1863 – 1877
Reconstruction was the period after the American Civil War when the Southern states were rebuilt and reintegrated into the Union. This era saw significant efforts to grant rights to formerly enslaved people, including the passage of the 13th, 14th, and 15th Amendments, which abolished slavery, granted citizenship, and secured voting rights. Despite these advancements, Reconstruction faced many challenges, including resistance from the South and the rise of discriminatory laws and groups, making it a complex and pivotal time in American history.
Picture books
Abe Lincoln’s Dream
Fantasy about a modern girl showing Abe Lincoln what happened after his lifetime
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No Small Potatoes: Junius G. Groves and His Kingdom in Kansas
Inspiring story of the persistence of a formerly enslaved man turned “potato king”
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Papa’s Mark
Touching story of a boy helping his father gain the right to vote
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A Weed Is a Flower: The Life of George Washington Carver
Lovely introduction to George Washington Carver for young reader
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Carter Reads the Newspaper
Inspiring story of a boy who changed history
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The Amazing Age of John Roy Lynch
Introduction to the Reconstruction period through the life of a pioneering congressman
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More Than Anything Else
Inspiring story about a young Booker T. Washington and his desire to read
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The First Step: How One Girl Put Segregation on Trial
True story of a girl challenging school segregation in Boston
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Chapter books
Black Was the Ink
Story of a modern teenager discovering Reconstruction-era America
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Forty Acres and Maybe a Mule
Award-winning novel about two freed brothers building a new life
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I Thought My Soul Would Rise and Fly: The Diary of Patsy, a Freed Girl
Fictional diary of a freed girl finding her calling
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Sarny
Sequel to Nightjohn, about the post-war life of one of the girls who learned to read while enslaved
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The Land
Story of a biracial boy finding his own way in the post-slavery south
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The Story of Juneteenth: An Interactive History Adventure
Choose-your-own-adventure style stories set after emancipation
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Shades of Gray
Award-winning boy about a southern boy adjusting to his new life post-Civil War
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Ophelia and the Freedmen’s School
True story about a school established in post-Civil War Texas
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Non-fiction books
What Was Reconstruction?
Excellent overview of the events and outcomes of the reconstruction era
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After The War
Exploration of the post-Civil War political and cultural landscape, from many perspectives
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Reconstruction Era Reference Library: Primary Sources
Selection of annotated primary sources from the reconstruction era
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Reconstruction: The Rebuilding of the United States after the Civil War
Inquiry-based exploration of the challenges of reconstruction, with primary sources integrated
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Biographies
Who Was Booker T. Washington?
Excellent introduction to an influential post-slavery leader, educator, and intellectual
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Who Was George Washington Carver?
Thorough introduction to the important Southern scientist and inventor
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The Groundbreaking, Chance-Taking Life of George Washington Carver and Science and Invention in America
Vivid, illustrated biography of George Washington Carver
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Activities
George Washington Carver for Kids: His Life and Discoveries, with 21 Activities
Activities inspired by George Washington Carver’s life and work
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