Real Story: Debunking History

Learning to ask critical questions is an important part of uncovering the truth. This is just one lesson readers will take away from this book, which presents the history of U.S. treaties with Native Americans in a sensitive and enlightening way. From treaties created in colonial times, through the Civil War, and to those that guide relations today, readers will learn the real story behind landmark events in U.S. history, as well as their historical impact and legacy. By being encouraged to consult varied sources and examine concepts through multiple perspectives, readers will learn the importance of determining for oneself the truth in our country's history. This book follows the C3 Framework for Social Studies State Standards of the National Council for the Social Studies.

During the Civil War, scores of people wrote firsthand accounts and stories of the events. Politicians of the time, soldiers, ordinary citizens, and countless others, both Union and Confederate, recorded their thoughts, impressions, and observations. After the war and through the years, many authors wrote down histories and more stories were passed down generation to generation. However, ideas, opinions, and even details of life experiences may change, be exaggerated, or be forgotten over time. In this book, readers will peek into the past and gain insight and perspective into the Civil War. Curious readers will enjoy informed writing, interesting facts, illuminating sidebars, and fascinating photographs that shed light on the real story of the Civil War.

The Founding Fathers are essential to the American narrative. Unfortunately, popular histories have a tendency to gloss over unpleasant truths and harmonize the discordant voices of the past. This book looks beyond powdered wigs and polished portraits to find the human founders of the United States. Multiple and minority perspectives are taken into account, and well-worn stories of the founding era are revisited, from the complex issues of slavery and religion to the myth of George Washington's wooden teeth. Thoughtful text and fun sidebars illuminate primary sources and invite readers to think critically about these familiar figures in American history.

Did people in the Middle Ages really believe the Earth was flat? Was Columbus the first European to reach the New World? Were European explorers really treated like gods by the indigenous peoples they encountered? You probably think you know the answers to these questions, but sometimes textbooks don't tell the whole truth. This book takes a deep dive into the Age of Exploration, separating myth from reality. Grade-appropriate text is supported by full-color photographs, while fact boxes, sidebars, and timelines provide additional information and historical context.

Stories of the American West have been a source of excitement and entertainment for more than 100 years. Novels, movies, and television shows have all drawn upon the Wild West for inspiration. But was the Wild West truly that wild? Were there gun-toting outlaws hiding behind every corner? Were white settlers and Native American tribes constantly at war? This book looks at some of the myths, legends, and tall tales surrounding the Wild West and attempts to separate fact from fantasy. Black-and-white and full-color photographs, fact boxes, and sidebars support the age-appropriate text and provide additional information.

There has always been controversy over the settlement of America. American students have been taught that Columbus discovered America, yet what he found was neither America, nor was it undiscovered. In modern times, students have vast amounts of information available to them, however it is not always obvious which sources are reliable. This book explains the establishment of the thirteen colonies through the eyes of the colonists, Native Americans, African slaves, and the British Empire. Readers will learn that religious freedom wasn't the only reason colonists flocked to the New World. Sidebars with interesting details will help students navigate through the colonization of America with fresh perspective, while encouraging them to use multiple resources to gain informed opinions about historical topics.