My America facts for kids

My America is a super cool series of books that are like secret diaries written by kids. These diaries take you back in time to some of the most important moments in American history. Imagine reading about what life was like for a kid during the American Revolution or the American Civil War!

The series was created by Scholastic, a well-known publisher of children's books. It's actually a spin-off from another popular series called Dear America, but My America was made for slightly younger readers, usually kids in grades 3-5. Even though it was created for younger kids, it's still a great way for anyone aged 12-15 to learn about history in a fun and personal way.

The books cover many exciting and sometimes challenging times in America's past. Each historical period has three books, and a different author writes each set. Some of these authors are very famous, like Mary Pope Osborne, who wrote the popular Magic Tree House books. Even though the series stopped publishing new books in 2004, these diaries are still a popular way to introduce young people to American history.

Exploring American History

The My America series lets you step into the shoes of kids living through big historical events. Each set of diaries focuses on a different time, helping you understand what it was like to live back then.

Adventures Through Time

The series explores several key periods in American history:

• Jamestown (1609): This was one of the very first English settlements in North America. The books show the challenges of starting a new life in an unfamiliar land.
• The American Revolution (1776): This was when the American colonies fought for their freedom from Great Britain. You'll read about the excitement and dangers of being a patriot.
• Westward Expansion (1848): Imagine traveling across the country in a wagon! These stories follow families moving west to find new homes and opportunities.
• Underground Railroad (1857): This was a secret network that helped enslaved people escape to freedom. The diaries show the bravery and risks involved in this important movement.
• American Civil War (1863): This war divided the United States, with states fighting against each other. The books explore the impact of the war on families and communities.
• Immigration (1903): Many people came to America from other countries, hoping for a better life. These stories share the experiences of new arrivals building a home in a new land.

Meet the Authors

One of the cool things about the My America series is that different talented authors wrote the diaries. This means each story has its own unique voice and style. Some of the writers are very well-known in children's literature. For example, Mary Pope Osborne, famous for her Magic Tree House series, wrote some of the Civil War diaries with Will Osborne. Other respected authors like Patricia Hermes, Kristiana Gregory, Kate McMullan, Sharon Dennis Wyeth, and Kathryn Lasky also contributed to the series.

The Books in the Series

Each historical topic in the My America series includes three books, following the same character through their experiences.

Elizabeth "Lizzy" Mary Barker's Jamestown Colony Diaries (1609)

Written by Patricia Hermes, these books tell the story of a young girl living in the early Jamestown settlement.

• (1) Our Strange New Land
• (2) The Starving Time
• (3) Season of Promise

Hope Penny Potter's Revolutionary War Diaries (1776)

Kristiana Gregory wrote these diaries about a girl's life during the fight for American independence.

• (1) Five Smooth Stones
• (2) We Are Patriots
• (3) When Freedom Comes

Joshua Martin McCullough's Oregon Trail Diaries (1848)

Patricia Hermes also wrote these books, focusing on a boy's journey along the famous Oregon Trail.

• (1) Westward To Home
• (2) A Perfect Place
• (3) The Wild Year

Margaret "Meg" Cora Wells' Prairie Diaries (1856)

These diaries by Kate McMullan describe a girl's experiences living on the wide-open prairies.

• (1) As Far As I Can See
• (2) For This Land
• (3) A Fine Start

Corey Birdsong's Underground Railroad Diaries (1857)

Sharon Dennis Wyeth tells the story of a boy involved with the brave efforts of the Underground Railroad.

• (1) Freedom's Wings
• (2) Flying Free
• (3) Message In The Sky

Virginia "Ginny" B. Dickens' Civil War Diaries (1863)

Mary Pope Osborne and Will Osborne wrote these diaries about a girl's life during the American Civil War.

• (1) My Brother's Keeper
• (2) After The Rain
• (3) A Time To Dance

Sofia Monari's Immigrant Diaries (1903)

Kathryn Lasky's diaries share the journey of a young immigrant girl starting a new life in America.

• (1) Hope In My Heart
• (2) Home At Last
• (3) An American Spring