ReVisioning History for Young People Series
After reading hundreds of reviews of history programs and testing many with my own students, "ReVisioning History for Young People" series stands out as one of the most inclusive and engaging options available for middle-grade and young adult readers. Developed by a team of esteemed scholars, this series was crafted with the aim of breathing new life into the stories of marginalized communities that are often overlooked in mainstream history education. Each book within the series is meticulously researched, offering readers a tapestry of historical narratives that are both educational and compelling. Rather than presenting a mere chronological recount of events, "ReVisioning History" encourages critical thinking and empathy, providing a deeper understanding of how diverse experiences shape our nation. While the series is a powerful tool for fostering a comprehensive grasp of American history, it's particularly resonant for students who enjoy interactive learning and those from diverse backgrounds. While it offers exceptional content, the series might require supplementary materials to ensure younger readers grasp the more complex topics fully. Most educators and parents find the series a transformative addition to their educational resources, with the print versions often preferred for their tactile learning benefits. The series is priced accessibly, with options to buy individual books or the full series.
Grades: The "ReVisioning History for Young People" series is aimed primarily at middle-grade and young adult readers. Typically, this would cover students in grades 6 through 12, providing age-appropriate content that delves into complex historical themes with an accessible approach designed to engage older children and teenagers.
Cost: Books range in price from $10.69 to $16.95
The in-depth review
I recommend the "ReVisioning History for Young People" series for teaching US history due to its inclusive and comprehensive presentation of America's past. The series broadens the scope of traditional historical narratives by focusing on the stories of those often overlooked. This approach not only enriches students' understanding of history but also promotes critical thinking and empathy by presenting a more complex view of the historical forces that have shaped the United States.
About ReVisioning History for Young People
The "ReVisioning History for Young People" series is a collection of history books that redefine American history by highlighting the experiences and contributions of marginalized groups. These books are adaptations of detailed adult nonfiction works, carefully reimagined to be accessible and engaging for younger audiences, including middle-grade and young adult readers. Created by education experts and notable scholars, the series ensures both academic rigor and readability.
Why I recommend ReVisioning History for Young People for US History
The series is particularly suitable for middle-grade and young adult readers who are ready to engage with historical content that examines deeper social issues. It is also an excellent resource for educators and homeschool parents who wish to provide a more nuanced history education that includes the perspectives of diverse populations. Additionally, it caters to young readers with an interest in social justice, offering them a historical foundation to better understand contemporary issues.
Who ReVisioning History for Young People is for
To use the "ReVisioning History for Young People" series effectively in teaching US history, educators can integrate these books alongside traditional history textbooks to provide a more rounded perspective. They can utilize the discussion topics and further reading suggestions included in each book to spark conversations and deeper inquiry into the subjects covered. This approach encourages students to critically analyze different historical viewpoints and understand the broader context of U.S. history, enhancing their educational experience by connecting past events with present-day implications.
How ReVisioning History for Young People works
To use the "ReVisioning History for Young People" series effectively in teaching US history, educators can integrate these books alongside traditional history textbooks to provide a more rounded perspective. They can utilize the discussion topics and further reading suggestions included in each book to spark conversations and deeper inquiry into the subjects covered. This approach encourages students to critically analyze different historical viewpoints and understand the broader context of U.S. history, enhancing their educational experience by connecting past events with present-day implications.
What ReVisioning History for Young People covers
The series covers a range of topics crucial for understanding America's diverse history. This includes the histories of Indigenous peoples, the LGBTQ+ community's contributions and struggles, and the comprehensive life and activism of figures such as Rosa Parks. Each book takes a detailed look at these topics through the lens of those who lived through them, providing a richer, more inclusive narrative than is typically found in conventional history texts.
"A Queer History of the United States for Young People" by Michael Bronski:
Explores over 400 years of LGBTQ history in the United States.
Discusses the contributions of LGBTQ individuals to the nation’s identity and culture.
Includes narratives, letters, drawings, and poems to highlight significant LGBTQ figures and events.
