Where on the timeline is “Colonial Life in America?” It’s from the earliest British colonies in America (Jamestown in 1607) until the end of the Revolutionary War in 1783. These are the books that we read for a glimpse into colonial life.
The subheading of this book is “and The Story of the Man Who Built the First Free Black Settlement in Colonial America.” This is a fascinating account with many historical documents, paintings, and photographs. I agree with the age 8 to 12 recommendation for length.
“In 1724, Francisco Menendez escaped from a plantation in the colony of South Carolina and, with a small group of men, headed south to Florida, at the time a Spanish colony, to the town of St. Augustine. There he was granted his freedom. He soon became a member of the Black militia and helped defend the area from English invaders. In 1738, Menendez helped found the first legally sanctioned free Black community in America. It was called Fort Mose, and it lay just north of St. Augustine.”
“There were thirty-eight households of men, women, and children living together at Fort Mose, creating a frontier community that drew on a range of African backgrounds and blended them with the local Spanish, Native American, and English peoples and cultures. Fort Mose became a southern destination for travelers of the Underground Railroad many years before the birth of its legendary “conductor,” Harriet Tubman.” (from the publisher)
This long picture book shed much light on the French and Indian War (1754-1763) that occurred in America. It is really important to understand this war as the precursor to the American Revolution. The book covers a larger period from 1689 to 1763. It does a good job covering the indigenous tribes during this time period. Split this into multiple read-alouds, as it is quite wordy.
“As early as 1630, Spain, France, England, and the Netherlands had settlements or colonies in North America. Always looking for ways to expand their territory, these European nations were constantly at war with one another over trade, borders, and religious differences. Beginning in 1689, their conflicts in Europe spread across the Atlantic to America. Over the next seventy years, competing European powers would battle for control of the New World. The winner would take the prize — all of North America.” (from the publisher)
Colonial Times from A to Z, by Bobbie Kalman
“Delightful text and colorful illustrations highlight colonial life from clothing accessories to the various trades performed in the 18th century. Activities such as matching illustrated shop signs to their trades is a fun way to learn. Readers will learn about: – apothecaries – education – outbuildings – wigmakers, and more!” (from the publisher)
I read this one aloud over the span of a few days. This book is a great overview of colonial occupations, dress, and living.
Colonial Voices: Hear them Speak
Beginning with the story of Ethan, the errandboy at the printshop, we are immersed into the world of Boston on December 16, 1773 through free verse. Ethan travels to the various stores around town, bringing his secret message. The reader is introduced to the different trades as well as different perspectives on the political climate of the time. It ends with the secret event: The Boston Tea Party. A map in the front and back covers shows Ethan’s route around town. There are more details about each trade in the endnotes.
“As he stops along his route at the bakery, the schoolhouse, the tavern, and more readers learn about the occupations of colonial workers and their differing opinions about living under Britain’s rule. This fascinating book is like a field trip to a living history village.” (from the publisher)
This book can be split into many short readings because each layout highlights a different topic. We did this as we read through the six books of the American Girl: Felicity series. A few storylines from the Felicity books are mentioned in Felicity’s World. This book was useful for seeing pictures of artifacts and documents, and reading further about the historical background of Williamsburg in 1774.
“Life in an eighteenth-century one-room schoolhouse might be different from today-but like any other pair of siblings, brothers Peter and John Paul get up to plenty of mischief! Readers follow the two as they work with birch-bark paper and hornbooks, play tricks on each other, get in trouble, and celebrate when John Paul learns to read and write.” (from Amazon)
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Books that border on reference
We have really enjoyed flipping through the following Bobbie Kalman books to see photographs and illustrations of colonial life. Some of them are written as a first person account and others are more like reference books.
The Woodworkers, by Bobbie Kalman & Deanna Brady
“In colonial times, everything was made from natural materials such as wood. Tools, furniture, containers, building materials, wheels, and carriages were all crafted by expert artisans such as the cooper, carpenter, wheelwright, and the tradesmen who built houses. In The Woodworkers, children will learn about: – the role of the woodworkers in the colonial community – the many types and uses of items made by each woodworker – tools and other implements used by the woodworkers – how the wood was selected, cut, and prepared – the education and chores of the apprentices” (from the publisher)
The Milliner, by Niki Walker & Bobbie Kalman
“Describes the work of the milliner in colonial America, which included gown making, laundering, and lace making, as well as selling sewing supplies and other goods.” (from the publisher)
A Slave Family, by Bobbie Kalman & Amanda Bishop
“A Slave Family helps bring to life the many struggles slaves faced during the colonial period, while also celebrating the strength found in family ties. Photos and illustrations accompany clear, engaging text that offers a glimpse into the personal relationships and daily activities that were part of slave family life. Children will learn: – what slavery is – how slavery became part of life in the colonies – what daily life was like for a slave family – how they maintained their cultural traditions from Africa – what it was like to be a child slave and whether they received any education – what kind of work was performed by field hands, house servants, and tradespeople – the difficulty of keeping the family together since slaves were often sold – what happened to slaves when they were freed” (from the publisher)
Historic Communities Series
A Child’s Day by Bobbie Kalman
“John and his sister Emily live with their family in an early settler community. After rising at sun-up to do their chores on the farm and in the household, John and Emily’s day begins with a long walk to the one-room school. A Child’s Day also describes: – reading and ciphering – “making their manners” – the different expectations boys and girls had for their future – settler children’s books, toys, and games.” (from the publisher)
Colonial Life, by Bobbie Kalman
“In this newly revised edition of Colonial Life, young readers will meet the hardworking people of a colonial community, learn about the importance of family members, and discover the roles that religion and education played in people’s lives more than two hundred years ago. They will also learn about: how people traveled from place to place; how adults and children; how a plantation was run, and the impact of the slave trade.” (from the publisher)
Colonial Home, by Bobbie Kalman & John Crossingham
“Describes the homes built in the wilderness and towns during the colonial era, discusses the use of various buildings and furnishings, and explains life for colonists, plantation owners, and slaves.” (from the publisher)