Living History Books for Form 4 Students (Grade 9)
Options for American History
These Truths: A History of the United States by Jill Lepore is my first choice for American History in high school. The author does an excellent job of maintaining political balance, meaning the book is neither too liberal nor too conservative in it’s slant. This book was first published in 2018, so it covers topics up through the Trump presidency. It can be used for Forms 5 & 6 as well (grades 10-12).
NOTE: There are instances in These Truths that some families might not be comfortable with – including, but not limited to, a description regarding President Clinton and Monica Lewinsky; foul language and racial slurs within direct quotes; issues regarding civil rights for various groups; and abortion. These are hard but necessary topics. The author presents all of these issues from a historical viewpoint and relates them to modern-day politics as well.
I have chosen to use this book in my own home because I consider these topics appropriate for high-school-aged students. These are issues that I want my children to be able to discuss with me. My high-school-aged son says this book is his favorite history book ever because of the author’s candid look at both sides of the issues. It’s been a source of some very deep and meaningful conversations at our house.
But because standards vary among households, please preview for your own use. A student “textbook” edition of These Truths is being published soon and will hopefully be appropriate for all families while still maintaining it’s living book qualities.
If you need another option, consider using A History of US set by Joy Hakim or Paul Johnson’s A History of the American People. These books are not nearly as living as my first choice, but many families enjoy using them.
Options for British or World History
Any of the books listed here can be used as a History Spine for a second history stream focused on British or World History.
My first choice for British history is Great Tales from English History by Robert Lacey. This book is very fun to read!
Charlotte used A History of England by H.O. Arnold-Forster for students in Form 3. It is suitable for high school as well. The reprint listed above is the 1st of three volumes needed if you decide to use this set. The public domain text can be found here.
For a more in-depth look at English history, consider A History of the English Speaking Peoples 4-Volume set by Winston Churchill. Definitely more difficult, but very good.
If you’d rather focus on World History, A Little History of the World by Gombrich can be used as a spine.
Alternatively, you could also choose topical studies for your second or third stream of history. See History Through Events below.
History through Biographies & Events
These books are good examples of books you could use instead of or in addition to the spines listed above.
More books will be added periodically to this category. Please check back!
Historical Fiction
These books are good examples of books you could use for History Tales / Historical Fiction.
More books will be added periodically to this category. Please check back!
Other Books & Things I Love for Form 4 Students
These are good examples of books you can use as supplements or just for fun!