43 Dear America Books | How to Use Each in History Lessons

If you love history and historical fiction, the Dear America books are a treasure chest for your homeschool. With 43 titles from the 1600s through the 1900s, your kids can step into the shoes of girls who lived through real events in American history.

What is the Dear America Book Series?

Dear America is a historical fiction series published by Scholastic that began in 1996. Each book is written as the diary of a fictional girl who is living through a real era or event in American history. The diary format feels conversational and personal, which is why many families consider these “living books” that pair well with a Charlotte Mason approach.

Are the Dear America books historically accurate?

Yes. The stories are set during real events and include historical context to help kids understand the time period. Some details are softened for younger readers. Authors may note any story-driven changes in the back matter or appendix.

What is the reading level for the Dear America series?

The Dear America books are best suited for ages 9 to 12, though some older or younger kids may enjoy them too. The stories often touch on serious themes like illness, loss, and war. Because every child processes these topics differently, I recommend that you review each book before assigning it or reading it together. You know your kids best, and you’ll be able to decide if they’re ready for the content or if it’s better saved for a later year.

What is the order of the Dear America books?

The books were not released in chronological order, which makes planning tricky. To help you, we organized all 43 Dear America books by time period and setting, then listed them in order as well. Use the jump links above to go straight to your era, or scroll and browse the whole series.

Is there a FREE Printable List of the Dear America books?

Yes. Look for our Print and Go book list a little further down the page. It includes all 43 titles in order, the setting, the year, and a five-star rating area kids can color after they finish each book.

Colonial America (1600s)

These Dear American Books are set in the 1600’s Time Period:

1. A Journey to the New World | Diary of Remember Patience Whipple on the Mayflower, 1620

2. I Walk in Dread |Diary of Deliverance Trembley, Salem Witch Trials, 1691

• What it’s about: Deliverance Trembley shares her experiences in Salem during the Witch Trials, exploring the fear, suspicion, and courage of those living in a tense and dangerous community.
• When to read it: Use this diary when covering colonial law, superstition, or early American society. October works well as a tie-in to the Salem Witch Trials, which peaked in 1692.
• How to use it with kids: Explore the Salem Witch Trials together. Invite your students to create a “Fear vs. Facts” chart, separating rumors from historical truths.
• Field Trip Idea: Visit the Salem Witch Trials Memorial or take a virtual tour of the Salem Witch Museum in Massachusetts to understand the trials and their impact.

The American Revolution (1700s)

3. Standing in the Light | Diary of Catharine Carey Logan, Delaware Valley, PA, 1763

• What it’s about: Catharine Carey Logan recounts life in a Quaker community, balancing her faith with the tensions and challenges of living alongside Native American neighbors during a turbulent time.
• When to read it: Perfect for lessons about Quakers, Native American relations, or life in colonial Pennsylvania. Tie it to February for the anniversary of the Treaty of Paris (Feb 10, 1763).
• How to use it with kids: Encourage learners to make a small timeline of key Quaker beliefs and events from that period. They could also illustrate scenes from daily life in a Quaker community.
• Field Trip Idea: Visit the Colonial Pennsylvania Farmstead in Ridley Creek State Park, where you can experience Quaker farm life through interactive exhibits and costumed interpreters.

4. Look to the Hills | Diary of Lozette Moreau, New York Colony, 1763

• What it’s about: Lozette Moreau writes about her life as a French slave girl, sharing her daily struggles, hopes, and the challenges of surviving in colonial New York after the French and Indian War.
• When to read it: Include this book when studying the aftermath of the French and Indian War and its impact on colonial life, especially around 1763.
• How to use it with kids: Compare Lozette’s diary to maps of colonial New York and discuss how geography influenced her life. Children could make a short illustrated guide showing locations mentioned in the book.
• Field Trip Idea: Explore Fort Ticonderoga in New York virtually or in person to learn about colonial and Native American interactions during the 18th century.

