Blood on the River by Elisa Carbone brings early American history to life through the compelling story of Samuel Collier and the founding of Jamestown, offering students a powerful lens into survival, conflict, and cultural encounter in the early colonial period. Beginning in mid-February 2026, this APEX book study will feature five interactive webinar discussions paired with practical teaching strategies for using the text effectively with students. Participants will deepen their historical understanding, explore instructional approaches for reading historical fiction in the classroom, and complete five short quizzes to earn APEX hours and an associated stipend. 

Can’t attend every Zoom session? No problem—participants may still join and complete quizzes on their own schedule.

All book club meetings will be held on Zoom. Participants will also access quizzes and course materials through the National Performance for Education Learning Center. An invitation to the Learning Center will be sent prior to the first meeting.

Book Club Meeting Schedule
All meetings take place at 5:00 PM Central / 6:00 PM Eastern. Click on the links below to register for meetings.

February 17 – Orientation

February 24 – Chapters 1–5

March 3 – Chapters 6–10

March 10 – Chapters 11–15

March 17 – Chapters 16–20

March 24 – Chapter 21 & Afterward 

We’re looking forward to meaningful conversations and a great learning experience together. More details will be shared soon! 

The Boston Massacre: A Family History by Serena Zabin offers a fresh and deeply human perspective on one of the most well-known events leading up to the American Revolution. Rather than focusing only on the violent clash in March 1770, the book explores the everyday lives and relationships between British soldiers and Boston residents. Zabin reveals how soldiers lived among civilians—often with their wives and children—and formed personal, social, and even familial connections within the community. By highlighting these intertwined relationships, the book shows how tensions were not simply political, but also personal, ultimately contributing to the tragic события of the Boston Massacre.

About the Author:
Serena Zabin is a historian and professor of history at Carleton College, where she also directs the American Studies program. She specializes in early American history and has authored several scholarly works, including Dangerous Economies and The New York Conspiracy Trials of 1741. Zabin is widely recognized for her research that brings new perspectives to familiar historical events, particularly by focusing on everyday people and social relationships.

Registration for The Boston Massacre: A Family History Book Study is now closed, and we’re excited to get started!

• Book Delivery: Copies are expected by April 24, 2026

  • If your book has not arrived, please contact Rebecca Roach at rebecca.roach@uswep.org

• Meeting Schedule: Dates will be shared by Claire West by the end of next week

• Platform: All resources and assessments will be accessed through the NPE Learning Center

• Orientation Session: A brief session will be offered prior to the first meeting to support navigation and answer questions

We look forward to diving into this powerful history together!