New York

Bibliography

Unit 1: New York and Its First People

• New York (Rookie Read-About Geography) by Sarah De Capua. This factual book describes the geography and animals of New York. It serves as an excellent introduction to information about New York. 2003. [Easy]
• Woodland Indians (Native Peoples of the Americans) by Elaine Cleary. Illustrated with pencil art, this hands-on book explores the rich culture of native groups in the northeastern United States. It also includes cross-curricular descriptions and activities related to Woodland Indians. 1995. [Average]
• The New York Public Library Amazing Native American History: A Book of Answers for Kids by Liz Sonneborn. A comprehensive study of native cultures grouped by region, this book also describes the Native American presence in the modern era. Frequently asked questions about native cultures are also addressed. It features black and white photos. 1999. [Challenging]

Unit 2: Two Cultures Meet

• Where Do You Think You're Going, Christopher Columbus? by Jean fritz. This entertaining and light-hearted book discusses the voyages of the explorer in the Americas. The author also depicts the personality and demeanor of Columbus. 1997. [Easy]
• The Matchlock Gun by Walter D. Edmonds. Based on a true story, this fictional book tells how ten-year-old Edmund tries to protect his family from the French and the Indians in 1756 New York. Winner of the John Newbery Medal. 1998. [Average]
• Samuel de Champlain (Watts Library Exploration) by Liz Sonneborn. This book chronicles the explorer's new land claims for France. Details include a biography on the explorer in addition to some of his quotations. 2002. [Challenging]

Unit 3: A Time of Change

• American Revolution: A Companion to the Revolutionary War by Mary Pope Osborne and Natalie Pope Boyce. Common questions about the American Revolution are answered in this nonfiction book about the war. An excellent book to use as a reference when writing a report. 2004. [Easy]
• A History of Us: From Colonies to Country by Joy Hakim. Lively and realistic, this book is a well-received documentation of the American Revolution. Winner of the Parents' Choice Silver Honor Award. 1993. [Average]
• Eyewitness: American Revolution by Stuart Murray. This book delves into the details and little known information about the war. Information includes photos of actual weapons, explanations of spy methods, and the symbolic meaning in songs of freedom. 2005. [Challenging]

Unit 4: The Empire State

• If You Traveled on the Underground Railroad by Ellen Levine, Larry Johnson. Written in a question-and-answer format, this book explains the travels on the Underground Railroad. 1993. [Easy]
• Inventing the Future: A Photobiography of Thomas Alva Edison by Marfe Ferguson Delano, David Edward, Edison Sloane. Read about this inventor's odd work habits and amazing inventions. Includes rare photographs and quotes from Edison. 2002. [Average]
• Causes and Consequences of the Great Depression by Stewart Ross. This book explores how the worldwide depression caused major social and economic changes. It includes captioned, full-color illustrations. 1998. [Challenging]

Unit 5: A Changing New York

• The U.S. Constitution and You by Syl Sobel, Denise Gilgannon. Explains the essential elements of the Constitution in a straightforward way. Includes pen and ink sketches along with informational sidebars. 2001. [Easy]
• A Day in the Life of a Mayor: Featuring New York City Mayor Rudy Giuliani by Liza N. Burby. Describes a typical day in the life of a New York City mayor. Includes descriptions of many of the mayor's typical daily activities. 1999. [Average]
• How the U.S. Government Works by Syl Sobel, Pam Tanzey. Written by one of the directors of the Judicial Center in Washington, D.C., this book clarifies the complexities of government actions. 1999. [Challenging]