Our America historical novel series

by Funtastic Unit Studies!https://funtasticunitstudies.com/

Social_studiesGrades 4–10

Our America: Time-Travel Historical Fiction for Early American History

Our America is a series of historical novels featuring twins who time-travel to experience early American colonial life firsthand. The books focus on specific periods like the Pilgrims, King Philip's War, and Salem, with accompanying unit study activities available online.

Best for

Homeschooling families seeking engaging historical fiction to supplement a Charlotte Mason approach to early American history for grades 4-10, particularly those who want realistic portrayals of colonial life.

Evaluation Criteria

3 concerns · 2 neutral · 2 insufficient evidence

Primary SourcesConcern

The curriculum does not appear to incorporate primary source documents, instead relying on fictionalized narratives based on historical research.

Reviewer mentions 'invented dialogue' and that characters aside from protagonists are real, but no mention of primary source engagement

Direct InstructionConcern

The curriculum relies primarily on narrative learning rather than direct instruction, though historical notes provide some explicit information.

Learning occurs through story immersion with 'historical notes at the end of the books' providing additional information

Retrieval PracticeConcern

No evidence of systematic retrieval practice or spaced review components in the curriculum design.

Review mentions unit study activities but does not describe any retrieval practice or review mechanisms

Teacher TrainingNeutral

Limited instructional support is provided through free online unit study activities, but comprehensive teacher training is not mentioned.

Website offers 'free unit study activities to accompany each book that include crafts, recipes, and games'

Chronological KnowledgeNeutral

The series covers specific historical periods in early American history but appears to focus on discrete events rather than building a comprehensive chronological framework.

Books cover the 1620s Pilgrims, King Philip's War, and Salem periods, but reviewer notes these comprise 'only a part of an American History course'

Vocabulary BuildingInsufficient Evidence

Explicit vocabulary instruction is not mentioned, though historical context may introduce period-appropriate language naturally.

No specific mention of vocabulary development strategies in the review

Geographic KnowledgeInsufficient Evidence

Geographic and civic knowledge coverage cannot be determined from the available review evidence.

Review focuses on historical narrative content without mentioning geographic or civic learning components

Review Sources

cathyduffy

Cathy Duffy

Key Facts
GradesGrades 4–10
SubjectSocial_studies
PedagogyCharlotte Mason
Faith-BasedNo
Pricing$7.95 at Amazon.com | $6.18 Used at Amazon.com Marketplace | $7.95 at Amazon.com | $1.77 Used at Amazon.com Marketplace | $7.95 at Amazon.com | $3.95 Used at Amazon.com Marketplace | $4.95 at Amazon.com | $0.99 at Amazon.com | $4.95 at Amazon.com

Looking for something different?

If none of these options feel right, explore a non-traditional approach. Pallas Center offers a unique curriculum, or design your own with Palladay.

Data sources: cathyduffy