Eva March Tappan

Eva March Tappan (1854-1930) was an American author and educator who specialized in writing history books and literature for children and young people. She produced over 40 books during her career, including historical works, biographies, and volumes aimed at making complex subjects accessible to young readers. Tappan served as a teacher and department head at various institutions including Worcester's English High School, and later became a full-time writer and editor. Her most significant works include "In the Days of Alfred the Great," "American Hero Stories," and "Elementary History of Our Country." The "Makers of England Series" and "The Children's Hour Series" stand among her most influential contributions to children's literature. These collections provided historical and literary content specifically curated for young readers, maintaining educational value while ensuring engagement through accessible writing styles. Her work as an editor for The World's Story: A History of the World in Story, Song and Art demonstrated her ability to compile and present historical material in an organized, educational format. This 14-volume series became a standard reference work in many schools and libraries during the early 20th century.

Eva March Tappan's educational books receive consistent recognition from teachers and parents for making history accessible to young readers. Her books remain in use by some homeschool communities today. What readers liked: - Clear writing style that breaks down complex historical topics - Inclusion of interesting details that capture children's attention - Strong educational value while maintaining student engagement - Balanced presentation of historical events - Effectiveness as teaching tools for elementary/middle school history What readers disliked: - Dated language and writing style - Some outdated historical perspectives and social attitudes - Limited availability of physical copies - Basic black and white illustrations Review stats are limited due to the age of the works. On Goodreads: - In the Days of Alfred the Great: 3.8/5 (12 ratings) - American Hero Stories: 4.0/5 (5 ratings) - Elementary History of Our Country: 3.5/5 (4 ratings) Modern homeschool bloggers frequently recommend her books for history curriculum, particularly citing their readability and educational merit. Several reviewers note her work as "thorough but not overwhelming for young readers."

In the Days of Alfred the Great A biographical account of King Alfred's life and achievements, including both historical events and cultural context of Anglo-Saxon England.

In the Days of William the Conqueror Chronicles William's rise to power, the Norman Conquest, and his subsequent rule over England.

American Hero Stories A collection of biographical sketches featuring various figures from American history, including explorers, settlers, and leaders.

Old World Hero Stories Presents narratives about historical figures from European and ancient civilizations.

Our European Ancestors Examines the historical development of European societies and their influence on American culture.

England's Story A comprehensive history of England written for young readers, covering major events from ancient times to the modern era.

Heroes of the Middle Ages Profiles significant medieval figures including Charlemagne, Roland, and El Cid.

Letters from Colonial Children A series of fictional letters depicting daily life in colonial America from children's perspectives.

When Knights Were Bold Details medieval life, customs, and culture, including topics such as castle life, tournaments, and the feudal system.

The World's Story A multi-volume world history series covering various civilizations and time periods.

Laura E. Richards wrote children's historical biographies and educational books in the early 1900s. She focused on American history and wrote in a straightforward style for young readers similar to Tappan.

Mary Hazelton Wade produced history books for children during the same era as Tappan, with an emphasis on early American colonial life. She wrote detailed accounts of historical figures and events aimed at school-aged readers.

Hendrik Willem van Loon created history books that blended education with narrative storytelling in the early 20th century. His works covered broad historical topics and civilizations with an accessible approach for young readers.

Charles Carleton Coffin authored historical works about American history and the Civil War period for young audiences. His books combined historical accuracy with narrative elements to engage readers with the past.

James Baldwin wrote educational books and historical stories for children in the late 1800s and early 1900s. His focus on American biography and history paralleled Tappan's approach to making historical subjects accessible to young readers.