Well folks, the hits just keep coming with Scholastic! I have reviewed several fantastic stories brought to life on dvd, from classics that we already love to stories that were new to us, but now are treasured.

This month, Scholastic released two dvds that are a must-have for the budding history buff!

History Videos for Kids

First up, check out DUKE ELLINGTON…AND MORE STORIES TO CELEBRATE GREAT FIGURES IN AFRICAN AMERICAN HISTORY. Here’s a sneak peek at what’s included in this dvd. Note the awesome narrators!

Duke Ellington (narrated by Forest Whitaker). A most fitting tribute to a great man who proudly celebrated the history of African-Americans, from slavery to civil rights struggles.

Ellington Was Not a Street (narrated by Phylicia Rashad). A poetic tribute about growing up amidst many of the great figures in African American History

Ella Fitzgerald: The Tale of Vocal Virtuosa (narrated by Billy Dee Williams). The dramatic story of how Ella got her sound, on the way to a most remarkable and inspiring career.

John Henry (narrated by Samuel L. Jackson). Based on the famous African-American folk ballad, this story tells of the legendary contest between a spirited man with a hammer and a steam drill.

The second dvd is called LINCOLN AND DOUGLASS: AN AMERICAN FRIENDSHIP…AND MORE STORIES TO CELEBRATE AMERICAN HISTORY. I’ve also included a description of the stories on this dvd. Do you happen to see one James Earl Jones listed below as a narrator? Oh heck yes!

The Pilgrims Of Plimoth When the Pilgrims set out for America they brought with them a dream for the future.With hard work they made that dream come true.

John, Paul, George, & Ben (narrated by James Earl Jones). A humorous and factual history of five lads who grew up to become the Founding Fathers of our nation.

The Journey of The One & Only Declaration of Independence (narrated by Jeff Brooks). This witty, gritty and factual story tells all about the document that has defined American freedom for more than two centuries.

Lincoln and Douglass: An American Friendship (narrated by Danny Glover) The story of an unusual, historic friendship between two great American leaders – Abraham Lincoln and Frederick Douglass.

I think both dvds are absolutely perfect additions to your dvd collection. They would also make fantastic gifts to give to an elementary school library so that hundreds of children could enjoy the stories. When I think about the ridiculous movies we used to watch on rainy days during recess, something like this would have been much more interesting and educational!

Buy it!: Both dvds are available online for $14.95 each (cheaper on Amazon!).

 

Disclosure: I received complimentary products for review purposes. The opinions expressed here are strictly my own.