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"Dear America" Across American History Quiz
The "Dear America" series brings history to life through fictional diaries. These stories follow young people during key moments in American history. Can you match the events to their titles? This is a renovated/adopted version of an old quiz by author squeaks957
A matching quiz
by wellenbrecher.
Estimated time: 3 mins.
The "Dear America" series is a collection of historical fiction books written as if they were real diaries kept by young people living through important moments in American history. Each book tells a personal story while also teaching readers about the past. The series was first published by Scholastic in 1996 and includes over 30 titles written by different authors.
These books take readers back in time and offer a glimpse of what life was like for children during events such as the American Revolution, the Great Depression or the Civil War. Although the stories are fictional, they're based on real historical events and the authors include a lot of detail to make the periods come alive. The "Dear America" series is a fun and creative way to learn about history through the eyes of young people.
The first book in our quiz is "A Journey to the New World: The Diary of Remember Patience Whipple, Mayflower, 1620". This book tells the story of Remember Patience Whipple, a 12-year-old girl who travels aboard the Mayflower in 1620 with her family and other Pilgrims seeking religious freedom. Through her diary, readers witness the harsh realities of the journey across the Atlantic, including cramped conditions, illness and fear of the unknown.
When the group arrives in what is now Massachusetts, life doesn't get any easier. The first winter is brutal and many of the settlers don't survive. But through Remember's eyes, readers also see moments of hope and resilience, especially when the Pilgrims receive help from the Native Americans, who teach them how to survive in this new land.
This book offers a personal view of an iconic moment in American history, the landing of the Pilgrims and the beginnings of Plymouth Colony. It's a story of courage, perseverance and the importance of community in the face of overwhelming challenges.
2. American Revolution
Answer: The Winter of Red Snow
After the Pilgrims settled in Plymouth, America grew into a group of colonies under British rule. But by 1776, the American colonies wanted independence, and the Revolutionary War began. "The Winter of Red Snow: The Diary of Abigail Jane Stewart, Valley Forge, Pennsylvania, 1777" takes readers to one of the hardest times in this fight for freedom - the winter of 1777-1778 at Valley Forge.
In this book, 11-year-old Abigail Jane Stewart lives near the military camp where George Washington and his soldiers struggle to survive. Through Abigail's diary, readers see the hardships of the soldiers as they face freezing temperatures, lack of food and disease. Abigail and her family do what they can to help, even as they worry about their own safety.
This story shows what life was like during the American Revolution, not only for the soldiers, but also for the families who lived nearby. It's a reminder of how ordinary people, young and old, worked together to build a new nation.
3. Great Irish Famine
Answer: So Far From Home
By the 1800s, America had grown into a young country with bustling cities and new industries, but it was also a place where millions of immigrants came to start a new life. "So Far From Home: The Diary of Mary Driscoll, An Irish Mill Girl, Lowell, Massachusetts, 1847" follows the journey of Mary Driscoll, a 14-year-old girl who leaves Ireland during the Great Famine. The famine, which began in 1845, caused widespread starvation and forced millions of Irish people to emigrate in search of survival. Mary's journey takes her to Lowell, Massachusetts, where she starts working in a textile mill to support her family.
Through Mary's diary, readers experience the struggles of immigrants: adjusting to a new country, working long hours in dangerous mills, and facing prejudice as Irish newcomers. At the same time, Mary's story highlights the friendships she makes with other "mill girls" and the strength she finds in her difficult new life.
This book shows how young people like Mary played an important role in shaping early industrial America and how America became a new home for immigrants. It also gives readers a better understanding of what it was like to live during one of the most difficult periods in Irish history.
4. California Gold Rush
Answer: Seeds of Hope
In the mid-1800s, many Americans moved west in search of land, opportunity and a fresh start. Just a few years after pioneers had travelled west on the Oregon Trail, the discovery of gold in California brought thousands more settlers west during the Gold Rush of 1849. "Seeds of Hope: The Gold Rush Diary of Susanna Fairchild, California, 1849" tells the story of Susanna Fairchild, a 14-year-old girl whose family leaves New York to seek their fortune in California.
Through Susanna's diary, readers experience the excitement and challenges of the Gold Rush. She writes about the long and dangerous voyage by ship around South America, the bustling gold mining towns, and the difficulties the settlers faced in their quest for riches. Despite the hardships, Susanna's story is also about family, resilience and finding hope in unexpected places.
This book explores how the Gold Rush transformed California and played a key role in America's westward expansion. It serves as a reminder of the dreams and determination that drove people to the frontier in search of a better life.
5. American Civil War
Answer: A Light in the Storm
By the 1860s, America was torn apart by the Civil War, a conflict between the Northern and Southern states over issues such as slavery and states' rights. "A Light in the Storm: The Civil War Diary of Amelia Martin, Fenwick Island, Delaware, 1861" follows 15-year-old Amelia Martin, the daughter of a lighthouse keeper, as she writes about her life on Fenwick Island, Delaware, during the early days of the war.
