The tales of lumberman Paul Bunyan from Washington. The Native American Choctaw "codetalkers" who played a vital role in World War I. Jeanette Rankin, elected to the U.S. Congress-before women could vote. Despite being one of the youngest nations, United States history has a rich tapestry of stories-much of which is unknown.

This diverse collection of American folktales and true stories showcases the history and lore of the western states.

Capturing the spirit of legendary figures like Jim Bridger and Kit Carson and events like the Gold Rush, stories animate American history. Experiencing these tales allows students to enjoy a vibrant aspect of history that is rarely represented and communicated: the hopes, fears, joys, and trials of the people who came before us.

The United States of Storytelling: Folktales and True Stories from the Western States contains lore about early pioneers and settlers, Native Americans, and later immigrants of the states west of the Mississippi as well as the Commonwealths and Territories. Each chapter focuses on an individual state and includes approximately six folktales or true stories from that state, plus the date it entered the union. Appropriate for students in third through eighth grade, this guide is specifically suited for children studying the states in grades four through six, serving as a valuable storytime resource as well as a research springboard for these age groups.

• Features folklore presented by four noted storytellers and scholars
• Each chapter/state includes a sub-bibliography that lists sources by title; there is also a general bibliography in the back of the book
• Each chapter/state has its own glossary of terms