5. Love Thy Neighbor | Diary of Prudence Emerson, Greenmarsh, MA, 1774

• What it’s about: Prudence Emerson details the growing tensions in her community as the colonies edge toward revolution, offering a personal glimpse at family life, friendships, and social unrest in Massachusetts.
• When to read it: Use during lessons on the years leading up to the American Revolution. April or May can highlight the growing tensions in Massachusetts.
• How to use it with kids: Have your child write a short letter as Prudence to a family member, describing the political unrest and how it feels to live through it. They could also create a simple “Revolution Timeline” showing events Prudence mentions.
• Field Trip Idea: Visit the Old Sturbridge Village in Massachusetts to explore colonial life and political tensions leading up to the Revolutionary War.

6. The Winter of Red Snow | Diary of Abigail Jane Stewart, Valley Forge, PA, 1777

• What it’s about: Abigail Jane Stewart recounts life at Valley Forge, sharing the daily hardships, bravery, and determination of soldiers and families during a harsh winter in the Revolutionary War.
• When to read it: Read while teaching about the Revolutionary War, specifically Valley Forge (Dec 1777-Jun 1778), to help students connect to the hardships of soldiers and families.
• How to use it with kids: Encourage students to map out Valley Forge and mark where soldiers lived and worked. Learners could also create a “Winter Survival Kit” list imagining what Abigail would have needed to stay safe and healthy.
• Field Trip Idea: Step inside Valley Forge National Historical Park to experience the Continental Army’s winter encampment.

7. Cannons at Dawn | Second Diary of Abigail Jane Stewart, Valley Forge, PA, 1779

• What it’s about: Abigail continues her story of life during the Revolutionary War, describing the battles, challenges, and resilience of those who lived through the later years of the conflict.
• When to read it: Best during Revolutionary War lessons covering Pennsylvania and the later years of the war, or when discussing battles in 1779.
• How to use it with kids: Invite children to compare Abigail’s experiences in 1779 to life in the earlier Valley Forge winter. They could make a small illustrated timeline of battles and major events mentioned in her diary.
• Field Trip Idea: Explore Morristown National Historical Park in New Jersey, which preserves winter encampments from the Revolutionary War.

Westward Expansion and the Civil War (1800s)

8. A Line in the Sand | Diary of Lucinda Lawrence, The Alamo, Gonzales, TX, 1836

9. Valley of the Moon | Diary of María Rosalía de Milagros, Sonoma Valley, Alta, CA, 1846

• What it’s about: María Rosalía de Milagros recounts her life in California during the Mexican-American War, sharing the struggles and cultural changes in her community during a time of conflict.
• When to read it: Include during lessons on the Mexican-American War or California history. This book works well when discussing events from 1846.
• How to use it with kids: Explore María’s life in California during the Mexican-American War. Children could research one aspect of daily life at that time and share it in a short presentation or drawing.
• Field Trip Idea: Tour the Sonoma State Historic Park in California to see early Mexican and American settler life.

10. Across the Wide and Lonesome Prairie | Diary of Hattie Campbell, Oregon Trail, 1847

• What it’s about: Hattie Campbell writes about her journey along the Oregon Trail, capturing the challenges of long-distance travel, encounters with nature, and the hope of a new life in the West.
• When to read it: Perfect for westward expansion lessons or studies of pioneer life on the Oregon Trail, especially in units covering the 1840s migration.
• How to use it with kids: Have students plot Hattie’s journey along the Oregon Trail and create a “Pioneer Survival Kit” showing what they would pack for the trip.
• Field Trip Idea: Step inside the Great Platte River Road Archway in Kearney, NE, to explore life along the Oregon Trail.

11. So Far From Home | Diary of Mary Driscoll, Irish Mill Girl, Lowell, MA, 1847

• What it’s about: Mary Driscoll shares her life as a young Irish immigrant working in a textile mill, detailing the hardships of industrial labor, community support, and adjusting to a new country.
• When to read it: Share this during lessons on immigration, Irish history, or industrialization in America in the mid-1800s.
• How to use it with kids: Discuss life in textile mills for young immigrants. Learners could compare Mary’s workday to a modern school or job schedule, or write a short journal entry imagining themselves in her shoes.
• Field Trip Idea: Visit the Boott Cotton Mills Museum in Lowell, Massachusetts, to experience the sights and sounds of a 1920s textile mill. Explore interactive exhibits, try your hand at weaving, and

