. For those looking to homeschool this upcoming fall, this book in particular is said to be an excellent resource. Even better, it's from the Smithsonian — so you know it's factually accurate.
Shop Now: History Year by Year: The History of the World, From the Stone Age to the Digital Age ($18.70, Amazon)
'Little Leaders: Bold Women in Black History '
It's nice to pay closer attention to Black leaders in the month of February for Black History Month. But a lot of Black history is also American history and deserves to be read up on year-round. This book by Vashti Harrison highlights the incredible contributions of 40 incredible Black women. Many of them have been omitted from most school history books.
Shop Now: Little Leaders: Bold Women in Black History ($6.33, Amazon)
'Herstory: 50 Women and Girls Who Shook Up the World'
This book by Katherine Halligan is perfect for elementary and middle schoolers. The book details 50 powerful women who changed the course of history and helped improve the world. Some names you've heard of before, but others featured haven't been widely publicized — that is, until now.
Shop Now: Herstory: 50 Women and Girls Who Shook Up the World ($9.99, Amazon)
'Gay & Lesbian History for Kids: The Century-Long Struggle for LGBT Rights'
While children are a lot more comfortable talking about sex now than they were decades ago, it's important for kids to learn about gay rights and why the LGBTQ+ community is so important. This book by Jerome Pohlen covers the Stonewall Riots but also focuses on other important, historical events that helped the community thrive.
Shop Now: Gay & Lesbian History for Kids: The Century-Long Struggle for LGBT Rights ($15.77, Amazon)
Psst: If you choose to purchase an item on this list, LittleThings may receive a small cut. Each item and price is up to date at the time of publication; however, an item may be sold out or the price may be different at a later date.
