You're History
#3 in Salem'S Tails Series
illustrations by
on Goodreads (47)
What’s inside...
It all started when Sabrina put a spell on her history book. Salem accidentally jumped into it, and now he keeps popping up in one historic scene after another. Everywhere he goes, he meets famous people like George Washington and Harriet Tubman. And they ALL need his help. The only way Salem will ever get out of the history book is to come up with the answers these famous folks need... and that means remembering what really happened. Salem had better be careful with his advice, or he'll be stuck in history... forever!
Character compass
Wishbone
David Barnes
Samantha Kepler
Joe Talbot
Ellen Talbot
Discussion points
What do you think made each historical figure in 'You're History' special or memorable?
If you could meet any character from the book, who would it be and what would you ask them?
How do you think the world would be different if one of these figures had not made their contribution?
What qualities do the heroes in the book share that helped them make history?
Which historical event from the book would you have liked to witness?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to compare and contrast different characters from the book, discussing their impacts and unique traits.
Relate the historical figures and events to current events or personal experiences to make the discussion more relevant to your child’s life.
Ask your child to imagine themselves in a historical event from the book and describe what role they would play.
Allow your child to express which figures they admired the most and why, fostering a deeper emotional connection to the reading material.
Use the book as a starting point to explore more detailed histories or biographies of the figures they found most intriguing.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Understanding the importance of history
Explanation: The book 'You're History' uses engaging storytelling to highlight historical events and figures, making history accessible and appealing to children.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by showing increased interest in their history classes at school or exploring historical topics that pique their interest.
Example Lesson: Learning from past mistakes
Explanation: Throughout 'You're History', characters encounter historical scenarios that demonstrate the consequences of certain actions, which teaches children the importance of learning from past mistakes.
Real-World Application: This lesson helps children understand the value of reflection and learning from their own mistakes in daily life, such as resolving conflicts with friends or improving on personal tasks.
Example Lesson: The value of curiosity and asking questions
Explanation: The protagonist's journey in the book is driven by curiosity, which leads to a deeper understanding of the past and its impact on the present.
Real-World Application: Encourages children to be inquisitive about the world around them and to seek answers to their questions, whether it’s in academic subjects or personal interests.
Example Lesson: Respecting different perspectives
Explanation: As the characters in 'You're History' explore various eras, they encounter diverse perspectives that help them grow and understand the complexity of human experiences.
Real-World Application: This lesson can be applied in a child's everyday life by promoting empathy and understanding towards people from different backgrounds or with different views, enhancing social interactions and tolerance.
Example Lesson: Impact of individual actions on history
Explanation: The book illustrates how individual choices can influence historical outcomes, emphasizing the impact of personal responsibility.
Real-World Application: Teaches children that their actions have consequences and that they have the power to make positive changes in their community and environment through responsible decisions.