We Were There, Too!: Young People in U.S. History

This may be the most exhilarating and revelatory history of our country. It is must reading for today's youth-as well as their elders. --Studs Terkel

From the boys who sailed with Columbus to today's young activists, this unique book brings to life the contributions of young people throughout American history. Based on primary sources and including 160 authentic images, this handsome oversized volume highlights the fascinating stories of more than 70 young people from diverse cultures. Young readers will be hooked into history as they meet individuals their own age who were caught up in our country's most dramatic moments-Olaudah Equiano, kidnapped from his village in western Africa and forced into slavery, Anyokah, who helped her father create a written Cherokee language, Johnny Clem, the nine-year-old drummer boy who became a Civil War hero, and Jessica Govea, a teenager who risked joining Cesar Chavez's fight for a better life for farmworkers. Throughout, Philip Hoose's own lively, knowledgeable voice provides a rich historical context-making this not only a great reference-but a great read. The first U.S. history book of this scope to focus on the role young people have played in the making of our country, its compelling stories combine to tell our larger national story, one that prompts Howard Zinn, author of A People's History of the United States, to comment, This is an extraordinary book-wonderfully readable, inspiring to young and old alike, and unique.

We Were There, Too is a 2001 National Book Award Finalist for Young People's Literature.

Author: Phillip Hoose
Publisher: Farrar, Straus and Giroux (Byr)
Published: 08/08/2001
Pages: 276
Binding Type: Hardcover
Weight: 3.08lbs
Size: 10.06h x 10.18w x 0.90d
ISBN: 9780374382520
Audience: Ages 9-12

Accelerated Reader:
Reading Level: 7.1
Point Value: 17
Interest Level: Upper Grade
Quiz #/Name: 54943 / We Were There, Too! Young People in U.S. History


Award: National Book Awards - Nominee
Award: Bookseller's Choice - Winner
Award: Parents Choice Award (Fall) (1998-2007) - Winner


Review Citation(s):
BookPage 08/01/2001 pg. 31
Kirkus Review - Children 07/01/2001 pg. 940
School Library Journal 08/01/2001 pg. 198
Publishers Weekly 08/20/2001 pg. 81
Booklist 08/01/2001 pg. 2117
Horn Book Magazine 09/01/2001 pg. 610
Booklist Ed Choice Adu Bk YA's 01/01/2002 pg. 767
ALA Best Books Young Adults 03/15/2002 pg. 1222
ALA Notable Children's Books 03/15/2002 pg. 1235
Booklist 04/01/2002 pg. 1340
Booksense '76 Childrens Spr 02 04/01/2002 pg. 1
Hornbook Guide to Children 07/01/2001 pg. 187 - Outstanding, Noteworthy In Style
Hornbook Guide to Children 01/01/2002 pg. 187 - Outstanding, Noteworthy In Style

About the Author
Phillip Hoose is an award-winning author of books, essays, stories, songs and articles. Although he first wrote for adults, he turned his attention to children and young adults in part to keep up with his own daughters. His book Claudette Colvin won a National Book Award and was dubbed a Publishers Weekly Best Book of 2009. He is also the author of Hey, Little Ant, co-authored by his daughter, Hannah, It's Our World, Too!, and The Race to Save the Lord God Bird. We Were There, Too! was a National Book Award finalist. He has received a Jane Addams Children's Book Award, a Christopher Award, and a Boston Globe-Horn Book Award, among numerous honors. He was born in South Bend, Indiana, and grew up in the towns of South Bend, Angola, and Speedway, Indiana. He was educated at Indiana University and the Yale School of Forestry. He lives in Portland, Maine.