"Stories can dazzle, and they can deceive. America's Founding Myths teaches young people to practice the art of asking questions — not to shatter our national ideals, but to provide a sounder foundation for them. Because history, like Oz, is never exactly as it seems"
– Gregory Maguire, author of Wicked
Barefoot Books America's Founding Myths: ...And What REALLY Happened
Written by Christy Mihaly
Illustrated by Marta Sevilla
The MUST-HAVE book for kids for America's 250th birthday! Play a game of fact or fiction with this interactive book about the founding of America.
Have you ever wondered… Did Christopher Columbus REALLY discover America? What REALLY happened at the first Thanksgiving? Did Paul Revere REALLY shout “The British are coming!”? It’s time to pull the curtain back on these well-known myths to find out what REALLY happened and where these stories we’ve heard over and over again came from.
Perfect for history-loving kids and educators looking to teach kids about information literacy, America’s Founding Myths is a must-have on any history lover’s shelf!
"Author Christy Mihaly recognizes that history without blemishes is boring and that the best way to create informed citizens is to give them the skills to confront the full record of our lives together as a not always united people.”
— Robert A. Gross, author of The Minutemen and Their World and The Transcendentalists and Their World
★ "Mihaly delivers refreshing doses of reality that will deepen any reader’s understanding of our nation’s complex history and values"
— Booklist, starred review
★ "A visually dynamic, intellectually rigorous resource that challenges young readers to question historical narratives and recognize bias—essential for social studies curricula and media literacy instruction"
— School Library Journal, starred review
Watch the trailer!
Rise Up!
Rise Up: Powerful Protests in American History
Written by Rachel C. Katz
Illustrated by Sophie Bass
Protest is as American as apple pie. This bold, energetic nonfiction picture book introduces budding activists to 25 moments of resistance and revolution in American history through rhythmic, lyrical text and vibrant illustrations inspired by protest art. Includes info boxes, educational endnotes, timeline, and more to support learning.
Read the press release for Rise Up!
Listed as one of the "Most Anticipated Children's Books of 2025"
— Literary Hub
"Brilliant colors and dramatic contrast burst from the pages of this age-appropriate primer on the history and power of protests in the United States."
— Foreword Reviews
Educator Resources
More Books for America’s 250th Anniversary
Activism & Pride
Family & Cultural Identity
Singalongs About Community & Celebration
