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For most kids, anything that happened before the turn of the Millennium is ancient history. But just because it happened before they were born (or even before their parents or grandparents appeared on the planet) doesn't mean an event isn't important and interesting. Check out some of these stories, real and imagined, to get a taste of times gone by.

	Aronson, Marc The World Made New: Why the Age of Exploration Happened & How It Changed the World Author and editor Aronson brings history to life in this and other titles that take an expansive look at how events impact people and places.
	Curtis, Christopher Paul Bud Not Buddy Bud is searching for his father and trying hard to survive in this Depression-era story that's filled with humor and hope as well as hardship.
	Johnson, Angela A Sweet Smell of Roses This picture book look at a child's experience during the Civil Rights Movement makes history accessible and may even prompt the sharing of family memories and experiences.
	Kerley, Barbara What to Do about Alice Illustrated by Edwin Fotheringham Having two energetic young girls in the White House today may give this story about Teddy Roosevelt's rambunctious daughter extra appeal -- but even those who don't draw comparisons between the Obamas and Alice will enjoy this lively tale.
	Levine, Ellen Henry's Freedom Box Illustrated by Kadir Nelson. Slave Henry "Box" Brown took a creative (if cramped) route to freedom as detailed in this picture book history.
	Nelson, Kadir We Are the Ship: The Story of Negro League Baseball Whether readers are already familiar with the subject or not they'll appreciate the power and clarity of Nelson's words and pictures.
	Peck, Richard A Long Way from Chicago The hilariously deadpan story of a brother and sister whose grandmother is definitely larger than life.
	Ryan, Pam Munoz Amelia and Eleanor Go for a Ride Illustrated by Brain Selznick Ryan imagines the details of a real flight taken by famed aviator Amelia Earhart and First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt.
	Schlitz, Laura Good Masters! Sweet Ladies!: Voices from a Medieval Village Rhymed monologues accompanied by notes that are simultaneously amusing and educational offer readers and listeners the chance to learn more about a particularly fascinating time period.
	Sis, Peter The Wall: Growing up Behind the Iron Curtain Sis's beautifully illustrated memoir offers insight into recent history both personal and political.
	Winter, Jonah Steel Town Illustrated by Terry Widener The story of steel is the story of Pittsburgh-and while Winter never names the town he's talking about, readers will surely recognize familiar landmarks in this evocative and intriguing picture book. For another slice of local history, check out Winter's Roberto Clemente: Pride of the Pittsburgh Pirates, illustrated by Raul Colon.
	Woodson, Jacqueline Show Way Illustrated by Hudson Talbott One baby girl's lineage, lyrically recounted, offers a snapshot of the African-American experience.

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