Cause: Reconstruction America, 1863“1877

Reach for this book when your child starts asking complex questions about fairness in American history or how a country heals after a major conflict. It serves as a vital bridge for students who are ready to move beyond simple hero narratives and explore the messy, difficult, and inspiring reality of how civil rights were first fought for in the United States. Tonya Bolden provides a masterful look at the years following the Civil War, using primary sources to show the tension between political struggles in Washington and the lived experiences of newly freed people. It is a story of profound resilience and the ongoing pursuit of justice. For middle schoolers, it offers a sophisticated but accessible framework for understanding how laws are made and how courageous individuals can change the course of a nation.