1919: The Year That Changed America

A parent would reach for this book when their teenager begins asking deep questions about why the world is so divided today or when they show an interest in the roots of social justice and activism. This National Book Award winner explores 1919 as a pivotal moment where modern America was born, covering everything from the suffrage movement and labor strikes to the Red Scare and the Great Migration. It handles complex emotional themes like justice and resilience with a direct, historical lens. It is highly appropriate for middle and high schoolers who are ready to engage with the messy, unvarnished reality of how progress is made through struggle. Parents will value how it connects historical events to current headlines, providing a foundational understanding of American identity.