12.  All the Stars in the Sky | Diary of Florrie Mack Ryder, Santa Fe Trail, 1848

• What it’s about: Florrie Mack Ryder recounts her experiences traveling the Santa Fe Trail, describing the challenges of trade, encounters along the route, and the excitement of adventure.
• When to read it: Include during lessons on westward expansion or trade along the Santa Fe Trail in the late 1840s.
• How to use it with kids: Explore trade and travel on the Santa Fe Trail. Invite children to make a short “Travel Guide” for one stop on the trail or write a letter Florrie might have sent home describing her experiences.
• Field Trip Idea: Explore Bent’s Old Fort National Historic Site in Colorado, where children can step back into life on the Santa Fe Trail, complete tasks with a Junior Ranger booklet, and explore the reconstructed adobe fort with costumed interpreters.

13. Seeds of Hope | Diary of Susanna Fairchild, Gold Rush, California Territory, 1849

• What it’s about: Susanna Fairchild writes about her journey to California during the Gold Rush, exploring the hopes, hardships, and risks faced by those seeking fortune in a new land.
• When to read it: Tie to lessons on the California Gold Rush and migration in the late 1840s.
• How to use it with kids: Talk about the Gold Rush and life on the move. Students could make a simple sketch of a mining town or role-play packing for the journey west, deciding what’s most important to bring.
• Field Trip Idea: Visit the Marshall Gold Discovery State Historic Park in Coloma, CA, where the Gold Rush began.

14. A Picture of Freedom | Diary of Clotee, Slave Girl, Belmont Plantation, VA, 1859

15. A Light in the Storm | Diary of Amelia Martin, Civil War, Fenwick Island, DE, 1861

• What it’s about: Amelia Martin recounts life during the early years of the Civil War, sharing the impact of war on her community and family, and the courage required to face uncertain times.
• When to read it: Include in lessons on the start of the Civil War. April aligns with the anniversary of the attack on Fort Sumter (April 12, 1861).
• How to use it with kids: Explore the early years of the Civil War. Invite your students to create a small “Civil War News Report,” imagining they are reporting from Amelia’s town.
• Field Trip Idea: Tour Fort Delaware State Park in Delaware to see Civil War history and coastal defenses.

16. The Girl Who Chased Away Sorrow | Diary of Sarah Nita, Navajo Girl, New Mexico, 1863

• What it’s about: Sarah Nita writes about the forced relocation of the Navajo people during the Long Walk, sharing her personal struggles, the loss of her home, and the resilience of her family.
• When to read it: Share this diary when studying Native American history, specifically the Navajo and the Long Walk of 1864. You could also plan to read it around April, the month when the Long Walk began.
• How to use it with kids: Study the Long Walk of the Navajo. Have learners create a simple map tracing Sarah Nita’s journey or write a short reflection imagining the emotions of such a journey.
• Field Trip Idea: Discover Navajo history at the Hubbell Trading Post National Historic Site in Arizona.

17. When Will This Cruel War Be Over? |Diary of Emma Simpson, Civil War, Gordonsville, VA, 1864

• What it’s about: Emma Simpson details the Civil War’s effects on her town and family, sharing stories of battle, survival, and the emotional toll of a nation divided
• When to read it: Include during Civil War lessons covering the mid-1860s. It’s a good fit when teaching about battles in Virginia and the experiences of soldiers and civilians.
• How to use it with kids: Compare Emma’s town to other towns during the Civil War. Encourage your child to make a small “Community Journal,” noting how families coped with shortages and conflict.
• Field Trip Idea: Visit Andersonville National Historic Site in Georgia, once the largest Confederate military prison, where you can explore the museum and memorials that bring Civil War hardships to life.

18. I Thought My Soul Would Rise and Fly |Diary of Patsy, Freed Girl, Mars Bluff, SC, 1865

• What it’s about: Patsy recounts her experiences as a newly freed girl in the aftermath of the Civil War, exploring her hopes, challenges, and the journey toward freedom
• When to read it: Tie this to lessons on Reconstruction or the experiences of freed people after the Civil War in South Carolina.
• How to use it with kids: Discuss life for newly freed children after the Civil War. Invite children to write a short story imagining Patsy’s first day of freedom, highlighting hopes and challenges.
• Field Trip Idea: Tour the Whitney Plantation in Louisiana to learn about slavery and emancipation.