Amelia's diary captures her feelings of isolation as her family's lighthouse stands between the North and the South, both geographically and emotionally. Her father supports the Union, while her mother has ties to the South, creating tensions at home. Amelia also reflects on the larger issues of the war, such as freedom and equality, as she watches the world around her change.
This book shows how the Civil War affected ordinary families, especially those caught between the Union and the Confederacy. Through Amelia's story, readers witness the personal struggles of a young girl trying to make sense of a war that changed the course of American history.
6. Transcontinental Railroad
Answer: The Great Railroad Race
In the late 1860s, the United States was rapidly expanding westward, and one of the most ambitious projects of the era was the construction of the Transcontinental Railroad. "The Great Railroad Race: The Diary of Libby West, Utah Territory, 1869" is the story of 14-year-old Libby West, whose family, living near the Union Pacific line in Utah Territory, became involved in the completion of the railroad.
Libby's diary captures the excitement and challenges of this monumental undertaking, as workers from all walks of life work tirelessly to connect the East and West coasts. Through her eyes, readers experience the harsh working conditions, the cultural tensions among the workers and the transformative power of the railway to change the lives of settlers and businesses forever.
This story brings to life one of the most important engineering feats in American history, showing how it united the country and opened up new opportunities for travel, trade and communication. Libby's story also reflects the hopes and hardships of families living through this era of change and progress.
7. Jewish immigration to America
Answer: Dreams in the Golden Country
At the turn of the 20th century, America was a land of opportunity for millions of immigrants, many of whom came through Ellis Island in search of a better life. "Dreams in the Golden Country: The Diary of Zipporah Feldman, A Jewish Immigrant Girl, New York City, 1903" is the story of 12-year-old Zipporah Feldman, a Jewish immigrant from Russia, and her family's new beginnings in the bustling neighbourhoods of New York City.
Through Zipporah's diary, readers experience the joys and challenges of adjusting to life in a new country. She writes about learning English, balancing her family's traditions with American culture and dreaming of a future where anything is possible. Her story highlights the struggles of immigrants, from crowded tenements to long hours of work, but also the resilience and creativity that allowed them to thrive.
This book paints a vivid picture of immigrant life in early 20th-century America, showing how families like the Feldmans contributed to the nation's cultural and economic growth. It's a story of courage, determination, and the hope of achieving the American Dream.
8. Titanic disaster
Answer: Voyage on the Great Titanic
In the early 20th century, the Titanic was celebrated as the largest and most luxurious ship of its time, symbolizing human ingenuity and progress. "Voyage on the Great Titanic: The Diary of Margaret Ann Brady, RMS Titanic, 1912" follows the journey of Margaret Ann Brady, a 13-year-old orphan from London who boards the Titanic as the companion of a wealthy woman travelling to America.
Margaret's diary captures the grandeur of the ship, from its elegant dining rooms to its impressive technology. But as the Titanic embarks on its ill-fated maiden voyage, her story becomes one of survival and heartbreak. Through Margaret's eyes, readers witness the heroism, chaos and tragedy that unfolded as the 'unsinkable' ship met its end.
This book offers a personal insight into one of the most infamous maritime disasters in history, highlighting the human stories behind the headlines. Margaret's journey reflects both the excitement of a new beginning and the fragility of dreams in the face of unexpected disaster.
9. World War One
Answer: When Christmas Comes Again
In 1917, the world was deeply involved in World War I, and the United States had just entered the conflict. "When Christmas Comes Again: The World War I Diary of Simone Spencer, New York City to France, 1917" follows 16-year-old Simone Spencer, a French-American girl living in New York City, who volunteers as a telephone operator for the U.S. Army Signal Corps. She is sent to France to help with wartime communications at the front.
Through Simone's diary, readers experience the realities of life during the Great War, from the camaraderie and courage of the soldiers to the devastating effects of combat on communities and families. Simone writes of her pride in contributing to the war effort, but also struggles with the emotional toll of witnessing the tragedies of war.
This book provides a poignant insight into the sacrifices made during the Great War and highlights the vital role played by women and young people during this pivotal time in history. Simone's story is one of bravery and hope for peace amid the chaos of war.
10. Pearl Harbor Attack
Answer: Early Sunday Morning
7 December 1941 is a date forever etched in American history as the day of the surprise attack on Pearl Harbor that brought the United States into World War II. "Early Sunday morning: The Pearl Harbor Diary of Amber Billows, Hawaii, 1941" tells the story of 12-year-old Amber Billows, who moves to Hawaii with her family when her father, a war correspondent, is sent to cover events in the Pacific.
Through Amber's diary, readers witness the vibrant life of pre-war Hawaii, from the beauty of the islands to the diverse cultures of its people. The story takes a dramatic turn when Amber describes the shocking attack on Pearl Harbor and its aftermath. Her account captures the fear, confusion and courage of those who lived through this pivotal moment in history.
This book offers a personal view of the impact of Pearl Harbor and brings to life the human stories behind this world-changing event. Amber's experiences highlight the determination of a nation facing an uncertain future during World War II.
This quiz was reviewed by FunTrivia editor looney_tunes before going online.
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