Revealing stories from America's past
Calkins Creek Books introduces children to the many people, places, and events that shaped our country's history. Our picture books, chapter books, and novels—nonfiction and historical fiction for ages eight and up—combine original and extensive research with creative, energetic writing. History is key at Calkins Creek-front and center. Our authors transport their readers back in time to recognizable places with living and breathing people.
The September 13, 2009 edition of The Denver Post features a review of Selene Castrovilla's Upon Secrecy:
"Paging students and teachers studying the American Revolution: Here's a lively, obscure story that will make you sit up. Castrovilla's slim book about the Culper spy ring may look like a picture book, but the text would be a great supplement for high school history classes… The research behind both text and illustrations is impeccable."
"Paging students and teachers studying the American Revolution: Here's a lively, obscure story that will make you sit up. Castrovilla's slim book about the Culper spy ring may look like a picture book, but the text would be a great supplement for high school history classes… The research behind both text and illustrations is impeccable." —The Denver Post
"Shea’s succinct text, longer than that of a picture book and with a reading level suitable for junior-high students, offers a well-organized and clearly written account of Webster’s life, studded with memorable facts and supported by informative sidebars. Rich in color and detail, the oil paintings represent the period well." —Booklist
"With Noah Webster: Weaver of Words, Pegi Deitz Shea has composed an informative narrative that has just the right blend of historical record, tight writing, and intriguing tales to interest young readers. Also woven in are some important themes regarding the economic challenges of the American Revolution as well as the economics of public education. The striking oil paintings further add to the overall appeal of this engaging biography." —Rutgers University Project on Economics and Children
