Why America is Free

The best history book I ever used was one I got for free. 

A few years ago HSLDA (Homeschool Legal Defense Association) offered a gift certificate to their online store with membership renewal.  It was there I found this amazing book with a breathtaking perspective on American History.

Why America is Free is suggested for grades 4-8, but even I learned some new things.  It's impact on our family is second to none as far as history books go.

The book, written by the Mount Vernon Ladies Association,  weaves a fictional tale into the story of our country's birth.  The main character is a boy who lives on a farm, grows up to fight in the revolutionary war, and eventually becomes one of the VA delegates in the ratification of the U.S. constitution.

Because the reader is invested in the life of this boy, the circumstances around him seem more real.  It was hard to put the book down each time I would begin to read it, but we had to, there was just so much to absorb.

Don't think for a minute that because there is this story woven into the book that somehow the book lacks substance as a history text.  If anything, the details given in the 202 page book far surpass other school texts.  What you don't find, is a sanitized dumbed-down bare-bones selection that gives a brief overview of our country's past.

I was conversing with Michael Farris (Chairman of HSLDA and Chancellor at Patrick Henry College) on Facebook in late January, and mentioned how much we enjoyed this book.  Check out his response.

Kristen Brandsema Lowery ‎Michael Farris, I used why America is Free as a history text for my kids a few years ago. It is by far the history book that is the favorite in our home and has had the most impact on how my kids look at history. 

Michael Farris I was on an airplane when I first read that book Kristen. I was visibly crying when I came to the story of George Washington resigning his commission.

Remember this response is coming from someone who has argued cases in front of the U.S. Supreme court. 


I must admit, there were times when I was reading this book aloud to my kids that I became choked up with emotion  to the point where I had to stop and compose myself.  


The content is so meaningful that the information stuck in my kids minds, and has continued to influence how they view their country. 

As far as textbooks go, this one is very fairly priced.  It is available on HSLDA's website for only $15 as of the time of this post.  


It took us about 3 months to go through the book as a family.  My kids were grade 1-8 at the time we went through it and it kept all of their attention.  


Although it is not enough to be considered a high school history course, a high school student would probably still enjoy using the book as part of a larger course.  


If you are looking for a better way to teach the story of our country's foundations, then I suggest you give this book serious consideration.  


It is well worth your time.