American History (up to modern day) Lit Recommendations for a Teacher

[Adrianna Melillo]

I'm a high school English teacher who's doing some summer prep for upcoming my American Literature class. Last year was my first year teaching, and I realized how much I really don't know when it comes to American History.

I just finished Eliza Hamilton (and have listened to Miranda's Hamilton over and over again), am currently reading Revolutionary Mothers, and will then move to a short book on the Declaration of Independence. I've also read various other foundational American documents.

I'm looking to move to the Civil War era and beyond once I finish my current list. I would love to hear any and all recommendations!!

[Thea Frederick]

I’ve never read ”Across Five Aprils” but I know someone who read it in an American literature class.

”The five Aprils referred to in the title are the five years during which the Civil War raged, beginning with the firing on Fort Sumter in April 1861 and ending with Confederate General Lee's surrender at Appomattox Court House in April 1865.”

Plus, the school teaching the class is very reputable so I doubt there is any bad content.

Hope this helps!

[Adrianna Melillo]

I’ve never read ”Across Five Aprils” but I know someone who read it in an American literature class.

”The five Aprils referred to in the title are the five years during which the Civil War raged, beginning with the firing on Fort Sumter in April 1861 and ending with Confederate General Lee's surrender at Appomattox Court House in April 1865.”

Plus, the school teaching the class is very reputable so I doubt there is any bad content.

Hope this helps!

I’ll definitely check this out. Thank you!!

[Thea Frederick]

I’ve never read ”Across Five Aprils” but I know someone who read it in an American literature class.

”The five Aprils referred to in the title are the five years during which the Civil War raged, beginning with the firing on Fort Sumter in April 1861 and ending with Confederate General Lee's surrender at Appomattox Court House in April 1865.”

Plus, the school teaching the class is very reputable so I doubt there is any bad content.

Hope this helps!

I’ll definitely check this out. Thank you!!

So glad I could help!

[nurse_kaitlyn]

If your next project is the Civil War, I would absolutely recommend reading about Frederick Douglass's life. There's a few books that cover it, including one by Douglass himself. You'll hear about the worst kinds of slavery as well as the abolition movement in the North. Moving forward, some topics I would focus on include books on presidential administrations, the world wars, the suffrage and civil rights movements, 9/11 and the middle east controversies, and books that examine different impacts of media on the country.

[Adrianna Melillo]

If your next project is the Civil War, I would absolutely recommend reading about Frederick Douglass's life. There's a few books that cover it, including one by Douglass himself. You'll hear about the worst kinds of slavery as well as the abolition movement in the North. Moving forward, some topics I would focus on include books on presidential administrations, the world wars, the suffrage and civil rights movements, 9/11 and the middle east controversies, and books that examine different impacts of media on the country.

I read that one in high school, but I definitely need to revisit it. Thank you for the suggestions!