This special book list includes all of the books that have been recommended in the February Explorer magazine, by Belle Ame at Home instructors, and books recommended by the Biblioguides team because they tie in to something specific that was taught.
The Town That Fooled the British: A War of 1812 Story
By: Lisa Papp
Biblioguides Recommendation: New Nation
Reviewed by: Biblioguides
A young boy in 1813 St. Michaels bravely aids his militia father and devises a clever plan that may outsmart the British in this engaging, beautifully illustrated historical tale.
Clear for Action!
By: Stephen W. Meader
Biblioguides Recommendation: New Nation
Reviewed by: Biblioguides
A Maine teen is impressed into the British Navy, survives battles and captivity, and escapes to a remote island in this fast-paced, seafaring adventure set during the War of 1812.
We the People: The Constitution of the United States of America
By: Peter Spier
Biblioguides Recommendatioin: New Nation
Reviewed by: Biblioguides
This story celebrates the Constitution through vibrant illustrations and rich historical detail, honoring its enduring ideals of freedom, equality, and the evolving diversity of the American nation.
The Federalist Papers
By: Alexander Hamilton, James Madison, John Jay
Biblioguides Recommendation: New Nation
Reviewed by: Biblioguides
A collection of powerful essays by Hamilton, Madison, and Jay, The Federalist Papers explains the Constitution’s principles, argues for ratification, and reveals the founders’ vision for a balanced, enduring American government.
Rescuing the Declaration of Independence: How We Almost Lost the Words that Built America
By: Anna Crowley Redding
Biblioguides Recommendation: New Nation
Reviewed by: Biblioguides
When the British march on Washington in 1812, clerk Stephen Pleasonton bravely races to save America’s founding documents in this gripping, true story brought vividly to life.
Light Another Candle: The Story and Meaning of Hanukkah
By: Miriam Chaikin
Biblioguides Recommendation: Jerusalem
Reviewed by: Biblioguides
A lively, informative history of Hanukkah that explains its origins, symbols, and evolving traditions, Light Another Candle explores the holiday’s meaning and global celebrations with clarity, charm, and engaging illustrations.
Nicanor's Gate
By: Eric A. Kimmel
Biblioguides Recommendation: Jerusalem
Reviewed by: Biblioguides
Wealthy merchant Nicanor joyfully crafts a magnificent Temple gate, only to lose it at sea—until a stunning miracle restores hope and reveals the enduring wonder behind his gift.
The Stone Lamp
By: Karen Hesse
Biblioguides Recommendation: Jerusalem
Reviewed by: Biblioguides
Karen Hesse’s eight free-verse voices across centuries reveal children discovering hope and resilience during Hanukkah, as a cherished stone lamp unites them and symbolizes enduring light amid hardship and perseverance.
Lugalbanda: The Boy Who Got Caught Up in a War
By: Kathy Henderson
Biblioguides Recommendation: Babylon
Reviewed by: Biblioguides
This ancient Sumerian tale—considered the oldest written story—follows young Lugalbanda on a mythic, magical journey. Through trials that test his courage, he gains wisdom and helps bring peace to his people amid war and ambition.
Joel of the Hanging Gardens
By: I.G. Edmonds
Biblioguides Recommendation: Babylon
Reviewed by: Biblioguides
Read about the biblical figures Daniel and Nebuchadnezzar during the fall of Babylon, set against the backdrop of the famous Hanging Gardens in this 1966 historical fiction.
The Gilgamesh Trilogy
By: Ludmila Zeman
Biblioguides Recommendation: Babylon
Reviewed by: Biblioguides
A vivid retelling of the ancient epic, the trilogy follows tyrant-king Gilgamesh and wild Enkidu as their unlikely friendship sparks heroic quests, profound transformation, and a timeless search for humanity.
Boy of Babylon
By: Frances Kent Gere
Biblioguides Recommendation: Babylon
Reviewed by: Biblioguides
In this story Frances Kent Gere has drawn a careful, consistent and convincing picture of Rimmani, a 12-year-old boy of ancient Babylon, and his adventures in the reign of King Hammurabi.
Summer Birds: The Butterflies of Maria Merian
By: Margarita Engle
Biblioguides Recommendation: Butterflies
Reviewed by: Biblioguides
Young Maria Merian defies superstition in the Middle Ages, observing caterpillars’ transformation and painting their life cycles, uncovering nature’s truths, and challenging centuries-old beliefs about insects and spontaneous generation.
A Butterfly is Patient
By: Dianna Hutts Aston
Biblioguides Recommendation: Butterflies
Reviewed by: Biblioguides
From delicate blues to majestic birdwings, this beautifully illustrated book introduces children to the fascinating world of butterflies, blending poetic text and stunning visuals to inspire wonder and learning.
Will you sign here, John Hancock?
