Hey, History Isn’t Boring Anymore! – A Creative Approach to Teaching the Civil War is an interactive book for middle level readers. Kelly Ann Butterbaugh has written a book with twelve chapters that encourage everyone to look at history “in an entirely different way.”
The author asks such questions as how women’s quilts impacted the Civil War? Did women really stitch together their dresses to make a hot air balloon? Throughout the text are sprinkled many questions, and suggestions for student activities. Kelly earned an M.Ed., and is a seasoned English teacher of ten years in public schools, and five years, teaching writing, at the college level.
By turning learning into an active experience, she proves that history does not have to be boring. Just glancing at the book, it is apparent that she wants students to “think historically.” The 107 page book, published by White Mane Publishing, 717-532-2237, is a gem. There are photos throughout the pages, and an appealing cartoon-like cover.
Hey, History Isn’t Boring Anymore is a great resource for teachers, and for students who are involved in the discovery of history. As one of her references, Kelly cites my article, “Gunboat Quilts, Fundraisers for the Confederacy,” published both on Quilter’s Muse website, and in The Citizen’s Companion (Jun/Jul. 2007). (A more comprehensive article with authentic Gunboat Quilt photos appeared in The Quilter magazine, initially.)
For more information, visit www.kellybutterbaugh.com
Patricia Cummings
