Hidden American History With Heart!
Seeking Freedom
Writer Selene Castrovilla brings American history for kids to life with her award-winning books, perfect for all social studies curriculum.
Booklist starred review!
★ " In 1861, George Scott had been living in the forest and swamp near Hampton, Virginia, for two years, hiding from those who would force him back into slavery. After hearing that Black freedom seekers were protected inside nearby Fortress Monroe, he sought shelter there."
STARRED REVIEW
School Library Connection
★ "This is a thrilling tale of bravery and cunning, the courage of [George] Scott, and the shrewd actions of General [Benjamin] Butler...Fascinating facts combine with vivid illustrations in a truly powerful recounting of a crucial point in history."
How Selene found this story!
Seeking the Story of Seeking Freedom
"How could a hero from the Revolutionary War lead me to a virtually unknown story from the Civil War? Do you believe in ghosts? I do." Learn how Selene found this hidden American history for kids.
The true story that saved the American Revolution!
Revolutionary Friends
★ ". . . This oversize, handsome package will introduce a little-known aspect of the Revolutionary War history through pithy words and often dramatic pictures. It respects its audience as well as the historically significant friendship it portrays."-- Booklist, starred review
A Booklist Top Ten Biography for Youth
Award-Winning
A Society of School Librarians International Book Award Honor Book
A California Reading Association Eureka! Nonfiction Honor Book
A Bank Street College Best Children's Book of the Year
A Booklist Top Ten Biography for Youth
Consider this American history for kids for your social studies curriculum. One of Selene's riveting Revolutionary War books for 4th grade and up!
The treason that almost lost the American Revolution!
Revolutionary Rogues
Gravely injured and with little chance for more military honors, Major General Benedict Arnold seeks reward and recognition another way: by betraying George Washington and turning traitor against the country he swore to protect!
"The suspenseful story keeps readers on the edge of their seats whether young or old."
Learn the truth behind Benedict Arnold
Critically Acclaimed!
A NCSS/CBC Notable Trade Social Studies Book
A Kansas Reading Circle Choice
A Bank Street College Best Book
Tappantown Historical Society’s Achievement Award
"With colorful illustrations and insightful observations, books like this one make the names recorded in history much more human." - Booklist
The Library of Congress
What a surprising honor
Selene recently visited the Library of Congress Young Readers Center, where she discovered that two of her American history books were among their collection of good books to read for young people! It was a dream realized to be a writer contributing to America's library for youth.
These books are perfect for the Library of Congress, which has special sections history books for kids and American presidents.
Check out the beautiful card catalog behind her! Before the internet and online card searching, boxes like these were filled with typed cards, listing each book available. When you wanted to find a book you would flip through the cards. This really wasn't that long ago. When Selene was in school and wanted a book, she looked through the card catalog. It is pretty astounding to think about how technology has changed things.
Selene was honored to sign her books. See what she wrote below!
Signing the books for America's Library
Revolutionary Friends
Revolutionary Friends
Revolutionary Friends
What Selene wrote inside her American history book Revolutionary Friends at the Library of Congress!
This writer cherishes her career writing history books for kids!
Revolutionary Rogues
Revolutionary Friends
Revolutionary Friends
Here's the message Selene wrote inside Revolutionary Rogues, one of her history books for kids, at the Library of Congress.
What a thrill for the American history writer!
The little known story of George Washington's finest moment!
By the Sword: A Young Man Meets War
Spurred by the cry for freedom and the blood spilled at the battles of Lexington and Concord, young teacher Benjamin Tallmadge sacrifices his career and his dreams to enlist in George Washington’s army in Revolutionary America.
Empathy Inside War
A Man and his Beloved Horse
Follow Benjamin Tallmadge and his beloved horse, Highlander, at the Battle of Long Island.
A Goodreads reviewer created this collage!
Discover the amazing, brave women who founded our country. History's heroines are extraordinary and surprising!
On the cover:
--Phillis Wheatley, Enslaved Poet
--Mercy Otis Warren, Revolutionary Writer
--Martha Washington, Fiercely Devoted
--Nanyehi/Nancy Ward--Beloved Woman and Cherokee Peacemaker
The other side of history!
Behind the Scenes: How I work with my amazing editor!
A fun peek at the creative process behind my American history book for elementary readers: Revolutionary Friends: General George Washington & the Marquis de Lafayette!