Addresses themes of queer leadership, activism, and the historical context of LGBTQ rights movements.
"An Indigenous Peoples' History of the United States for Young People" by Roxanne Dunbar-Ortiz, adapted by Debbie Reese and Jean Mendoza:
Provides a history of Indigenous peoples in the United States, emphasizing resistance and resilience against European colonization and U.S. imperialism.
Discusses policies of genocide and the roles of settler colonialism in shaping American identity.
Adapted to be accessible for younger audiences, including discussion topics and archival images.
"The Rebellious Life of Mrs. Rosa Parks" adapted by Jeanne Theoharis and Brandy Colbert:
Focuses on the life and activism of Rosa Parks, extending beyond the well-known bus boycott to her 60 years of activism.
Discusses her role in the Civil Rights and Black Power movements and her activism in both the North and South of the United States.
Shatters myths about Parks being merely a tired seamstress, presenting her as a lifelong radical activist.
Each book is carefully crafted to make complex historical themes accessible and engaging for young readers, ensuring that they understand the depth and breadth of the contributions made by these often overlooked communities to American history.
Updates and Additions
The adult series has 8 books, and it appears that they’re working on creating young people versions for each one. The publisher announced that they’ll be releasing their new book on Asian American History in April 2024. I, for one, can not wait to read it!
Benefits and Drawbacks of ReVisioning History for Young People
What Parents Like about ReVisioning History for Young People
Unique Perspective: The series offers fresh perspectives on American history, focusing on the viewpoints of marginalized communities. This enriches readers' understanding and encourages critical thinking about history.
Engagement and Accessibility: The books are adapted by education experts to be accessible and engaging for middle-grade and young adult readers, making complex historical topics understandable and relatable.
Support for Diverse Identities: The books address the history and contributions of diverse groups, including Indigenous peoples and LGBTQ individuals, providing a more inclusive historical narrative.
Comprehensive Content: The series includes discussion topics, archival images, and recommendations for further reading, enhancing its educational utility.
Positive Reviews: The series has received positive feedback for its informative content and ability to inspire and inform young readers, with specific accolades from educators and critical acclaim from notable reviewers.
What parents dislike
Lack of complexity and Depth: Some reviews mention that while the books are informative, they may not dive deeply into all potential topics due to their introductory nature, which might limit their usefulness for more advanced readers.
Controversial Topics: The series does not shy away from controversial topics, which, while educational, might require careful handling by educators or parents when discussing with younger readers.
Bias Concerns: There are mentions in reviews of potential biases in how historical events and figures are portrayed, which could influence readers' perceptions if not balanced with other sources
Special Needs
Reading Disabilities (such as Dyslexia):
Why It’s a Good Fit: The series uses clear, accessible language and includes engaging narratives that can help maintain the interest of students who struggle with text-heavy or complex academic language.
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD):
Why It’s a Good Fit: The engaging stories and vivid archival images can capture and hold the attention of students with ADHD, who might find traditional textbooks less engaging.
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD):
Why It’s a Good Fit: The structured discussion topics and activities included in the books can provide the predictable and detailed instructions that help students on the autism spectrum engage with the material in a focused manner.
Cognitive Delays:
Why It’s a Good Fit: The simplified and adapted texts make complex historical themes more understandable for students with cognitive delays, presenting information in a way that is easier to digest.
Visual Processing Disorders:
Why It’s a Good Fit: The use of images and visual aids alongside the text can help students with visual processing disorders better understand and retain the historical content.
Auditory Processing Disorders:
Why It’s a Good Fit: Although the series is primarily text-based, the clear and straightforward narrative style can be beneficial for those who struggle with auditory processing if read aloud, making it easier to follow and understand the historical narratives.
Tips from Parents on how to get the most out of ReVisioning History for Young People
Parents who have found the series beneficial recommend:
Engaging children in discussions about each chapter to enhance comprehension and critical thinking.
Pairing book reading with visits to relevant historical sites or museums to bring the history to life.
