1919 The Year That Changed America
What’s inside...
In 1919, the United States grappled with significant challenges that shaped its future. The Great Migration, the suffrage movement's fight for women's voting rights, and the flu pandemic marked this year. Martin W. Sandler's '1919 The Year That Changed America' delves into these events, highlighting the struggles and triumphs of the era, earning the 2019 National Book Award. The book also explores long-standing social issues still relevant today, such as racism, labor rights, and prohibition, illustrating how progress is not always linear and offering a unique perspective on history and ongoing change.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
10-14
Length
192 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
How do you think the events of 1919 still impact us today?
Which event from 1919 surprised you the most and why?
If you were living in 1919, which event would you have wanted to witness or change?
What similarities and differences do you see between the issues in 1919 and those in our current time?
How do you think the actions of individuals in 1919 shaped the future?
Tip: Role play these questions
Start by asking your child what they know about the year 1919 before reading the book, to establish a baseline and build curiosity.
Encourage your child to think critically about how history is connected by discussing the long-term effects of the events covered.
Invite your child to express which historical events they feel are most significant and explore the reasons behind their choices.
Relate the historical events to your child’s experiences or current events to make the discussion more relevant and engaging.
After discussing a question, share your perspective as well, to model thoughtful engagement and deepen the conversation.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Importance of understanding historical context
Explanation: The book details pivotal events from the year 1919, explaining their significance and the lasting impact they had on American society.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by approaching historical events in school with a curiosity about how and why they shaped modern society, fostering a deeper understanding of history.
Example Lesson: Resilience in the face of adversity
Explanation: The book recounts how Americans navigated numerous challenges during 1919, including political and social upheavals.
Real-World Application: This lesson can help children understand the value of perseverance and resilience in overcoming personal challenges or setbacks in their own lives.
Example Lesson: Impact of civic engagement
Explanation: 1919 was a year marked by significant activism, which played a crucial role in driving change. The book explores various movements and their roles in shaping policy and public opinion.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to voice their opinions and engage in community activities, understanding that their actions have the power to influence change in their surroundings.
Example Lesson: Critical thinking about media and propaganda
Explanation: The book highlights the influence of media and propaganda in 1919, helping readers understand the importance of critically evaluating information.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to question and analyze the information they receive from various sources, improving their media literacy skills.
Example Lesson: Value of equality and justice
Explanation: Through discussions of events related to racial and gender equality in 1919, the book instills a sense of justice and the ongoing fight for equal rights.
Real-World Application: This lesson can inspire children to uphold the values of equality and fairness in their daily interactions and understand the importance of treating everyone with respect and dignity.