19. The Great Railroad Race | Diary of Libby West, Utah Territory, 1868

• What it’s about: Libby West writes about the construction of the Transcontinental Railroad, capturing the excitement, challenges, and historical significance of connecting east and west.
• When to read it: Use this diary when teaching about westward expansion, the Transcontinental Railroad, or life in the Utah Territory after 1868.
• How to use it with kids: Explore the building of the Transcontinental Railroad. Your learners could design a “Railroad Challenge Map” showing obstacles workers faced, or create a simple train diagram illustrating how it connected east and west.
• Field Trip Idea: Explore Golden Spike National Historical Park in Utah to learn about the Transcontinental Railroad.

20. Down the Rabbit Hole | Diary of Pringle Rose, Chicago, IL, 1871

• What it’s about: Pringle Rose shares her experiences surviving the Great Chicago Fire, describing the destruction, community response, and rebuilding of the city.
• When to read it: Include during lessons on urbanization, immigration, or Chicago’s history – especially around the Great Chicago Fire (October 8-10, 1871).
• How to use it with kids: Study the Great Chicago Fire. Have your students create a “Safety Plan” for a fire or make a drawing showing how the city changed after the disaster.
• Field Trip Idea: Visit the Chicago History Museum to see exhibits on the Great Chicago Fire and urban reconstruction.

21. Land of the Buffalo Bones | Diary of Mary Ann Elizabeth Rodgers, New Yeovil, MN, 1873

22. My Heart is on the Ground | Diary of Nannie Little Rose, Sioux Girl, Carlisle Indian School, PA, 1880

• What it’s about: Nannie Little Rose writes about life at the Carlisle Indian School, exploring her cultural displacement, struggles, and the effort to preserve her heritage.
• When to read it: Share during lessons on the Carlisle Indian School and U.S. policies toward Native Americans in the late 1800s. Consider scheduling during September, the month the school year began.
• How to use it with kids: Discuss the challenges of assimilation at the Carlisle Indian School. Invite your child to write a short reflection imagining Nannie’s day, or create a “Cultural Memory Box” illustrating her heritage.
• Field Trip Idea: Visit the Genoa U.S. Indian School Museum in Nebraska, open during the summer months, to walk through restored boarding school buildings and learn about the lives of Native students.

23. Behind the Masks | Diary of Angeline Reddy, Bodie, CA, 1880

• What it’s about: Angeline Reddy details her life in a mining town, describing daily challenges, community dynamics, and the realities of frontier life.
• When to read it: Include in lessons about life during California’s Gold Rush era and mining towns in the 1880s.
• How to use it with kids: Explore life in a mining town. Learners could make a small map of Bodie showing homes, businesses, and mines, or role-play interviewing townspeople about daily life.
• Field Trip Idea: Visit the Gold Rush Museum in Auburn, California, to explore a replica mining tunnel, dioramas of a miner’s cabin and stamp mill, and engage with interactive exhibits that bring the Gold Rush era to life.

24. My Face to the Wind | Diary of Sarah Jane Price, Prairie Teacher, Broken Bow, NE, 1881

• What it’s about: Sarah Jane Price writes about teaching on the prairie, sharing the joys, challenges, and innovative approaches to education in a remote setting.
• When to read it: Tie this diary to lessons about prairie life and education on the frontier in Nebraska during the early 1880s.
• How to use it with kids: Study prairie teaching and frontier education. Have students design a “Classroom of the Past” drawing or write a short lesson they might teach like Sarah Jane.
• Field Trip Idea: Explore the Homestead National Historical Park in Nebraska to learn about prairie settlement and teaching.

25. West to a Land of Plenty | Diary of Teresa Angelino Viscardi, New York to Idaho Territory, 1883

• What it’s about: Teresa Angelino Viscardi recounts her family’s migration westward, sharing the excitement, dangers, and discoveries along the journey to Idaho.
• When to read it: Perfect for teaching about Italian immigration and settlement in the West, especially in Idaho and New York territories during the 1880s.
• How to use it with kids: Explore migration west. Invite children to create a “Journey Journal” with sketches and notes about obstacles and discoveries Teresa might encounter.
• Field Trip Idea: Visit the National Oregon/California Trail Center in Montpelier, ID, to experience pioneer travel and settlement.

