American History Stories

Author: Mara Pratt
Publisher: Educational Publishing Company, Boston.
Dates: 1889-1891

Mara Pratt was a prolific author of children's history books in the late 19th century, and her American History Stories series includes many of the most famous anecdotes from the early days of the colonies to the close of the civil war. The books are intended for young readers and tell short stories of interesting characters and events rather than providing civics instruction on constitutional matters.

In addition to introducing important historical characters by way of short vignettes, Pratt also uses songs, poems and art to illustrate her stories. Several chapters consist only of lyrics or verses composed in honor of specific events or characters. Pratt delights in telling interesting stories of not-so-famous people who in some way or another supported American values or advanced the cause of freedom.

American History Stories—Volume I   by Mara L. Pratt
This first of a four volume series written for older grammar school children covers American History from the landing of Columbus through the French and Indian Wars. The voyages of Francis Drake, the landing of the Pilgrims, the founding of New York and Philadelphia, the Salem witchcraft trials, and King Philips's War are some of the other topics covered. The series is nicely illustrated and organized in short, easily read chapters. 62 credits

American History Stories—Volume II   by Mara L. Pratt
This second volume in Pratt's American History Series covers the Revolutionary War in Detail. It tells a variety of short stories about interesting events associated with the Revolution, including the Boston Tea Party, Paul Revere's ride, the Capture of Ticonderoga, the winter at Valley Forge. It also introduces many of the heroes of the revolution including Benjamin Franklin, George Washington, Israel Putnam, Lafayette, and many others. 62 credits

American History Stories—Volume III.   by Mara L. Pratt
The third volume in Pratt's American History Series covers the time from the end of the Revolutionary War to the middle of the 19th century. Topic include the administrations of Washington and Jefferson, the War of 1812 and various Indian Wars, and interesting characters such as Andrew Jackson, Daniel Webster, Zachary Taylor, William Henry Harrison, and John Brown. 62 credits

American History Stories—Volume IV   by Mara L. Pratt
The fourth volume in Pratt's American History Series covers the Civil War from the beginning of Lincoln's first term to his assassination following the Union victory. In addition to military history, such as the battles of New Orleans, Vicksburg and Gettysburg, and Sherman's march to the sea, cultural subjects are discussed. Sketches of the lives of slaves, hymns and folksongs, and civil war era folktales are interspersed with the story of the progress of the war. 76 credits

American History Stories—Volume V   by Mara L. Pratt
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