Books in Spotlight on the 13 Colonies: Birth of a Nation series

Georgia, Britain’s thirteenth and last American colony, played an important part in America’s early history. Founded as a debtors’ colony and later staunchly loyal to the King, much of Georgia colony’s efforts were spent protecting Britain’s economic and political interests. This text, which supports national and state social studies curricula, covers the key historical figures and events in Georgia’s colonial history. Readers will relive important battles, learn about the colony’s social and economic climate, and understand the reluctant role Georgia played in America’s fight for independence. Maps, primary sources, and historical artwork support the information-rich text.

The lost colony of Roanoke is a place and a story shrouded in mystery. Centuries after the disappearance of Roanoke’s colonists, the history of their endeavors and their sudden departure intrigue readers and spark their imagination. This volume sets the stage for the doomed colony, as it covers earlier attempts at Roanoke, the mishaps that occurred, and the clues colonists left behind. Primary sources and brilliant visuals bring Roanoke to life, and information-rich text supports state and national social studies curricula. Evidence from archaeological digs and secret maps will engage even the most reluctant readers and raise the question: How could so many people disappear without a trace?

This volume introduces readers to the beginnings of colonial Virginia, which was home to the first successful British settlement in North America. The narrative begins with the hardships and eventual success of the Jamestown settlement. Readers will learn about the crop that saved the colony, the rise of plantations, and early democracy in the Virginia House of Burgesses. Information-rich text paired with corresponding images highlight Virginia’s role in the American Revolution, and draw attention to important Virginians such as Thomas Jefferson and Patrick Henry. This volume was researched and written to support national and state social studies curricula while supporting comprehension through accompanying primary sources, biographies, and maps.

The lost colony of Roanoke is a place and a story shrouded in mystery. Centuries after the disappearance of Roanoke’s colonists, the history of their endeavors and their sudden departure intrigue readers and spark their imagination. This volume sets the stage for the doomed colony, as it covers earlier attempts at Roanoke, the mishaps that occurred, and the clues colonists left behind. Primary sources and brilliant visuals bring Roanoke to life, and information-rich text supports state and national social studies curricula. Evidence from archaeological digs and secret maps will engage even the most reluctant readers and raise the question: How could so many people disappear without a trace?

This volume introduces readers to Maryland, the colony that promised Catholics religious freedom and success. This engaging text takes readers back in time, as they learn about early life in the colony, the rise of industries, and the inevitable tension with the British. National and state social studies curricula are addressed in this well-researched and information-rich text. Primary sources, biographies, and vivid photographs bring to life famous figures and historical events, such as the burning of the Peggy Stewart and the Annapolis Convention. Readers view the American Revolution through Maryland’s scope, gaining a deep understanding of the origins of this great state.

The colony of Connecticut was instrumental in the formation of the United States. Connecticut was the birthplace of some of the most important patriots of the American Revolution, including Nathan Hale, who was a famous patriot spy. As readers explore the history of Connecticut during its time as a British colony, they also learn about topics relevant to social studies curricula, such as the French and Indian War and the protests against British taxation. Historical images and full-color photographs allow readers to see for themselves what life was like in this colony while gaining practice interpreting primary sources.

Before New Jersey became the garden state, it was a tiny colony on the Atlantic Coast where the revolutionary spirit appeared long before America’s fight for independence. This information-rich text invites readers on a journey through New Jersey’s colonial past, covering its time spent as a Dutch claim, its role as British colony, and its contributions to forming the United States. Readers will learn about key historical figures and important events, early America’s industrial and social climate, protests against taxation, and the Revolutionary War through the lens of New Jersey’s history. Informational maps, primary sources, and age-appropriate language bring history to life for modern readers.

This volume invites readers to step back in time to colonial Pennsylvania, in whose storied history we can find the origins of the United States. This comprehensive look at Pennsylvania’s colonial era covers its Quaker origins, early industry, its unique social and religious climate, and the role it played in America’s most important revolutionary events. Readers will learn about key historical figures, such as William Penn and Benjamin Franklin, as well as monumental historical events that took place in Pennsylvania, including the meeting of the First and Second Continental Congresses, the signing of the Declaration of Independence, and more. Primary sources, maps, and period-specific artwork transport readers back in time to the second state’s legendary colonial history.

This volume invites readers to explore the colonial history of Delaware, the first state to join the United States. Readers will learn how Delaware switched hands between the Swedish and Dutch before falling under British rule. The text explores Delaware’s rise to success as a coastal trading and manufacturing center, as well as the early rumblings of dissent with English Parliament. Students will gain an understanding of Delaware’s role in the American Revolution and its long-awaited break from Pennsylvania to become its own colony-state, and eventually, its own state. This text, which is engaging and vivid, aligns with state and national social studies curricula. Primary sources, artwork, and maps supplement the text to support comprehension of major events and historical figures in Delaware’s colorful history.

New York played an important part in America’s fight for independence. New York City even served as the first capital of the United States! Readers explore the history of New York from its discovery by Europeans and its colonization by both the Dutch and British through its role in the American Revolution and the signing of the U.S. Constitution. Important social studies curriculum topics are presented in an accessible manner, alongside full-color photographs and historical primary sources chosen to give readers a clear picture of what life was like in New York during colonial times.

Life in colonial South Carolina wasn’t easy for many settlers. They faced diseases and pirate attacks. Others faced even harder times as they arrived in the colony as slaves. Readers get a detailed look at the early history of South Carolina through accessible text, presented alongside historical primary sources and colorful photographs. From the area’s first Native American inhabitants to its role in some of the most important battles of the American Revolution, readers explore the fascinating history of South Carolina. Along the way, they get a fresh look at a variety of essential social studies curriculum topics, including Britain’s colonization of the New World and America’s fight for independence.

Rhode Island is America’s smallest state, but its history is far from tiny. This information-rich text takes readers on a journey through Rhode Island’s colonial history and the role it played in gaining independence for the American colonies. Students will learn about Rhode Island’s religious and social environment, early industry, and key historical figures. Important events such as King Philip’s War, Stamp Act protests, and the Revolutionary War are examined through the unique lens of Rhode Island’s colonial environment. Primary sources, maps, and period-specific artwork supplement the text and support social studies curricula.