Era 2: Settlement and statehood 1609-1791 — book reviews
Miriam & Wes Herwig, ed., Jonathan Carpenter’s Journal: Being the Diary of a Revolutionary Soldier and Pioneer Settler of Vermont
Debi Paulsen:
"This diary chronicles the 'encients,' Revolutionary battles, and settlement of Vermont through the eyes of a young participant. Jonathan’s experiences included soldiering, homesteading, and school-teaching, and his family life illustrates common colonial traditions such as multigenerational homes and deferred marriage. While phonetic spelling and abbreviations contribute to limited readability, sections of the journal may be read aloud to personalize historical events. Many links to creative writing are possible: Modern availability of paper would allow more storytelling--what would the rest of the story be? Jonathan also dabbled in poetry, and his attempts may be used as models for students to verify historical events, lists of generals or battles, etc., or to experiment with acrostic or wisdom poetry."
Ralph Nading Hill, Lake Champlain: Key to Liberty
Debi Paulsen:
"The saga of Lake Champlain, from her geological origin to reflections upon options for her future, is richly presented. Lake Champlain is well-researched and well-written, and may serve as interesting fare for the curious, background information for those desiring “the big picture,” or a resource for specific research. Hill gives a brief introduction to the earliest residents of the region, then focuses on the arrival of Europeans and the conflicts which came with them. The French and Indian War, Revolution, and War of 1812 are outlined in detail. Hill does not repeat the historians’ too-frequent error of neglecting the “empty years” between wars: he informatively traces the development of trade and transportation and the political impact of these industries. A chapter entitled 'Tales of the Frontier contains some personalized vignettes."
Perspectives 76
Leslie Ercole:
"This book is an excellent resource for teachers to use in the classroom. I could see a teacher looking at what was going on generally in American History and then looking for a section in this book that relates to Vermont. Then students will get an idea of the timeline of events and both a broad and narrow view of what was going on in the country.
There are numerous activities that can be used in the classroom. It is important that these activities align with the standards so there is a connection to the meaning of the activity and not just a fun thing to do.
There are primary sources included in the text. Students would have to figure out if the truth is being told in all of them! Such as Seth Hubbell’s account. The use of these would also need to align with the standards. I will use this resource as I develop standards-based units for the early history of this country."
Debi Paulsen:
"This comprehensive teacher resource is a gold mine of information, documents, facts, anecdotes, projects, crafts, destinations, maps, illustrations, bibliographies and resource people to recreate the everyday experience as well as the historical events of Vermont and New Hampshire from the late 1700s to the early 1800s. Topics covered include homesteading, early government, trades, homes and apparel, religious life, inventions, education, and entertainment. Multicultural information highlights diversity and the richness gained when cultures are combined."
Michael Sherman, ed., A More Perfect Union: Vermont Becomes a State, 1777-1816
Debi Paulsen:
"This collection of documents from, and essays about, the statehood period adds much to the readers’ view of contributing personalities, debates, and events. The essays review the making of the Vermont Constitution, the ratification and adoption of the U.S. Constitution, and Vermont’s adjustment to statehood. Sherman’s metacognitive essay on the story in history is thought (and debate) provoking. This text may serve as a resource for the teacher or could be used to provide material for high school students to present in modern formats or to recreate debates."
