Books in Acorn: What Would You Do? series

At the dawn of the nineteenth century, President Thomas Jefferson dispatched Robert Livingston and James Monroe to negotiate with the temperamental French dictator Napoleon Bonaparte. Originally charged with only securing the Port of New Orleans and access to the Mississippi River, they soon were presented with the deal of a lifetime—the purchase of the whole Louisiana Territory. With no time to contact the president, they had to make the decision themselves. What would you do if faced with the same decision? Author Elaine Landau poses this and other exciting questions to the reader in this lively account of the Louisiana Purchase.

Should Billy brush his teeth? Guide readers through the decision-making process with this simple title that shows possible outcomes for common choices. Clear photographs present the scenario and possible outcomes, while simple text asks readers “What would you do?” Brief explanations after each scenario spark conversation for a deeper discussion of the issue.

In 1775, the British arrived in Lexington, Massachusetts. Colonial minutemen were waiting for them. Although the Revolutionary War lasted for several years, the first shots fired at Lexington and Concord began the American colonists’ fight for independence. Author Elaine Landau invites readers to make the important decisions during the colonies first battles against the British.

While the Union and Confederacy were engaged in a bloody war, President Abraham Lincoln signed an important document, which he had often agonized over—the Emancipation Proclamation. His decision freed all the slaves in those areas of the United States still in rebellion. The author asks the reader what they would do if faced with the important decisions that were made during the Civil War.

Should Wendy walk the dog? Guide readers through the decision-making process with this simple title that shows possible outcomes for common pet-related choices. Clear photographs present the scenario and possible outcomes, while simple text asks readers “What would you do?” Brief explanations after each scenario spark conversation for a deeper discussion of the issue.

It is 1773 in the British colony of Massachusetts. The British government is taxing the tea being imported to the colonies. The Sons of Liberty in Boston are against the taxes. What would you do? Would you join the colonists who boarded the ship to toss the tea into the harbor? Or would you follow the laws and pay the taxes? Learn about many of the important decisions in American history as you read about the Boston Tea Party.