The Living Book Press History Shapers series is a fantastic resource for history lovers, homeschoolers, educators, and librarians alike. With 17 volumes covering lesser-known yet significant historical figures, this series helps fill gaps in our understanding of history with well-crafted biographies that are both exciting and deliver an excellent historical account.
One of my favorite aspects of this series is the target audience. Each book, at around 120 pages, is substantial enough to provide meaningful depth without overwhelming young readers. The writing is of the highest quality, treating children as capable and curious learners. This respect for the reader’s intelligence and will makes the books not only informative but also truly enjoyable to read.
Among these, The Story of Robert Bruce by Jeanine Lang is a particularly exciting volume. Robert Bruce was a complex figure in one of the most turbulent periods in British Isles history. Too often, Scottish heroes are cast as rogues and villains, viewed more as barbarian rebels than the nation-builders they were. This book, however, does honor to Bruce’s legacy, portraying him as the fiery, determined revolutionary that he was, fighting to unify and stabilize Scotland.
Young readers, especially boys, are likely to find this story to be captivating. It is filled with power struggles, battles, strategy, and political intrigue—everything that makes history come alive. Bruce’s story is one of resilience, bravery, and cunning, making it an exciting read that feels more like an adventure novel than a school history book.
Had I discovered this series when my children were younger, I would have eagerly included it in our Morning Basket or encouraged my middle-grade reader to tackle it independently.
Excitingly told, elegantly written, and thoughtfully curated, the Living Book Press History Shapers series deserves consideration from homeschoolers and history teachers of all stripes. Librarians looking to expand their history section with lesser-known but significant historical figures will find this series invaluable.
We have partnered with Living Book Press to bring you a free download of the David Livingstone volume in the hopes that it will help you to evaluate the series for your own collection. Request that download here.