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Best Books Set in Wisconsin

Every state is known for something. As you work your way through the list, don't miss the best books set in Wisconsin.

Wisconsin is a midwestern U.S. state with coastlines on 2 Great Lakes (Michigan and Superior) and an interior of forests and farms. Milwaukee, the largest city, is known for the Milwaukee Public Museum, with its numerous re-created international villages, and the Harley-Davidson Museum, displaying classic motorcycles. Several beer companies are based in Milwaukee, and many offer brewery tours. 

What themes are in Books Set in Wisconsin?

When it comes to books set in Wisconsin, one recurring theme is the exploration of small-town life and the close-knit communities that often define the state. Authors often delve into the quirks and charms of rural Wisconsin, and you'll find themes of community, family, and tradition.

Another common theme is the relationship between people and the natural world. Wisconsin's lush forests, lakes, and outdoor activities often play a significant role in these stories, reflecting themes of nature, conservation, and the connection between people and their environment. So, if you enjoy stories about small-town life or the beauty of the outdoors, Wisconsin-set books might be your cup of tea!

How to Create a State Unit Study for Wisconsin

Creating a state unit study for Wisconsin can be a fun and educational project. Here are some steps to help you get started:
 
  1. Define Your Goals: Determine the purpose of your unit study. Is it for homeschooling, a classroom project, or personal enrichment? Decide on the age or grade level of the learners. This will help you tailor the study to their needs and interests.
  2. Gather Resources: Collect books, websites, videos, and other materials related to Wisconsin. Look for sources that cover its history, geography, culture, and notable figures. Visit your local library or use online resources to find books and articles about the state.
  3. Set Learning Objectives: Define what you want learners to know and understand about Wisconsin. For example, you might want them to learn about the state's history, geography, economy, and culture.
  4. Plan Activities: Create a list of activities that align with your learning objectives. These could include reading assignments, research projects, field trips, and hands-on activities. Consider including activities like cooking traditional Wisconsin dishes, exploring state parks, or studying famous Wisconsinites.
  5. Explore Wisconsin Geography: Study Wisconsin's physical geography, including its lakes, rivers, forests, and landforms. Learn about the state's climate, wildlife, and natural resources.
  6. Dive into Wisconsin History: Explore the history of Wisconsin, from its indigenous peoples to European settlement and statehood. Study key events, figures, and important periods in Wisconsin's history.
  7. Learn About Wisconsin Culture: Discover the culture of Wisconsin, including its traditions, art, music, and cuisine. Explore the state's festivals, museums, and historical sites.
  8. Investigate the Economy: Examine Wisconsin's economy, including its major industries, agriculture, and contributions to the nation. Discuss how the economy has evolved over time.
  9. Connect with Local Experts: If possible, invite guest speakers or experts from Wisconsin to talk to the learners or conduct virtual interviews with them.
  10. Create a Culminating Project: Encourage learners to showcase what they've learned through a final project, such as a research report, a presentation, a visual display, or a performance.
  11. Reflect and Discuss: Have discussions or reflective sessions with the learners to recap what they've learned and how it connects to their own lives.
  12. Have Fun: Remember to include enjoyable activities and interactive elements to keep learners engaged and excited about the unit study.
  13. Assessment: If you're in an educational setting, consider evaluating the learners' understanding and knowledge through quizzes, projects, or other assessment methods.
  14. Share and Celebrate: Share the learners' projects and newfound knowledge with friends, family, or a wider community to celebrate their achievements.
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Best Books Set in Wisconsin

Sale
The Art of Fielding: A Novel
  • Harbach, Chad (Author)
  • English (Publication Language)

The Art of Fielding: A Novel

Author: Chad Harbach

At Westish College, a small school on the shore of Lake Michigan, baseball star Henry Skrimshander seems destined for big league stardom. But when a routine throw goes disastrously off course, the fates of five people are upended.

Sale
American Gods: A Novel
  • Gaiman, Neil (Author)
  • English (Publication Language)

American Gods: A Novel

Author: Neil Gaiman

Released from prison, Shadow finds his world turned upside down. His wife has been killed; a stranger offers him a job and Shadow, with nothing to lose, accepts. But a storm is coming. Beneath the placid surface of everyday life, a war is being fought – and the prize is the very soul of America.

Shotgun Lovesongs: A Novel
  • Amazon Kindle Edition
  • Butler, Nickolas (Author)

Shotgun Lovesongs: A Novel

Author: Nickolas Butler

It's a place like hundreds of others, nothing special, really. But for four friendsall born and raised in this small Wisconsin townit is home. And now they are men, coming into their own or struggling to do so.

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Black House
  • Audible Audiobook
  • Stephen King (Author) - Frank Muller (Narrator)

Black House

Author: Stephen King

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Twenty years ago, a boy named Jack Sawyer traveled to a parallel universe called the Territories to save his mother and her “Twinner” from an agonizing death that would have brought cataclysm to the other world. Now Jack is a retired Los Angeles homicide detective living in the nearly nonexistent hamlet of Tamarack, Wisconsin.

He has no recollection of his adventures in the Territories, and he was compelled to leave the police force when a happenstance event threatened to awaken those long suppressed and dangerous memories.

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The Westing Game
  • Audible Audiobook
  • Ellen Raskin (Author) - Cassandra Campbell (Narrator)

The Westing Game

Author: Ellen Raskin

A bizarre chain of events begins when 16 unlikely people gather for the reading of Samuel W. Westing's will. And though no one knows why the eccentric, game-loving millionaire has chosen a virtual stranger – and a possible murderer – to inherit his vast fortune, one thing's for sure: Sam Westing may be dead…but that won't stop him from playing one last game! 

Now that you've completed the list of best books set in this state, why not check out some others? Here are the Best Books Set in All 50 States.

DOWNLOAD AND PRINT BOOKS SET IN ALL 50 STATES

Click here to download this printable. It has a list of books in all 50 states, including the Best Books Set in Wisconsin.

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