App Store

Google Play

{{seriesTitle}} - The book series

Details page - Device banner - 894x1036

Step into an infinite world of stories

Listen and read

Teri Kanefield

Unlike other biographies, the Making of America series goes beyond individual narratives linking influential figures to create an overarching story of America's growth that will deepen understanding of the country we live in today. This bundle featuring Alexander Hamilton, Abraham Lincoln, and Andrew Jackson tells the story of American constitutional history from the founding of the nation through the end of the Civil War. Listeners will begin by learning about Alexander Hamilton, a man who envisioned his country as a multi-racial, urbanized, capitalistic America with a strong central government. Hamilton's story epitomizes the American dream and leads nicely into the story of Andrew Jackson. Born in the Carolina backwoods, Jackson joined the American Revolutionary War at the age of thirteen. He then went on to become a consequential, polarizing figure in history. Finally, Abraham Lincoln's life and contributions are considered. One of America's most beloved presidents, Lincoln guided the United States through the Civil War, helped end slavery in America, and strengthened the federal government. Each historical figure discussed in this bundle made an everlasting impact on America's trajectory, and their contributions can be seen in almost every facet of our government.

Pete Cross

Dreamscape Media

The Making of America

The Making of America: Volume 1

Unlike other biographies, the Making of America series goes beyond individual narratives linking influential figures to create an overarching story of America's growth that will deepen understanding of the country we live in today. This bundle featuring Susan B. Anthony, Thurgood Marshall, and Franklin D. Roosevelt focuses on some of the most notable names in equality and voting rights in America. Listeners will begin by learning about the life of America's famous suffragette, Susan B. Anthony. Born into a world in which men ruled women, she made it her life's work to change the law so that women could have a voice. Next, we will take a look at America's 32nd president, Franklin D. Roosevelt. The longest-serving U.S. president, he redefined the role of the U.S. government. Finally, we will explore the life and contributions of Thurgood Marshall, a lawyer who advocated for equality for all Americans. Each historical figure discussed in this bundle made an everlasting impact on America's trajectory, and their contributions can be seen in almost every facet of our daily lives.

Joyce Bean

David Sadzin

Chris Lutkin

The Making of America: Volume 2

This biography for young readers examines the life of an American who advocated for women’s rights and the abolishment of slavery.

Susan B. Anthony was born into a world in which men ruled women. A man could beat his wife, take her earrings, have her committed to an asylum based on his word alone, and take her children away from her. While the young nation was ablaze with the radical notion that people could govern themselves, “people” were understood to be white and male. Women were expected to stay out of public life and debates.

As Anthony saw the situation, “Women’s subsistence is in the hands of men, and most arbitrarily and unjustly does he exercise his consequent power.” She imagined a different world—one where women and people of color were treated with the same respect that white men were given.

Susan B. Anthony explores her life, from childhood to her public career as a radical abolitionist to her rise to become an international leader in the women’s suffrage movement.

The book includes selections of Anthony’s writing, endnotes, a bibliography, and an index. 

“Susan B. Anthony, who fought tirelessly for women to have the right to vote, is profiled in this very readable entry in the Making of America series.” —Booklist

Abrams Books for Young Readers

Susan B. Anthony

This biography for young readers examines the life of a brilliant lawyer who successfully argued the case that ended legal racial segregation in America.

Thurgood Marshall, the great grandson of a slave, was born at a time when African Americans were denied equal rights in America. Segregation was legal. Lynching was common. In some places, African Americans were entirely excluded from public life; they were forbidden to enter public parks and museums or use public swimming pools and restrooms.

After being denied admission to the University of Maryland Law School because of his race, Marshall enrolled at Howard University. He graduated first in his class and set out as a young lawyer determined to achieve equality for all Americans. Here is the story of how he did it—how he devised his legal strategy for expanding “we the people” to include all people.

Thurgood Marshall explores the life of the brilliant lawyer who successfully argued the case that ended legal racial segregation in America, following his childhood in Baltimore to his trailblazing career as a civil rights lawyer, and finally his years as a United States Supreme Court justice.

This book includes a timeline, excerpts of Marshall’s writings, source notes, a bibliography, and an index.

“Provides a well-rounded look not only at the life of Marshall, but at the events in the world that shaped him into the man he was, and how he in turn helped shape the world for future generations.” —School Library Connection

Thurgood Marshall

The Making of America - The book series

The Making of America - The book series

The Making of America books in order

Listen and read