Encouraging children to undertake projects or presentations based on topics covered in the series to foster deeper connections with the material.
Utilizing the series as part of a diverse reading list that includes multiple perspectives to provide a rounded understanding of history.
This approach not only makes learning history more engaging but also ensures that children appreciate the multiplicity of narratives that make up the fabric of U.S. history.
Select Reviews from Parents and Teachers
“This book is an excellent resource for teens, and genuinely, a great read for all. The ReVisioning series will be important in the future, as more and more books are getting banned. Teens will need sources to turn to, in order to see themselves in the history of the United States. Books like this will be super valuable to making sure the true history is able to be told."
"All children deserve a mirror, to be able to see themselves reflected in the books available to them to read in their classrooms and their communities. All children should also have access to diverse books to expose them to people and experiences, to walk a mile in someone else’s shoes. This book allows for both. It’s presented in a straightforward way that explains terminology to young people who may be unfamiliar with the vocabulary."
“The Rebellious Life of Mrs. Rosa Parks - YRE was brilliantly done. Theoharis did a masterful job of presenting the life story and works of this Civil Rights icon. I loved how she revealed Parks as a lioness who roared through her activism. She showed readers that there was more to Rosa's story than what is typically portrayed in the annals of history."
"The Rebellious Life of Mrs. Rosa Parks offers young readers a detailed exploration of an iconic freedom fighter. In clear and moving prose, Theoharis and Colbert reintroduce a woman who spent the majority of her life fighting on behalf of Black people and women. Young readers will learn that while Rosa Parks is most widely known for her courage connected to the Montgomery bus boycott, her story really represents a lifetime of fierce commitment to social justice." —Martha S. Jones, author of Vanguard: How Black Women Broke Barriers, Won the Vote, and Insisted on Equality for All.
History Teacher Review:
"Assign this book in the high school curriculum. Organize a Black Lives Matter teen book club to discuss this book. Give this book as a gift to the young person in your life. Now, perhaps more than ever, we need the real story of Rosa Parks." —Melissa Harris-Perr
Why Trust Me
With over 20 years of experience teaching in diverse settings. I bring a seasoned perspective to educational content review. My academic background in American Studies and hands-on teaching experience across 18 different subjects, including history, equip me with the insights necessary to evaluate educational materials effectively. My career has been dedicated to adapting teaching methods to a wide variety of learning archetypes, ensuring that I understand the nuances of educational needs across different cultural and learning backgrounds.
How I vetted
In my assessment of the "ReVisioning History for Young People" series, I undertook a comprehensive review process. I delved into hundreds of online reviews spanning various US history and social studies programs and scrutinized numerous user and academic reviews specifically about this series. Additionally, I consulted with historians who are also homeschooling their children to get a balanced view from both professional and parental perspectives. This thorough vetting process was aimed at ensuring that my recommendations are well-founded and reliable.
What I Looked For and How ReVisioning History for Young People Stacks Up
Secular: The series is secular, presenting history without any religious bias, making it suitable for a wide range of educational environments.
Accurate: Authored by experts and scholars, the books are rigorously researched, providing reliable and detailed accounts of historical events and figures.
Decolonized: It prioritizes narratives from the perspectives of marginalized communities, challenging traditional Eurocentric viewpoints and presenting a more balanced view of history.
Inclusive: The series explicitly includes diverse voices and experiences, especially those of Indigenous peoples, LGBTQ+ communities, and African Americans, ensuring a broad representation of historical narratives.
Anti-racist: By focusing on the histories and contributions of marginalized groups and addressing systemic racism openly, the series actively supports anti-racist education.
Mastery-based: The "ReVisioning History for Young People" series, while not inherently structured for mastery-based learning, provides comprehensive content and discussion topics that can support this educational approach if integrated appropriately.
Fun and Engaging for Kids: With its narrative approach, the series is intended to be engaging for young readers, using stories and biographies that make historical figures and events come alive.
Who is it an ideal fit for?
