The AmeriTales book series is pretty good for a new book series.  The thing I like about AmeriTales is that it is real history and not just fake history.  It’s all real.  Each book is filled with interesting facts, details and history.  The Abraham Lincoln and Amelia Earhart books are incredible. 

Adam Carter, age 8

In addition to nurturing an interest in American History, the AmeriTales series of books is also focused on helping children become better problem solvers.  There are too few books available that help children build this critical skill. One of the more challenging parts of growing up is leaning to solve problems.  Everyday children are confronted with conflicts at home, school or play. Children who learn to figure out solutions to their problems are better able to cope and thrive in life. The ability to solve problems also builds positive self-esteem, self-confidence, and relationships with others. Kids need to learn to feel confident about solving their own problems.

Each AmeriTales story addresses a childhood issue or theme in positive ways. The conflicts are presented not as watered-down versions of adult conflicts, but presented as problems real children could possibly face.  In Abraham Lincoln and the Forest of Little Pigeon Creek, the problem young Abe faces is his fear.  The main character in each book goes on a journey of self-discovery in learning how to best solve his or her problem.  The stories offer real models that kids can emulate in trying to solve problems. With AmeriTales, kids from the past are helping the kids of today navigate through the pitfalls of everyday life. This approach makes for storytelling that is not only entertaining, but also offers tools and life lessons which few books targeted to children accomplish.

His face is on the penny. His face is on the cover of the first AmeriTales book and thousands of others.  And, soon his face will be all over a Hollywood movie being made about his life.  He’s a bigger star than Hannah Montana, SpongeBob SquarePants and The Jonas Brothers.  Why is Abraham Lincoln such a superstar?  Of all of our Presidents, why do people talk about him the most?

Even his birthday is being talked about.  While he’d just celebrated his ninth birthday in the AmeriTales book, Abraham Lincoln and the Forest of Little Pigeon Creek, Abraham Lincoln will be 200 years old on February 12, 2009. All across the United States schools, museums, libraries, and communities will celebrate his birthday. Can you imagine your birthday still being celebrated 200 years from now? Read the rest of this entry »

AmeriTales Entertainment publishes the only series of books on the market that position history as entertainment.  History doesn’t have to be boring.  AmeriTales brings exciting stories from the childhood of some of America’s greatest leaders to life in a fun way.  By infusing a little fantasy and taking a page from super heroes, AmeriTales books show how history books can compete with Spiderman and other characters from popular culture. In fact, kids might just think they are reading another super hero book or the comics when they pick-up an AmeriTales book. This 2008 Mom’s Choice Award winning series takes kids on daring adventures of self-discovery with real-life action heroes. 

AmeriTales is unique in its use of action hero plot formats for history books.  Every story features a hero, a historical American leader as a child, who must overcome a major obstacle to obtaining his/her quest. Along the way to obtaining his/her quest, the hero encounters foes and helpers.  The hero must overpower the foes or villains to reach his/her quest.  Each story ends with a climatic happy ending with the hero winning the day. This new twist to telling history stories to children will make it more relevant to them and spark more interest from kids in American History. 

One way to get kids talking about Lincoln, and our many other great leaders, is to make the comparison with things currently happening in the news.  For example Barack Obama’s presidential run has many similarities to Abraham Lincoln.  Some consider Obama a 21^st century Abraham Lincoln.  Making this comparison will get kids to see the connections between events of the past and the present day, making history more relevant to them.

Here are some similarities between Lincoln and Obama:

Both came from humble beginnings and had to make their own way in America

Both served in the Illinois legislature

Both had a way with words and were/are great speakers

Both were lawyers

Both sought the presidency during a time of turmoil and great divisions in the country

Both only served one term in congress, Lincoln in the House, Obama in the Senate

Both were told they didn’t have enough experience to be President

Both were/are tall and thin

Both were/are younger than the average first time President

I would love to see kids talking about and getting excited about Abraham Lincoln, just as they are excited about many of the popular culture characters they see on television every day.  The most popular characters with kids are all fictional.  Our kids are being culturally dumbed-down with so many meaningless characters being marketed to them.  Why not take real heroes like Lincoln and position them to kids in a fun way?  Why can’t kids talk about Lincoln out on the playground just like they talk about SpongeBob SquarePants?  If you really look into Lincoln’s childhood you will find a lot of funny things that kids will relate to.  I think it’s a brilliant idea.