American Girl: The Story of America: Discover History with American Girl®
All-American Girl Series
on Goodreads (65)
What’s inside...
Discover history with American Girl®. Step into key moments from America's history with the American Girl BeForever™ characters in American Girl: The Story of America. Travel back in time—from the 1750s to the groovy '70s. Learn about the Nez Perce tribe, life on the wild frontier, and how girls contributed to the war effort during WWII. Fascinating facts are paired with historically accurate items from the American Girl Doll collections to illustrate important eras in American history. Young readers will engage with history as they meet each character and discover her incredible story. © 2016 American Girl. All rights reserved. American Girl and associated trademarks are owned by and used under license from American Girl.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
7-10
Length
64 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What did you find most interesting about the way people lived in America’s history?
How do you think the girls from American Girl stories felt during their historical times?
If you could meet any character from this book, who would it be and what would you ask them?
How have the events and people from America's past shaped the country we live in today?
Which American Girl’s story inspired you the most and why?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to compare their daily life with the lives of the characters in different historical periods covered in the book.
Discuss the challenges faced by the characters and how they overcame them, which can teach resilience and empathy.
Use the book as a springboard to explore more about a particular time period or event in American history together online or at the library.
Create a timeline together that includes major events from the book to help contextualize the stories within American history.
Ask your child to pick their favorite story from the book and then draw a picture or write a short story about what they learned.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Understanding diversity and inclusion
Explanation: The book explores the rich tapestry of American history through various American Girl characters from different backgrounds and time periods.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to appreciate and respect individual differences, fostering a more inclusive attitude in their daily interactions at school and in their communities.
Example Lesson: Importance of resilience and courage
Explanation: Characters in the book often face challenges and adversities, demonstrating bravery and perseverance.
Real-World Application: This can inspire children to tackle their own obstacles with courage, whether it's dealing with a difficult test at school or standing up for what is right.
Example Lesson: Value of learning from history
Explanation: The book connects past events with the present, showing how history shapes our world.
Real-World Application: Kids are encouraged to learn from historical successes and failures, helping them make informed decisions and become thoughtful members of society.
Example Lesson: Civic responsibility
Explanation: The stories highlight the roles individuals have played in shaping the nation, emphasizing civic involvement.
Real-World Application: This can motivate children to participate in community activities and understand the significance of their contributions towards societal development.
Example Lesson: Empathy and understanding
Explanation: By presenting historical events from the perspectives of different characters, the book fosters a deeper understanding of others' feelings and situations.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this empathy in everyday life, improving their relationships and supporting a caring community environment.