26. A Coal Miner’s Bride | Diary of Anetka Kaminska, Lattimer, PA, 1896

• What it’s about: Anetka Kaminska shares her experiences as a miner’s bride, detailing family life, labor struggles, and the challenges of living in a mining community.
• When to read it: Share while covering industrialization and coal mining in Pennsylvania, or during lessons on immigrant labor and daily life in the late 1800s.
• How to use it with kids: Discuss life in a mining community. Your learners could make a small “Family Diary” showing daily chores and work, or write a letter describing life in Lattimer from Anetka’s perspective.
• Field Trip Idea: Tour the Lackawanna Coal Mine in Scranton, PA, to see firsthand the life of coal miners in the late 1800s.

Print & Go: Free Dear American Book List

Immigration, the World Wars, and the Great Depression (1900s)

27. Dreams in the Golden Country | Diary of Zipporah Feldman, Jewish Immigrant Girl, New York City, 1903

28. A City Tossed and Broken | Diary of Minnie Bonner, San Francisco, CA, 1906

• What it’s about: Minnie Bonner shares her experiences surviving the San Francisco earthquake, capturing the devastation, resilience, and rebuilding of her community.
• When to read it: Perfect for teaching about the San Francisco earthquake of 1906. Read around April 18, the anniversary of the earthquake, or during lessons on natural disasters in U.S. history.
• How to use it with kids: Discuss the 1906 San Francisco earthquake. Have students create a “Before and After” illustration showing how the city changed, or imagine a survivor’s short journal entry.
• Field Trip Idea: Visit the California Academy of Sciences in San Francisco to explore the Earthquake: Life on a Dynamic Planet exhibit, where learners can feel simulated earthquakes, walk through a model of Earth’s interior, and engage with hands-on activities about seismic activity and safety.

29. Hear My Sorrow | Diary of Angela Denoto, New York City, 1909

• What it’s about: Angela Denoto chronicles her life as a young Italian immigrant working in a New York City shirtwaist factory, revealing the long hours, unsafe conditions, and early labor struggles that shaped her world.
• When to read it: Include this diary when studying early 20th-century urban life, immigrant communities, and the rise of labor reform in the United States.
• How to use it with kids: Explore working conditions and labor rights; have learners create a visual diary of Angela’s factory life or compare child labor then to labor laws today.
• Field Trip Idea: Take a virtual or in-person tour of the Triangle Shirtwaist Factory Fire Memorial in NYC, honoring the women who worked in garment factories.

30. Voyage on the Great Titanic | Diary of Margaret Ann Brady, R.M.S. Titanic, 1912

• What it’s about: Margaret Ann Brady recounts her journey aboard the Titanic, detailing life on the ship, the excitement of travel, and the disaster that struck in the North Atlantic.
• When to read it: Tie it to April 15, the anniversary of the Titanic sinking, or during lessons on early 20th-century history, technological advances, and maritime travel.
• How to use it with kids: Tie this to the Titanic’s sinking in April 1912. Invite children to create a “Passenger Log” or write a letter imagining being aboard the ship, noting hopes and fears.
• Field Trip Idea: Walk through the Titanic Museum Attractions in Pigeon Forge, TN, or Branson, MO, where history comes alive with full-size replicas and artifacts.

31. A Time For Courage | Diary of Kathleen Bowen, Suffragette, Washington DC, 1917

• What it’s about: Kathleen Bowen shares her experiences as a suffragette, highlighting activism, political struggles, and the fight for women’s right to vote.
• When to read it: Share this book during lessons on the women’s suffrage movement. Read in August, near the anniversary of the 19th Amendment (ratified August 18, 1920), or while teaching about World War I-era activism.
• How to use it with kids: Explore the suffragette movement. Have students create a small poster showing key milestones or write a short diary entry imagining Kathleen’s role in the fight for women’s rights.
• Field Trip Idea: Visit the National Museum of American History in Washington, D.C., to explore the women’s suffrage movement through artifacts, interactive exhibits, and stories that bring the fight for voting rights to life.

