It's true and it's here! Colorado Middle Schools' CD, “Better Than The Book”, has arrived! You may purchase your copy of "Better Than The Book" for $10 at the Colorado Middle School.

"Better Than the Book" is a History In Motion Project.
Rockin' to country music and learning about the Declaration of Independence all at the same time?

"Better Than the Book", a compilation of historically accurate material placed to a variety of musical adaptations, provides students with an enjoyable romp through American History.

"Better Than the Book" was the brainchild of Colorado Middle School History teacher/Coach Steven Sumners, who utilized recent brain research about music and retention of knowledge, and challenged his students to write lyrics about the history of our nation. The eight graders from this rural West Texas community jumped at the chance to participate in the process, which included democratic votes about which students' lyrics should be published.

A songwriter himself, Coach Sumners composed all the initial music to accompany the students' lyrics. He then contacted friends in Nashville to record the first songs. From the first release, "Trying To Find A way To Asia" to the last song on the CD, "The Bill of Rights", the students were hearty participants in song writing workshops with performing artist, Amy Chappell and Jason Jones, who actually came to Colorado City, Texas, to work with the students. This first effort, "Better Than the Book", is the result of their collaboration with Galen Breen, owner of The Gator Hole Recording Studio of Nashville.

Whether you choose to use the album in the history or music classroom, as "pump it up music during PE, or just at home as a study guide, "Better Than the Book" provides students with a memorable look at our nation's history.