Title: The Trail of Tears
Author: Michael Burgan
Other info: 48 pages, ISBN#: 0-7565-0101-6, published in 2001
This book gives students a timeline of the events that lead up to the "Trail of Tears" for the Cherokee Indians. The students will learn why it is called the "Trail of Tears." They will also learn about the Europeans, different battles that took place, treaties that were signed, the U.S. decision to try and "civilize" the Cherokee, reasons for westward expansion, and finally, what happened on the trail.
This book is written in a style that will be easy for your 4th or 5th graders to understand. There are several illustrations to help your visual students. The back of the book has a list of important people, a timeline, a glossary, and a few "Did You Know?" facts. I believe you will find this book very beneficial in teaching your students about power, authority, and governance; the use of timelines; and people in history who made an impact.
Links to Trail of Tears Resources:
Trail of Tears Primary Sources
Trail of Tears Vocabulary Presentation
Trail of Tears Vocabulary Worksheet
Trail of Tears Reading Assignment
Trail of Tears Vocabulary Fill-in-the-blank
Trail of Tears Samuel's Memory
Trail of Tears Citizen Action Lesson Plan
Trail of Tears Crossword Puzzle