Through the Eyes of Your Ancestors: A Step-by-Step Guide to Uncovering Your Family's History [Paperback]

Maureen Taylor (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: March 26, 1999 | Age Level: 8 and up | Grade Level: 3 and up

Here is an easy-to-follow approach to the fascinating hobby of genealogy. Every family has a story, and this book can help kids uncover the secrets and adventures of their own ancestors. From lists of helpful organizations to sample interview questions, state-of-the-art computer programs to Web sites, this guide will help children become family historians. Each chapter begins with a real anecdote, enticing young readers with visions of what they might find hidden in their ancestors' pasts. All varieties of families are represented here - extended, adoptive, and blended, from many races and cultures - with emphasis on the unique role that each has played in the founding and development of the United States.

Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal

Grade 4-8-Readers are told how to access a variety of resources including vital reords, cemetery records, land records, citizenship papers, passenger lists, church records, newspapers, city directories, military records, Web sites, and genealogical libraries. The suggestions for potential sources are interspersed with anecdotes and quotes from people who have studied their family roots. The format has been designed with young people in mind-a large font size, white space, and a historical photograph or reproduction on most two-page spreads. However, the process of genealogical research is often complex and it is unlikely that children will be able to do most of the research outlined in this book independently. Motivated young researchers with adult help will find the book a good starting place.
Adele Greenlee, Bethel College, St. Paul, MN
Copyright 1999 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

Review

"By researching our family's history, we discover ourselves through our relatives." Intended as an introduction to the art of genealogy, this book admirably fulfills its purpose. It is logically arranged in ten chapters, including "Family Stories and Keepsakes," "Getting Started," and "Helpful Technology." Most chapters contain lists of special collections or resources such as the National Archives and the American Jewish Archives. In the process of discussing research, the author includes gems such as this clue to information dating: the name Wendy was invented by Sir James Barrie for a character in Peter Pan; it did not exist before 1904. Helpful charts and diagrams make research look easy and intriguing.... The book is a good resource for families above and beyond the intended middle-school audience.
Horn Book

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Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 8 and up
  
• Paperback: 96 pages
• Publisher: Sandpiper (March 26, 1999)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 039586982x
• ISBN-13: 978-0395869826
• ASIN: 039586982X
• Product Dimensions: 9.4 x 8.8 x 0.3 inches
• Shipping Weight: 13.6 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,842,481 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Maureen A. Taylor is an internationally recognized expert on the intersection of history, genealogy, and photography. She has been featured in top media outlets, including The View, Martha Stewart Living, and The Today Show. Maureen is the author of a number of books and magazine articles, as well as a contributing editor at Family Tree Magazine. In 2007, The Wall Street Journal called her "the nation's foremost historical photo detective."

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

11 of 12 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The Number One Book To Teach Your Child About Genealogy !, March 14, 1999

By 

[e-mail] (Boston, Massachusetts) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Through the Eyes of Your Ancestors: A Step-by-Step Guide to Uncovering Your Family's History (Hardcover)

Well known genealogist Maureen Taylor has produced a wonderful volume filled with exciting examples on Genealogy for children. This book will excite your child to become interested in their own Ancestors. This wonderful volume contains superb selected photographs for each chapter, and excellent stories for your child's reading enjoyment.

This is also a must have volume for any grade school social studies or history teacher, or school library. More important this has become a valuable book for my child's personal library.

Table of Contents include the following chapters on (Our Families, Family Stories and Keepsakes, Getting Started, What does that mean ?, Where to find help, Helpful technology, Wartime America, A land of many cultures, Final Thoughts).

Through learning Genealogy your child will gain a greater appreciation for their heritage, and history. Exciting and educational reading for every parent and child.