The Best Literature-Based American History Curriculum

With high-quality books, thought-provoking discussion questions, and a detailed Instructor Guide, Sonlight is the best literature-based American history curriculum for elementary students.

Smiling girl in red shirt with arms resting on a stack of history books; text overlay reads, Literature-based U.S. history that kids will love!

The importance of learning the history of our country cannot be overstated. But dry, boring textbooks will never develop a true understanding of American history.

Reading the stories of history–because history really IS a fascinating, real-life story–will always surpass a bland recitation of dates and facts.

Meeting the heroes and villains of our country’s past through quality literature will have a far greater impact on our children than any textbook could ever have.

Young girl sitting in black chair in front of bookcase, reading a book entitle The Corn Grows Ripe

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Literature-Based American History from Sonlight

My daughter recently began using History/Bible/Literature D: Intro to American History, Year 1 of 2. I had always dreamed of using Sonlight’s history curriculum, and HBL D did not disappoint.

I’ve been absolutely delighted with every aspect of this history curriculum. From the high-quality books to the detailed Instructor Guide, Sonlight is my top pick for literature-based learning.

My daughter loves Sonlight’s American history curriculum, too! When I asked what her favorite part of HBL D was, she immediately replied, “The books!”

Two stacks of history books sitting on a schoolroom table

Living History Books

As an avid reader myself, I couldn’t agree more. The books included in Sonlight American History are the “best of the best” for this age range.

With fascinating living history books like The Beginner’s American History and the Newberry Honor book Justin Morgan Had a Horse, we haven’t had a dull moment yet.

And as we continue through HBL D, I am looking forward to introducing Kendra to several old family favorites that she hasn’t read yet, such as Carry On, Mr. Bowditch and Johnny Tremain.

Girl in red shirt sitting in a tan chair reading a book entitled Blood on the River

Discussion Questions

Sonlight’s History/Bible/Literature D includes thought-provoking discussion questions for each of the books included in the curriculum. The discussions we’ve had have been so much more beneficial than the usual history worksheets.

Surprisingly, Kendra also mentioned our discussions as something she looks forward to in her lessons each day. I love that the questions spark meaningful conversations between my daughter and me!

Young girl wearing a yellow striped shirt and blue glasses reading a book on a brown couch

Detailed Instructor Guide

I am continually amazed by the History/Bible/Literature D Instructor Guide. It contains the most thorough and easy-to-use lesson plans that I have ever seen.

Each week begins with a “week at a glance” page that lists every single assignment for the week. This overview is so easy to use that I don’t need to plan ahead AT ALL.

I literally open the Instructor Guide and follow the list of assignments for each day. Easy peasy!

Following the weekly overview page are the discussion questions for each day’s reading. Suggested answers are also included, making it a snap to discuss the books that Kendra is reading independently.

Close-up view of a page of the Sonlight HBL D Instructor Guide

Save 15% When You Buy Sonlight American History

Ready to get started? Order Sonlight American History now and you’ll automatically receive 15% off the purchase price. (No coupon code is required.)

Don’t miss the giveaway! Enter below for an opportunity to win History/Bible/Literature D!

Smiling girl in red shirt with blue glasses, leaning her arms on a stack of living history books

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