Teaching U.S. History Beyond the Textbook

Six Investigative Strategies, Grades 5-12

"No longer is history something to be ingested and regurgitated on a test, but rather something that absorbs the intellectual imagination of the learner. That is a rare quality in good teaching. The author has done a marvelous job of bridging what are otherwise conflicting paradigms."

"This book offers experienced social studies teachers endless ideas and inspiration to revitalize their classrooms so that students look forward to learning social studies, especially learning experiences placed in their own communities."

"An excellent guide for making history a compelling subject to students through the use of sleuthing and crime analysis metaphors and techniques. Any teacher using the models outlined in the book will find his or her classes more exciting for all involved.”

"Williams presents engaging and unique strategies from his broad range of experience. The connections between historical events and the polemics and mysteries of crime scenes make history learning a thrill."

"This is not your typical social studies methods book by any means. Williams's highly readable prose shows a deep respect for the marriage of American history content and teaching."

"Williams's passion for helping teachers look at content in new ways and with clever devices to engage their students is precisely what we need. This informative and well-designed book challenges educators to think outside of the box."

"Great teachers are national treasures, and Yohuru Williams is one of them. In this book he shares ideas and teaching methods. He also includes some terrific historic vignettes."

"Williams is one of the most knowledgeable and exciting history education presenters in the nation. Finally, teachers will have the opportunity to read, digest, and implement these fantastic teaching methods into their lessons."