Many of these volumes contain 2 or more complete books, with one being aimed at young children and one for  older children. This allows the book to grow with the child.  As they read additional versions of each story, details are layered into their understanding along with providing them with alternate points of view.  When possible, we have included original letters, diary or journal entries which older children and adults will find fascinating.  Within these 12 volumes is an overview of America's history from her early days of discovery to the beginning of the 20th century as told through the lives of the people who lived it. 

                                  
Stories of Great Americans: You'll find something for every age reader in this wonderful collection of stories.  Selections have been drawn from Eggleston’s Stories of Great Americans for Little Americans, Baldwin’s 50 Famous People and Four Great Americans, A Patriotic Reader, and Fowler's Women on the American Frontier. Learn about the courage of Nathan Hale, the tender heart of Lincoln, the bravery of patriot mothers and many others.                       
  
   
                                        
Stories of Christopher Columbus: This volume includes E.S. Brooks’ True Story of Christopher Columbus for younger readers and Edward Everett Hales' The Life of Christopher Columbus, which includes entries from Columbus' diary.  You'll read Columbus' own words which reflect his faith in God as a motivation for all he did. His is a story of rare determination to push forward against staggering opposition. You will come away with a new appreciation and understanding of his contribution to the world.               


Stories of the Pilgrims: We have all heard of the Mayflower Pilgrims, but few of us know the details of their story - how young they were and the challenges they faced before stepping onto the Mayflower; how "looking upward towards heaven" calmed their fears and enabled them to overcome their heartbreaking difficulties, paving the way for others to follow.  Included in this volume are Roland G. Usher's The Story of the Pilgrims for Children, Basil Mathew's Argonauts of Faith and excerpts from William Bradford’s own diary, Of Plimouth Plantation.                                      
 
                                              
Stories of George Washington: As you read these selections, you'll feel a renewed sense of gratitude for the life of this great man.  Included are E.S. Brooks' True Story of George Washington and Parson Weems' The Life of George Washington. Although the over-the-top hero worship by the author can be distracting to our modern ears, this book is packed with pearls of wisdom. This book was one of Lincoln’s favorites, and it’s easy to trace its influence on Lincoln’s life and actions. Although discredited by modern scholars, (a subject open to debate), here is the source of the cherry tree and prayer at Valley Forge stories. A must read.
                                              

The True Story of Lafayette by E.S. Brooks: Upon his death, America vowed "never to forget him."   Have we kept that promise? "If, from these pages, young Americans may learn not only to revere the memory of the noble Frenchman, but to learn lessons of persistence, fidelity, unshaken loyalty to conviction, to truth, to honor, and to manly endeavor, then the story of Lafayette will not have been retold in vain, and Americans may learn anew to honor, respect, and remember him, as not only the friend of America, but the benefactor of his race." (From Brooks' preface)                                              


The Story of the Government, a Century Book by E.S. Brooks, is filled with fascinating details behind many of our government institutions, buildings, and symbols. Changes that have taken place in the hundred years since it was written are noted throughout the text.  Also included is the The Young Citizen, a civics textbook from the early 1900's which teaches the principles of citizenship to young children. They will come to understand the role of government and the critical need for an honest and virtuous people to maintain it. (Edited.)

                                                
Stories of Abraham Lincoln: There are many wonderful books written about this great man. We have selected E.S. Brooks' True Story of Lincoln and James Baldwin's Abraham Lincoln, A True Life.  ". . . the salvation of this great republic will depend upon your unselfish patriotism.  It is with the hope that this book may help to inspire you with such patriotism that I dedicate it to you."  (Baldwin)

                                                

Stories of Ulysses S. Grant and Robert E. Lee: In a war, it's natural to want to identify "the good guys" and "the bad guys." That line of distinction fades as you read of the noble character of these two great generals of the Civil War who fought on opposing sides.  The Story of Ulysses S. Grant, is another in E.S. Brooks' series, Children's Lives of Great Men.  Robert E. Lee's story is told by Mary L. Williamson.  Excerpts from Grant's memoirs and Lee's personal letters and son's recollections are included.

                                                                                               
Stories of the American Frontier: The brave and courageous men and women who tamed and settled our westward frontier, to a large degree, remain nameless.  But our debt of gratitude to them is huge.  We have gathered many of their stories, from Charles Johnston's Famous Scouts, Frances Perry's Four American Pioneers, and Letters From a Woman Homesteader.



Stories of American History by Wilbur F. Gordy: This is a reprint of a wonderful 1915 textbook containing the stories of Patrick Henry, John Paul Jones, Daniel Boone, Sam Houston and others. "It is without doubt a great mistake to allow...pupils to go out from our public schools with almost no knowledge of the moral and material forces which have made this nation what it is to-day...With this conviction, it has been the author’s desire to make the story of the events concrete, dramatic, and lifelike by centering them about leaders, heroes, and other representative men, in such a way as to appeal to the imagination and to influence the ideals of the child." (Taken from the preface.)


American History Stories: by Mara L. Pratt: This is a captivating overview of the history of our nation for children.  Our history is brought to life and is so well written that adults will enjoy it as much as children.  All four volumes are included.  Volume I - Early Exploration to French and Indian War. Volume II - Revolutionary Times. Volume III - Our First President to the Fugitive Slave Law and John Brown. Volume IV - Civil War Times.


Heart Throbs–The Old Scrap Book: In 1905, a popular magazine ran a contest, asking Americans to submit their favorite clipping, story, anecdote or selection–something that had touched their hearts. Heart Throbs is the publication of the winners. As you read through what inspired Americans then and what they valued, you can’t help but wonder what the 2009 version would look like. How different are we? You be the judge. 


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