The Making Of America

From the first contact of Europeans with Native Americans in 1492 to the current events of the 21st century, this comprehensive volume makes the story of America interesting and fun for today' s visually oriented kids. Major eras and social movements unfold chronologically. Each chapter includes biographies of two key people and a " Great Debate" focusing on some heated issue of that era and an explanation of its relevance today. Throughout the book, the roles and accomplishments of men and women of various racial and ethnic backgrounds are represented. Intriguing period art and photography bring people and events to life while specially designed maps make it easy for kids to follow the growth of our nation. Time lines, historic documents and speeches, a guide to historic sites, a list of Presidents, statehood dates, additional resources, and a detailed index further enhance this valuable family reference.

Grade 5-8-This book stands in stark and wonderful contrast to the dry textbook approach to learning about history, and is exactly the type of book an informed teacher would want. Divided into eight 20- to 25-page chapters, the beautifully illustrated and fluidly written narrative manages to encapsulate the seminal events in American history from Columbus through the attack on the World Trade Center, including not only accurate facts but also evenhanded debates on major issues. Each chapter begins with a spread showing eight pictures representing major events during the period covered, an introductory paragraph raising framing questions, and a reproduction of the American flag as it looked in the epoch under consideration. The text itself takes issues and events in greater detail, is refreshingly devoid of sidebars, and is enhanced with full-color photographs and reproductions. Each chapter contains two profiles-and they alone are invaluable and brilliantly chosen to throw issues of the time period into high relief. For example, "War, Prosperity, and Social Change: 1941-1968" profiles Joseph McCarthy and Martin Luther King, Jr.; "The Age of Conservatism: 1969 to the Present" features Sandra Day O'Connor and C‚sar Ch vez. Especially notable is the presentation of the debate surrounding the last presidential election and the mixed response to the loss of civil liberties resulting from the War on Terror. The closest competitor to this exemplary presentation is John A. Scott's The Story of America (National Geographic, 1992). The Making of America supersedes it, not only in currency but also in intellectual scope.
Ann Welton, Grant Elementary School, Tacoma,
Copyright 2002 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Gr. 5-8. In this single-volume history of the U.S., Johnston takes on an enormous, complex topic and presents an excellent overview for young people. Rather than just marching along the time line from 1492 to the present, the text pauses from time to time for close-up views of significant people and issues. Each of the eight chapters includes two one-page profiles of individuals, such as Abigail Adams, Ida B. Wells-Barnett, and Joseph McCarthy, and a two-page "Great Debate" feature. These sections discuss questions of concern during a certain era, such as "How to Rid the United States of Slavery?" or "How Should America Combat the War on Terrorism at Home?" This well-written book does a particularly good job of balancing political and social history. Although the text is engaging, readers will also appreciate finding at least one full-color illustration on nearly every page. These include reproductions of period paintings, prints, and photographs; pictures of artifacts; and many fine maps. The heavy, glossy paper allows for excellent reproduction, and the use of color makes this large volume very attractive. The scope of coverage, the excellence of presentation, and the reasonable price make this a solid choice. Carolyn Phelan
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