32. When Christmas Comes Again | Diary of Simone Spencer, World War I, NYC to Western Front, 1917

• What it’s about: Simone Spencer writes about the challenges of World War I, capturing family separation, wartime experiences, and hope for peace during the holidays.
• When to read it: Perfect for lessons on World War I, particularly the 1917 Christmas Truce. Read in December to tie in with the anniversary and holiday-themed historical discussions.
• How to use it with kids: Study World War I experiences. Children could make a short letter exchange between Simone and her family or create a “Soldier’s Care Package” with items they think would comfort someone at the front.
• Field Trip Idea: Explore the National WWI Museum and Memorial in Kansas City, MO, which offers exhibits on life at the Western Front.

33. Like the Willow Tree |Diary of Lydia Amelia Pierce, Portland, ME, 1918

• What it’s about: Lydia Amelia Pierce recounts life during the end of World War I and the influenza pandemic, detailing community, loss, and resilience.
• When to read it: Include this diary during lessons on the end of World War I and the 1918 influenza pandemic. Read around November, the month of the Armistice (Nov 11, 1918).
• How to use it with kids: Discuss life in 1918 during WWI. Invite learners to write a brief reflection imagining Lydia’s day or create a small illustrated map showing Portland, Maine during that period.
• Field Trip Idea: Tour the Shaker Village of Pleasant Hill in Kentucky, where you can explore Shaker traditions, music, and daily life.

34. Color Me Dark – Diary of Nellie Lee Love, Great Migration North, Chicago, 1919

• What it’s about: Nellie Lee Love shares her experiences moving north during the Great Migration, exploring new opportunities, cultural adjustments, and community life.
• When to read it: Share while teaching about the Great Migration of African Americans from the South to the North, especially in the years following World War I (1919-1920).
• How to use it with kids: Explore the Great Migration. Students could create a simple chart comparing Nellie’s life in Chicago to her previous home, or draw a “Neighborhood Portrait” highlighting daily life.
• Field Trip Idea: Explore the Delta Blues Museum’s Great Migration virtual tour to see how African American musicians moved north and shaped American music.

35. Christmas After All | Diary of Minnie Swift, Great Depression, Indianapolis, IN, 1932

• What it’s about: Minnie Swift writes about living through the Great Depression, describing family struggles, community support, and the challenges of holiday celebrations during difficult times.
• When to read it: Tie this diary to lessons on the Great Depression, especially December lessons or holiday-themed studies highlighting hardships in 1932.
• How to use it with kids: Discuss the Great Depression. Have children write a short journal imagining Minnie’s holiday preparations or create a list of ways families might celebrate despite hardships.
• Field Trip Idea: Step into the Scolnik House in Muskegon, Michigan and see what life was like during the Great Depression. Try on period clothes, help with chores, and explore the garden while discovering how families lived and made the most of each day.

36. Mirror, Mirror on the Wall – Diary of Bess Brennan, Perkins School for the Blind, 1932

37. Survival in the Storm | Diary of Grace Edwards, Dust Bowl, Dalhart, TX, 1935

• What it’s about: Grace Edwards writes about life during the Dust Bowl, describing environmental hardships, family resilience, and efforts to survive and rebuild.
• When to read it: Perfect for teaching about the Dust Bowl and the environmental challenges of the 1930s. Read in April or May when discussing U.S. geography and migration patterns.
• How to use it with kids: Explore the Dust Bowl. Invite students to make a small weather diary or write a short reflection imagining Grace’s life during the drought and storms.
• Field Trip Idea: Explore the Dust Bowl House at the Cimarron Heritage Center in Boise City, Oklahoma, and see how families managed daily life during this challenging time.

38. One Eye Laughing, the Other Weeping | Diary of Julie Weiss, Vienna, Austria to New York, 1938

• What it’s about: Julie Weiss recounts her experiences fleeing Austria before World War II, highlighting challenges of immigration, family separation, and adapting to a new country.
• When to read it: Share this diary while studying World War II-era immigration and Jewish refugees. Tie it to September, the anniversary of Kristallnacht (Nov 9-10, 1938).
• How to use it with kids: Discuss pre-WWII Europe and immigration. Children could create a “Family Journey Map” showing Julie’s moves or write a letter imagining the challenges of leaving Austria for America.
• Field Trip Idea: Explore the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum in person or online. Look for age-appropriate exhibits as this topic is definitely for more mature students.

