History and Finding Out What is True ~Christy Mihaly

As we approach the 250th anniversary of the nation's founding, I'm excited to say I have a semi-quincentennial book coming out on May 26. It's America's Founding Myths ... And What REALLY Happened!, illustrated by Marta Sevilla and published by Barefoot Books. It's intended as a book that kids will enjoy, even as they learn that they've been lied to. 

The Barefoot Books team, Marta, and I worked to create a lively, kid-friendly book that would engage kids while letting them know that some of the history they've been told was wrong. Marta's art incorporates historic images, photographs, and comic-like art. We have sprinkled cartoons, jokes, and humorous asides throughout.

The image below shows how each of the fifteen main spreads begins by stating a myth:

The spread features a large gatefold flap on the left-hand side. A myth is briefly restated on the front of this flap. The reader then lifts the flap to the left to open the full spread, revealing the true story. Here's an explanatory graphic from the book:

And here's what the full spread looks like with the flap opened. On the reverse of the flap on the left is an explanation of "Where did the myth come from?" then the true story is summarized in the remainder of the double-page spread: 

The book debunks some of the central myths that kids have been told for generations, from Columbus to the First Thanksgiving to Paul Revere's ride and beyond. I also sought to elevate unsung heroes including important female, Black, and Indigenous people. 

Crucially, the book shows readers that to learn about history, we have to ask questions and question assumptions. The introduction starts by asking, "Where does history come from?" -- pointing out that history is messy and that stories change. It proposes other questions for readers to ponder as they read, such as why people tell these myths and what we can learn from them. 

While hoping to make kids laugh, we also model critical thinking and asking questions. Each of the main spreads includes a provocative question related to the myth discussed. For example, on the Boston Tea Party spread, we ask, "Do YOU think it is ever okay for protesters to break the law?" For the myth of Columbus, "How do YOU think celebrating something with a holiday changes the way we think about it?"

In addition, we offer resources on information literacy. A section in the back matter asks, "How do I know what is true?"

This material gives kids tools to use and questions to ask when confronted with new information. It empowers them to evaluate the truth of what they're told. 

Christy Mihaly

I hope America's Founding Myths inspires many conversations among kids and adults about what really happened in our history and what it means for the nation's present and our future. Such conversations are critical to help young people develop the skills they need to be active participants in a vibrant democracy. 

For the educators among you, Barefoot Books has provided a discussion guide for the book, with activities and a Junior Myth Buster certificate for readers who complete the activities. As an aside, the book is "officially" for the 8 to 12 year old age range, but younger kids can use it to learn the true stories early, and high school students as a starting point for further research. 

If you're interested in more new books for young readers centering untold stories of the Revolution, check out author Beth Anderson's blog series, #AmericanRevolution250. 

Happy reading, and happy semiquincentennial!