Battle of the Alamo: Spot the Myths

Description: The Battle of the Alamo was a famous event in U.S. history. Many myths have been told about it. In this interactive book, readers are challenged to separate the myths from the facts.

Brief description: Megan Cooley Peterson is a children's book author and editor. Her book How To Build Hair-Raising Haunted Houses (Capstone Press, 2011) was selected as a Book of Note by the TriState Young Adult Review Committee. When not writing, Megan enjoys movies, books, and all things Halloween. She lives in Minnesota with her husband and daughter.

Review Quotes: This engaging series for middle-grade readers provides a fresh approach to historical events by challenging readers to distinguish between fact and fiction. In The Battle of the Alamo, the book discusses a key moment during the Texas Revolution, in March 1836, when rebels from Texas were inside the Alamo and Mexican soldiers attacked, leading to this historic battle. Readers explore myths, such as whether the Mexican soldiers left any survivors and if Jim Bowie was stuck on his sickbed during the battle. On December 6, 1773, American colonists dumped tea into Griffin's Wharf in the Massachusetts Bay Colony to protest colonists' treatment by the British government. The Boston Tea Party invites readers to question widely held beliefs about this event, such as whether Samuel Adams gave the signal to toss the tea or actually wanted it sent back to Britain. Each title includes a glossary of key terms and suggestions for more reading, and vivid photos and illustrations nicely enhance the historical events, figures, and locations featured. The series' interactive approach to history makes it both educational and fun. Two Truths and a Myth is a perfect series for young readers eager to explore history and think critically about the past.--Alana Jara "Booklist"