39. My Secret War | Diary of Madeline Beck, World War II, Long Island, NY, 1941

• What it’s about: Madeline Beck shares her life during World War II, describing family adjustments, the home front, and the fears and hopes of a nation at war.
• When to read it: Include during lessons about World War II. Read in December to tie into Pearl Harbor discussions or broader 1941 lessons.
• How to use it with kids: Study life on the home front during WWII. Learners could create a “Daily Life Poster” highlighting Madeline’s experiences or write a short journal entry imagining her responsibilities.
• Field Trip Idea: Tour the American Airpower Museum in Farmingdale, NY, to see WWII aircraft and home front stories.

40. Early Sunday Morning | Diary of Amber Billows, Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, 1941

• What it’s about: Amber Billows writes about the attack on Pearl Harbor and its immediate aftermath, capturing fear, courage, and life during a pivotal moment in history.
• When to read it: Perfect for lessons specifically about Pearl Harbor (Dec 7, 1941) or the start of U.S. involvement in World War II.
• How to use it with kids: Explore Pearl Harbor and its aftermath. Invite students to write a brief news article or letter describing the events from Amber’s perspective.
• Field Trip Idea: Visit the Pearl Harbor National Memorial in Hawaii, either in person or virtually, to connect with the events of December 7.

41. The Fences Between Us | Diary of Piper Davis, Seattle, WA, 1941

• What it’s about: Piper Davis recounts life in a Japanese-American community during World War II, highlighting family life, government restrictions, and personal resilience.
• When to read it: Share this diary during lessons on Japanese-American internment. Tie it to the U.S. entry into World War II or anniversaries of Executive Order 9066 (Feb 19, 1942).
• How to use it with kids: Discuss Japanese-American life during WWII. Children could create a short diary page imagining Piper’s daily routines or make a small “Community Map” of the area she lived in.
• Field Trip Idea: Explore the Minidoka National Historic Site in Idaho, which tells the story of Japanese American incarceration during WWII.

42. With the Might of Angels |Diary of Dawnie Rae Johnson, Hadley, VI, 1954

• What it’s about: Dawnie Rae Johnson shares her experiences as the first Black student to attend a previously all-white school in 1954, facing racism while pursuing her dreams.
• When to read it: Include during lessons on the civil rights era, school desegregation, or life in the 1950s.
• How to use it with kids: Study life in the 1950s. Invite learners to create a short illustrated timeline of Dawnie Rae’s community or write a reflection imagining life during that era.
• Field Trip Idea: Visit the Brown v. Board of Education National Historic Site in Topeka, KS, where the Supreme Court case ended school segregation.

43. Where Have All the Flowers Gone? | Diary of Molly MacKenzie Flaherty, Boston, MA, 1968

• What it’s about: Molly MacKenzie Flaherty writes about life during the Vietnam War era, reflecting on social change, protest movements, and the challenges of growing up in turbulent times.
• When to read it: Perfect for lessons on the Vietnam War or social movements of the 1960s. Read around April or May, when many anti-war protests historically took place, or tie it to curriculum units on U.S. history in the 1960s.
• How to use it with kids: Discuss the Vietnam War era. Students could create a “Then and Now” comparison chart showing social changes or write a short letter reflecting Molly’s experiences growing up in Boston during turbulent times.
• Field Trip Idea: Explore the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington, DC, to reflect on the Vietnam War and its impact on families.

Final Thought

With all 43 Dear America books at your fingertips, you now have more than just a list-you have a resource you can keep coming back to when you need fresh ideas for your homeschool history lessons. I wish I’d had something like this when I homeschooled our girls! Be sure to bookmark this page so you can return anytime you’re planning lessons, looking for hands-on history activities, or just deciding which Dear America book to read next.

This post was first published in 2024 and has been refreshed with new ideas and resources for your homeschool or classroom.