Hero Tales from American History by Theodore Roosevelt & Henry Cabot Lodge CD Set - A Review

Hero Tales from American History
by Theodore Roosevelt & Henry Cabot Lodge

Complete Set for $15
Available at Raising Real Men

President Theodore Roosevelt and Congressman Henry Cabot Lodge wrote a history book for children, "Hero Tales from American History."  It came to be, after Roosevelt's wife encouraged Roosevelt and Lodge (good friends) to write about some of their favorite Americans and moments in history.  The tales are retellings of some of America's greatest heroes from the Revolutionary War to the Civil War, 26 stories in all.

Hal and Melanie Young have taken this treasure and turned it into an audio-tale, complete with sound effects.  The set includes 3 CDs, each an hour long.  The tales are 7 to 11 minutes long and appropriate for all ages.


Here is a breakdown of the included tales.

Part 1 – 1732-1777
George Washington (Biography)
Daniel Boone (Biography)
George Rogers Clark (Revolutionary War)
The Battle of Trenton (Revolutionary War)
Bennington (Revolutionary War)

Part 2 – 1780-1814
Kings Mountain (Revolutionary War)
Stony Point (Revolutionary War)
Gouveneur Morris (French Revolution)
The Philadelphia (Barbary Pirates)
The Wasp (War of 1812)
The Privateer General Armstrong (War of 1812)

Part 3 – 1814-1865
The Battle of New Orleans (War of 1812)
John Quincy Adams and the Right of Petition
Francis Parkman
“Remember The Alamo!” (Texas Revolution)
Hampton Roads (USS Monitor and CSS Virginia)
The Flag-Bearer (War Between The States)






I was so privileged to receive this audio set for review.  I didn't even know that the book, "Hero Tales," existed.  I knew several things about Theodore Roosevelt, but I didn't know that he was an author... and a children's author at that.  He and Lodge shared the stories of great Americans, such as George Washington and Daniel Boone.

My daughters and I listened to these stories while commuting back and forth to activities.  What a great use of our time.  We were able to learn about some of America's greatest heroes, to hear about hard-fought victories, to be reminded of what virtue truly is.

To get an idea of the kinds of lessons to be learned from these tales, take a moment to read from  the book's dedication: "Thrift, industry, obedience to law, and intellectual cultivation are essential qualities in the makeup of any successful people; but no people can be really great unless they possess also the heroic virtues which are as needful in time of peace as in time of war, and as important in civil as in military life. As a civilized people we desire peace, but the only peace worth having is obtained by instant readiness to fight when wronged—not by unwillingness or inability to fight at all. Intelligent foresight in preparation and known capacity to stand well in battle are the surest safeguards against war. America will cease to be a great nation whenever her young men cease to possess energy, daring, and endurance, as well as the wish and the power to fight the nation's foes."

I love history, especially American history.  This Audio CD set is American history at its best.  Way more interesting than a dry, boring textbook.  I am very thankful to be able to add this set to my homeschool collection.  I hope you will consider adding it to your collection, as well.

Disclaimer: 

"Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in hope that I would mention it on my blog. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."