America's Founding Myths...And What REALLY Happened

★ "Mihaly delivers refreshing doses of reality that will deepen any reader’s understanding of our nation’s complex history and values" – Booklist

★ “A visually dynamic, intellectually rigorous resource that challenges young readers to question historical narratives and recognize bias―essential for social studies curricula and media literacy instruction” – School Library Journal

"Stories can dazzle, and they can deceive. America's Founding Myths teaches young people to practice the art of asking questions ― not to shatter our national ideals, but to provide a sounder foundation for them. Because history, like Oz, is never exactly as it seems" – Gregory Maguire, author of Wicked

"Author Christy Mihaly recognizes that history without blemishes is boring and that the best way to create informed citizens is to give them the skills to confront the full record of our lives together as a not always united people.” ― Robert A. Gross, author of The Minutemen and Their World and The Transcendentalists and Their World

"Playful, provocative, and packed with perspective" – Kirkus Reviews

"Best of all, this title not only tackles our complex founding, but encourages media literacy by empowering young people to ask questions and check sources. And really, what could be more American than that?" – Betsy Bird, Librarian, @FuseEight

Uncover the truth behind 15 American history myths in this hilariously bold, infographic deep dive

Have you ever wondered… Did Christopher Columbus REALLY discover America? What REALLY happened at the first Thanksgiving? Did Paul Revere REALLY shout “The British are coming!?" It’s time to pull the curtain back on these well-known myths to find out what REALLY happened and where these stories we’ve heard over and over again came from.

Perfect for history-loving kids and educators looking to teach kids about information literacy, America’s Founding Myths is a must-have on any history lover’s shelf!

Celebrate America’s 250th anniversary with this exploration of the best-known stories about the founding of the United States.
Interactive extras including silly speech bubbles, gatefolds, lift-the-flaps, and activities at the back make learning about American history fun and engaging for kids.
Encourages information literacy by empowering young people to ask questions, think critically and check sources.

Christy Mihaly is an award-winning author of books for young readers. She has published more than 40 books and many poems. She writes mostly nonfiction -- all kinds of nonfiction! Her 2026 titles are "Music and Silence," a picture book biography of the great cellist and humanist Pablo Casals; and "America's Founding Myths ... And What REALLY Happened!"

Christy has written several books about government and civics, including "Our Congress," "The Supreme Court and Us," and "Free for You and Me: What Our First Amendment Means." She also writes about science, nature, and farming. And she writes poems about just about everything. She's a founding member of GROG, the group blog for educators, writers, and readers of children's literature. Christy lives in rural Vermont where she works under the supervision of her dog and cat. She's represented by Erzsi Deak of Hen&ink Literary Studio.