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New book list!
1929 – 1939
The Great Depression was a severe economic downturn that began in 1929 and lasted through the 1930s. It caused widespread unemployment, poverty, and hardship across the United States and the world. In response, President Franklin D. Roosevelt introduced the New Deal, a series of programs and reforms aimed at economic recovery and social support. The New Deal provided jobs, helped farmers, and reformed the financial system, bringing hope and stability to many Americans during this challenging time. You can find books about the Dust Bowl here.
Picture books
Dorothea’s Eyes: Dorothea Lange Photographs the Truth
Inspiring story of a photographer who documented the Depression
The Gardener
Award-winning story of a girl finding a way to garden in the city during the Depression
Books by Horseback
Inspiring story of one of the Pack Horse Librarian who brought books to rural Appalachia
Pavel and the Tree Army
Story of a Russian immigrant boy who joins the Civilian Conservation Corps
Potato: A Tale from the Great Depression
Simple story about a family working together during the Depression
Little Miss History Travels to Hyde Park
Overview of Franklin and Eleanor Roosevelt through the lens of their presidential library
Rudy Rides the Rails: A Depression Era Story
Story of a boy riding the rails during the Depression
The Only Woman in the Photo: Frances Perkins & Her New Deal for America
Inspiring story of the first female cabinet member and her work on the New Deal
Summer of the Tree Army: A Civilian Conservation Corps Story
Story of a boy getting to know members of the Civilian Conservation Corps
The Lucky Star
Story of a girl facing hardships during the Great Depression, but drawing hope from her family
Chapter books
Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry
Award-winning story of a family facing injustice in the Depression-era south
Esperanza Rising
Award-winning story of a formerly sheltered girl adjusting to life in a farm labor camp
Turtle in Paradise
Funny story of a girl adjusting to her new life in Florida during the Great Depression
Fires in the Wilderness
Story of two teenage brothers fighting fires as part of the Civilian Conservation Corps
The Great Depression: An Interactive History Adventure
Choose-your-own-adventure stories set during the Great Depression
Dear America: Christmas After All
Fictional diary of a girl whose Christmas is impacted by the Great Depression
Dear America: Mirror, Mirror on the Wall
Fictional diary of a girl adjusting to life at a school for the blind during the Great Depression
Menace at Mammoth Cave: A Kit Mystery
Story of American Girl’s Kit solving a mystery involving CCC workers
Bea and the New Deal Horse
Moving story of a girl befriending a horse while adjusting to her new life during the Depression
Moon Over Manifest
Award-winning story of a girl solving a mystery in a small town during the Depression
Non-fiction books
Six Days in October: The Stock Market Crash of 1929
Gripping story of the stock market crash that started the Great Depression
Migrant Mother: How a Photograph Defined the Great Depression
Story of the famous photo that became a symbol of the Great Depression
Children of the Great Depression
Powerful, photo-rich story of children’s lives during the Great Depression
Biographies
Who Was Franklin Roosevelt?
Excellent introduction to the president through most of the Great Depression
Who Was Eleanor Roosevelt?
Excellent introduction to the first lady through most of the Great Depression
Activities
The Great Depression for Kids: Hardship and Hope in 1930s America, with 21 Activities
Activities inspired by the Great Depression
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