Want some great historical fiction to read to your kids? You've just got to try Joseph Altsheler books . They're wonderful. I was first told about this author by Uncle Ancil (above), now in his 80's. He said that they were his favorite books when he was a boy because they're full of adventure. My son has tried them and says the same thing.

Okay. I just had to give you a taste of the historical fiction of Joseph A. Altsheler. This is the first page from The Guns of Bull Run.

It would soon be Christmas and Harry Kenton, at his desk in the

Pendleton Academy, saw the snow falling heavily outside. The school

stood on the skirt of the town, and the forest came down to the edge of

the playing field. The great trees, oak and ash and elm, were clothed

in white, and they stood out a vast and glittering tracery against the

somber sky.

The desk was of the old kind, intended for two, and Harry's comrade in

it was his cousin, Dick Mason, of his own years and size. They would

graduate in June, and both were large and powerful for their age.

There was a strong family resemblance and yet a difference. Harry's

face was the more sensitive and at times the blood leaped like

quicksilver in his veins. Dick's features indicated a quieter and more

stubborn temper. They were equal favorites with teachers and pupils.

Dick's eyes followed Harry's, and he, too, looked at the falling snow

and the white forest. Both were thinking of Christmas and the holiday

season so near at hand. It was a rich section of Kentucky, and they

were the sons of prosperous parents. The snow was fitting at such a

time, and many joyous hours would be passed before they returned to

school.

The clouds darkened and the snow fell faster. A wind rose and drove it

against the panes. The boys heard the blast roaring outside and the

comfort of the warm room was heightened by the contrast. Harry's eyes

turned reluctantly back to his Tacitus and the customs and manners of

the ancient Germans. The curriculum of the Pendleton Academy was simple,

like most others at that time. After the primary grades it consisted

chiefly of the classics and mathematics. Harry led in the classics and

Dick in the mathematics.

Isn’t that beautifully written? Now this is the kind of literature that I want my children to enjoy and learn history from. You can read them for yourself at several sites with free online books including www.gutenberg.org.