By: Jean Fritz
Biblioguides Recommendation: New Nation
Reviewed by: Biblioguides
John Hancock refused to pay taxes to the king. To show the king how mad he was, he made his signature on the Declaration of Independence so large that the king did not need his spectacles to read it!
A New Nation: The United States 1783-1815
By: Betsy Maestro
Illustrated by: Giulio Maestro
Biblioguides Recommendation: New Nation
Reviewed by: Biblioguides
History lovers Betsy and Giulio Maestro tell the true story of the first thirty-two years of the United States, from the Treaty of Paris to the War of 1812.
A More Perfect Union
By: Betsy Maestro
Illustrated by: Giulio Maestro
Biblioguides Recommendation: New Nation
Reviewed by: Biblioguides
This easy-to-understand book tells the story of the remarkable document's birth, from the opening of the Constitutional Convention through the adoption of the Bill of Rights four years later. Giulio Maestro's colorful pictures bring this historic gathering in Philadelphia to life.
Abigail Adams: Witness to a Revolution
By: Natalie S. Bober
Biblioguides Recommendation
Reviewed by: Biblioguides
This week we would like to highlight a book that we recommended in the new Belle Ame Explorer magazine—Abigail Adams: Witness to a Revolutionby Natalie S. Bober.
Abigail Adams's letters reveal her independent spirit, humor, and intellect, offering a vivid glimpse into a crucial period in American history.
Miracle at Philadelphia
By: Catherine Drinker Bowen
Biblioguides Recommendation: New Nation
Reviewed by: Biblioguides
The story of the stormy, brilliant session of 1787 in Philadelphia which saw the birth of the Constitution of the United States.
All-of-a-Kind Family
By: Sydney Taylor
Inspiration Station: Holy Land 2 Day 4
Reviewed by: Marlene Peterson
Another book you might enjoy learning about them is a series of books called All-of-a-Kind Family by Sidney Taylor about a Jewish family in New York about a hundred years ago.
A heartwarming tale about a Jewish family living in early 20th-century New York, highlighting the adventures, challenges, and close bonds of five siblings growing up together with love and humor. -Biblioguides
The Golden City: Jerusalem's 3,000 Years
By: Neil Waldman
Biblioguides Recommendation: Israel
Reviewed by: Biblioguides
Hittite Warrios
By: Joanne S. Williamson
Biblioguides Recommendation: Israel
Reviewed by: Biblioguides
During the Battle of the River Kishon, Uriah-Tarhund, a Hittite warrior, must navigate shifting loyalties as he battles for survival in the growing conflict between his people and the Hebrews.
The Chosen
By: Chaim Potok
Biblioguides Recommendation: Israel
Reviewed by: Biblioguides
Set against the backdrop of World War II and the creation of the state of Israel, The Chosen follows two 15-year-old Jewish boys and is a poignant novel of transformation and tradition, growing up and growing wise, and finding yourself.
The Gates of Zion Series
By: Bodie Thoene
Biblioguides Recommendation: Israel
Reviewed by: Biblioguides
This series covers the events surrounding Israel's statehood in 1948 and the struggle of the Jewish people after the Holocaust.
The Bronze Bow
By: Elizabeth George Speare
Biblioguides Recommendation: Israel
Reviewed by: Biblioguides
After Daniel bar Jamin's father is crucified by the Roman Empire, Daniel wants nothing more than to rid his land, Israel, of Roman control once and for all. Yet when David meets Jesus of Nazareth, a traveling carpenter with a gentle message of love and forgiveness, David starts to realize that the hate festering in his heart might be his true enemy after all.
Behold Your Queen!
By: Gladys Malvern
Biblioguides Recommendation: Persia
Reviewed by: Biblioguides
The story of Esther comes to life in ancient Persia, blending love, courage, and court intrigue as the young queen navigates danger and triumph with grace and bravery.
My Grandma and Me
By: Mina Javaherbin
Biblioguides Recommendation: Persia
Reviewed by: Biblioguides
A heartwarming story of a young girl in Iran and her relationship with her grandmother.
Make Noise, Make Merry: The story and meaning of Purim
By: Miriam Chaikin
Biblioguides Recommendation: Persia
Reviewed by: Biblioguides
This retelling of Queen Esther's story blends fiction with biblical events to reconstruct details of the period that have been lost in time.
The Lion in the Gateway
By: Mary Renault
Biblioguides Recommendation: Persia
Reviewed by: Biblioguides
The Greek victory over the Persian Empire at Marathon and Salamis is revealed as a pivotal moment in history, shaping the future of liberty and thought, and showing how the Greeks triumphed against overwhelming odds.
The First Book of Bugs
By: Margaret Williamson
Biblioguides Recommendation: Insects
Reviewed by: Biblioguides
A great introduction to the world of the tiny insects we often overlook, this book is perfect for kids who enjoy exploring! Learn about ants, bees, butterflies, crickets, moths, beetles, wasps, spiders and many others in this comprehensive guide for people of all ages.
