When I took on this year’s Read Harder Challenge, one task really caught my attention: #17, which asked me to read a book about little-known history. Honestly, back in school, I never enjoyed history class. It felt tedious, like I was stuck memorizing a dry list of names, dates, and facts that never seemed to connect to anything meaningful. However, as I grew older, I realized that history is not just a string of events; it’s a treasure trove of fascinating stories that shape our lives today.
Many of us are unaware of exciting historical events or figures that didn’t make it into our school curriculums. Unfortunately, history has often been erased or simplified, omitting significant stories. For instance, how many are aware of the Greenwood District in Tulsa or the American Indian Boarding Schools? If these topics came up at all in school, they were likely brushed aside.
This brings us to another intriguing area known as microhistories. Imagine diving into the tales behind everyday items like shopping malls, toilets, or even pencils. It might sound strange, but learning about the history of something as simple as a lighthouse can be both informative and entertaining!
You can also explore historical fiction as a way to learn about lesser-known events. Just ensure that the stories focus on figures or situations not widely acknowledged. Anything outside the realm of World Wars is likely a good candidate. A fantastic resource for this is Rachel Brittain’s list of Historical Fiction About Little-Known History, which includes tales such as that of the Wilhelm Gustloff and the Kingdom of the Happy Land, a community founded by freed African Americans in the Appalachian mountains.
Recommended Books on Lesser-Known Histories
Black Wall Street: From Riot to Renaissance in Tulsa’s Historic Greenwood District by Hannibal B. Johnson
This book recounts an amazing story from the Greenwood District in Tulsa, Oklahoma, where Black residents thrived despite a system of legal segregation. The community became home to affluent Black millionaires and professionals until a terrible race riot destroyed much of it. Johnson shares how the residents, undeterred, started rebuilding and managed to restore 242 businesses within just 20 years. It’s a story of resilience that deserves to be known.
Meet Me by the Fountain: An Inside History of the Mall by Alexandra Lange
Remember the days spent at the mall? Alexandra Lange takes us through the evolution of shopping malls, which are now often perceived as relics of consumerism. She reflects on the architectural journey and the impact these centers have had on communities, making it a nostalgic yet critical read.
Stealing Little Moon: The Legacy of the American Indian Boarding Schools by Dan SaSuWeh Jones
This gripping book narrates the painful experiences of the author’s grandmother, who was taken from her family to a residential school at just four years old. Jones’s work brings to light the harsh realities faced by Indigenous children. It’s a heart-wrenching account that needs to be read and understood.
African Europeans: An Untold History by Olivette Otélé
In this illuminating book, Otélé reveals the often-overlooked history of Africans in Europe. It provides valuable lessons about historical representation and challenges common misconceptions about the timelines and participation of people of color in Europe.
The Golden Thread by Ravi Somaiya
Somaiya mixes true crime with investigative journalism in his riveting tale about Dag Hammarskjöld, a renowned diplomat whose mysterious death has puzzled many. The book combines fresh evidence with gripping storytelling, making it hard to put down.
The Ghost Map by Steven Johnson
If you’re intrigued by how diseases spread, this book is a must-read. Johnson narrates the cholera outbreak in Victorian London in 1854 with the thrill of a detective story. Dr. John Snow’s groundbreaking investigation against the prevailing ideas of his time highlights the importance of scientific inquiry.
Wayward Lives, Beautiful Experiments by Saidiya Hartman
Hartman’s book is a poignant exploration of Black women’s lives in early 20th century America. During a time of evolving social norms regarding love and relationships, Hartman captures the revolution in intimate lives within the Black community.
These books show that history is vastly richer and more interesting than what we were taught in school. They open up new perspectives and give voice to stories that deserve to be shared.
So, if you’re looking to broaden your horizons and dive into history that isn’t commonly discussed, why not start with one of these recommended reads? Each book promises to be an eye-opening experience, filled with stories that connect us to our past and help us understand our present.
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Original Text – https://bookriot.com/histories-you-werent-taught-in-school/