The "ReVisioning History for Young People" series is an ideal fit for middle-grade and high school students who love to read, and are ready to engage with a deeper, more nuanced understanding of American history. It's particularly well-suited for educators and parents who wish to provide a curriculum that includes diverse perspectives and promotes critical thinking about historical narratives. This series is especially valuable for students interested in social justice, as it highlights the contributions and struggles of marginalized communities throughout U.S. history. It's also a great resource for libraries and educational institutions looking to diversify their collections and offer comprehensive, inclusive educational materials.
Who is it not a fit for?'
While the "ReVisioning History for Young People" series is a valuable educational tool, it may not serve as a standalone curriculum for U.S. history. It is better utilized as a supplementary resource that complements a more traditional history curriculum. This series might not be the best fit for settings where a basic, broad-strokes approach to U.S. history is required, or where there is limited time to cover multiple perspectives beyond the standard curriculum.
Alternatives and supplements to ReVisioning History for Young People
The "ReVisioning History for Young People" series, while educational and comprehensive, may not suit every type of learner or educational need. Here are some types of learners for whom this series might not be a fit, along with alternative curricula that may better meet their needs:
Mature Middle Schoolers and High School Studies
Alternative: Revisioning History Series
The original series for adults is more extensive with eight books covering the history of Asian Americans, Black Women, Indigenous , Afro-indigenous, African American and LatinX, Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender people’s history and history of people with disabilities.
Younger Children & Those Needing a Less Intense Curriculum:
Alternative: River of Voices
Why: This curriculum is designed specifically for younger audiences and provides a gentler introduction to historical concepts without the depth or intensity that might be found in the "ReVisioning History" series.
Students Requiring a Broad, Inclusive World History Curriculum:
Alternative: Curiosity Chronicles
Why: It offers a comprehensive overview of world history from multiple perspectives and is secular, making it suitable for a broad range of educational settings.
Learners Needing a Complete Curriculum:
Alternative: Woke Homeschooling
Why: Provides a full curriculum that includes history as well as other subjects, offering a holistic educational approach that may be preferable for comprehensive home education settings.
Visual Learners Who Prefer Video Content:
For Younger Kids: Liberty’s Kids
For Older Kids: Crash Course
Why: These video-based educational resources cater to students who learn better through visual and auditory means, providing engaging animations and detailed explanations that may be more accessible than text-based materials.
Students Needing a Free Complete Social Studies Curriculum:
For U.S. Social Studies: Zinn Education Project
For Global Social Studies: Digital Inquiry Group
Why: These resources offer comprehensive, free educational content that can be a great fit for budget-conscious educational environments, providing detailed and inclusive approaches to studying social studies.
Value for the Money
Considering the depth and uniqueness of the perspectives offered, the "ReVisioning History for Young People" series represents a valuable investment in a student’s educational journey. It enriches the learning experience by providing deeper insights and fostering a greater understanding of the diverse narratives that constitute American history. For those looking to expand beyond traditional textbooks and integrate more comprehensive, inclusive content, this series is certainly worth the money.
Ways to Get ReVisioning History for Young People
The series can be purchased from major online retailers, bookstores, and directly from the publisher’s website. Libraries may also offer access to these books, providing a cost-effective way to explore the series. Educators and institutions might consider purchasing in bulk or seeking educational discounts often provided by publishers for classroom use.
Affilate Disclaimer
Please note that while I provide unbiased reviews based on thorough research and personal expertise, I may earn a commission on purchases made through links from my site. This helps support my work in bringing you valuable educational content.
Sources and Further Reading
ReVisioning History for Young People Series
ReVisioning History for Young People (3 book series)
A Queer History of the United States for Young People (ReVisioning History for Young People)
History Remixed: How Young Adult Authors Are Revisioning History | School Library Journal
More US History Resources to Explore
Explore Curiosity Chronicles, the innovative secular history curriculum loved by homeschoolers. Founded by a homeschool mom, our top pick for history offers highly engaging learning experiences for kids within an inclusive curriculum.