Early American History–Review & Giveaway for 3!

A year ago I was able to review two of Heritage History’s Classical Curriculum. They’ve (Heritage History) been wonderful enough to let me review another one of their great offerings: Early American Classical Library

Suppose I back up a little and tell you a bit about Heritage History, if you don’t already know about them. Or better yet, here’s what they have to say about themselves:

The mission of Heritage History is to make old-fashioned history books, written for the enjoyment of young people, easily available. The complete text of every book in our library can be read directly off the website, and both printable and e-Reader formats are available at the Heritage Store.

At Heritage History, we seek to promote, not so much the study of history as the enjoyment of History. By making available old-fashioned history, as it was enjoyed as a pastime rather than studied as a subject, we hope to help reawaken the interest of a new generation.

I first came across Heritage History when I was searching for books to include in our homeschool a few years ago. I’ll be honest and say that I was looking for a free resource. And did I hit the jackpot! That was about 4 years ago, and I’m still impressed with the collection that is available at Heritage. The books can still be read online for free but Heritage also offers other great ways to enjoy the books they’ve preserved.

I still have two kids in different time periods –I’m thinking they won’t be in the same time frame any time soon –but I chose this particular library because we are also trying to study our state history. Since we live in Ohio, its history is quite aligned to that of the country. A lot of history happened in this area (well, this direction anyway). Here are some images of a few of the books included in this library. (These are not the covers seen on the digital books; they are of the original books.)

This library is one of the largest available at this time from Heritage History, with over 80 books! Watch the short video below to hear more about this library.

For us, the books are added enjoyment for learning about history. No boring textbooks!
I really like the division, or categorization, of the books on the CD (and the website).

That is what it looks like on the CD...

...and on the web.

You can see on the Early American History library page how they are categorized (click the image for a larger view or just visit the linked site). One aspect of Early American history that we’ve been exploring is American-Indian, and it’s been grouped for us at the website and on the CD.

On the CD, you can find the group you are looking for easily from just about any ‘page’. Here is what it looks like when you click “By Subject”.

Also, the color coding is great –it helps me to know which books may present more of a challenge to my kids. GREEN for Elementary readers; BROWN for intermediate readers; and RED for Advanced readers. They’ve also included summaries for the titles included on the CD. Here’s an example:

Using Charlotte Mason’s methods of learning in our life, these resources just fit so nicely. I don’t require narration on these books but I’d be surprised if one wasn’t given! When people, and I think kids especially, read something that gets their interest, they want to share what they’ve learned and read. These books are great for that.

I love the adaptability of this resource. It is portable as well. The books are all contained on the CD in different formats –pdf, mobi, and epub –for printing out, reading on the computer, downloading to a Kindle, iPad or other ereader. These ebooks are beautifully formatted. 

Books that I’ve downloaded onto our Kindles are:

• Benjamin of Ohio by James Otis (picture at the beginning of this post)
• Story of the Great Republic by H. A. Guerber (pictured above on our Kindle)
• American History Stories by Mara L. Pratt
• Historical Tales- American I by Charles Morris
• Heroes of Progress in America by Charles Morris

Perhaps Early American History isn’t what you need right now. No problem! Heritage History is letting me offer my readers a discount: purchase a curriculum, receive the Spanish Empire library free. Make sure to put both in your cart and then use the special discount code BLOSSOM3 at checkout. This is valid until October 31, 2012.

Heritage History Curriculum ($24.99 each):

• Young Readers –86 books, recommendations, Teacher’s Guide
• Ancient Greece –46 books, 50+ maps, teachings aids, Study Guide
• Ancient Rome –45 books, 60+ maps, teaching aids, Study Guide
• British Middle Ages –55 books, 60+ maps, teaching aids, Study Guide
• British Empire –57 books, 50+ maps, teaching aids, Study Guide

Heritage History Libraries ($19.99 each):

• Early America –80+ books
• Spanish Empire –50+ books
• Christian Europe –60+ books
• Modern Europe –50+ books

These are perfect for homeschool families that love living books and history.

I have another offer for you- enter to win a free curriculum or library. LOL –but wait! There’s more than one to give away. I get to pick 3 winners this time! Yes, Heritage History rocks –and they are quite generous too!

Here’s the low-down on the giveaway:

• Opens 10/03/2012
• Closes 10/24/2012
• Comment is mandatory –how else will I know which one you want?!
• All other entries are optional.
• The winner will receive their choice of either a curriculum or library on CD, shipped directly from Heritage History.

a Rafflecopter giveaway
***Disclaimer: This giveaway is brought to you because of my affiliate relationship with Heritage History. The winner of the curriculum/library prize will receive their choice directly from Heritage History. Any questions, please feel free to contact me.***