Tyler Thompson may remind you of a child in your life.  A little distracted, not extremely popular, but wanting to do his best despite his self image.  A scraggly mutt is the least likely character you'd expect to help Tyler learn and remember US history, but Barnabas Bailey, who hangs out under the magical trapdoor in Miss Trimble's classroom, is indeed the teacher here.

The new book series, Miss Trimble's Trapdoor by Lori Jordan-Rice, is intended to help students learn basic US history and provide a positive message along with it.

The first book in the series Miss Trimble's Trapdoor, lays out the characters, setting and a brief introduction to the rest of the books to follow.

The second book is, Miss Trimble's Trapdoor: The Perseverance of Christopher Columbus.

This book really explains the life of Chirstpoher Columbus and his journeys in an engaging way, as well as showing perseverance as a character quality for living, while tying it back to Christopher Columbus and his life.

The books are stated to be for an audience of ages 9 -12, but I think that advanced readers as young as 6 could easily read these books.

If you're looking for a way to get your children or students more interested in basic US history, these books might be just what you're looking for.  Short chapters, large print and pictures help to make history come alive.  You can find out more about them at http://www.misstrimblestrapdoor.com/.