1929 – 1939
The Great Depression was a severe economic downturn that began in 1929 and lasted through the 1930s. It caused widespread unemployment, poverty, and hardship across the United States and the world. In response, President Franklin D. Roosevelt introduced the New Deal, a series of programs and reforms aimed at economic recovery and social support. The New Deal provided jobs, helped farmers, and reformed the financial system, bringing hope and stability to many Americans during this challenging time. You can find books about the Dust Bowl here.
Picture books
Ruby’s Hope
Moving story of a girl leaving her Oklahoma home for California during the Depression
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Dorothea’s Eyes: Dorothea Lange Photographs the Truth
Inspiring story of a photographer who documented the Depression
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The Gardener
Award-winning story of a girl finding a way to garden in the city during the Depression
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Books by Horseback: A Librarian’s Brave Journey to Deliver Books to Children
Inspiring story of one of the Pack Horse Librarian who brought books to rural Appalachia
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Pavel and the Tree Army
Story of a Russian immigrant boy who joins the Civilian Conservation Corps
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Potato: A Tale from the Great Depression
Simple story about a family working together during the Depression
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Sky Boys
Exciting story about the construction of the Empire State Building
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Little Miss History Travels to Hyde Park
Overview of Franklin and Eleanor Roosevelt through the lens of their presidential library
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Rudy Rides the Rails: A Depression Era Story
Story of a boy riding the rails during the Depression
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The Only Woman in the Photo: Frances Perkins & Her New Deal for America
Inspiring story of the first female cabinet member and her work on the New Deal
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Eleanor Makes Her Mark
Inspiring story of Eleanor Roosevelt’s many accomplishments
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Summer of the Tree Army: A Civilian Conservation Corps Story
Story of a boy getting to know members of the Civilian Conservation Corps
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The Lucky Star
Story of a girl facing hardships during the Great Depression, but drawing hope from her family
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Chapter books
Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry
Award-winning story of a family facing injustice in the Depression-era south
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Esperanza Rising
Award-winning story of a formerly sheltered girl adjusting to life in a farm labor camp
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Bud, Not Buddy
Award-winning book about a boy in search of his father
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Two Roads
Story of a Creek boy adjusting to life in a boarding school during the Depression
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Turtle in Paradise
Funny story of a girl adjusting to her new life in Florida during the Great Depression
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Fires in the Wilderness
Story of two teenage brothers fighting fires as part of the Civilian Conservation Corps
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The Great Depression: An Interactive History Adventure
Choose-your-own-adventure stories set during the Great Depression
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Macaroni Boy
True story of a boy growing up in Pittsburgh during the Great Depression
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Moon Over Manifest
Award-winning story of a girl solving a mystery in a small town during the Depression
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Christmas After All: The Great Depression Diary of Minnie Swift, Indianapolis, Indiana 1932
Fictional diary of a girl whose Christmas is impacted by the Great Depression
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Mirror, Mirror on the Wall: The Diary of Bess Brennan
Fictional diary of a girl adjusting to life at a school for the blind during the Great Depression
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A Jar of Dreams
Story of a Japanese-American family in California during the Depression
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Rose’s Journal
Illustrated, fictional diary of a girl experiencing the Great Depression on a farm
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Menace at Mammoth Cave: A Kit Mystery
Story of American Girl’s Kit solving a mystery involving CCC workers
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Bea and the New Deal Horse
Moving story of a girl befriending a horse while adjusting to her new life during the Depression
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Non-fiction books
What Was the Great Depression?
Detailed, comprehensive intro to the Great Depression
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Six Days in October: The Stock Market Crash of 1929
Gripping story of the stock market crash that started the Great Depression
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Migrant Mother: How a Photograph Defined the Great Depression
Story of the famous photo that became a symbol of the Great Depression
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Children of the Great Depression
Powerful, photo-rich story of children’s lives during the Great Depression
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Fighting for the Forest: How FDR’s Civilian Conservation Corps Helped Save America
Story of the Civilian Conservation Corps and their contributions
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Biographies
Who Was Franklin Roosevelt?
Excellent introduction to the president through most of the Great Depression
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Who Was Eleanor Roosevelt?
Excellent introduction to the first lady through most of the Great Depression
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FDR and the American Crisis
Thorough biography of FDR’s life and times, for older readers
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Activities
The Great Depression for Kids: Hardship and Hope in 1930s America, with 21 Activities
Activities inspired by the Great Depression
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