A History of US: Book 4: The New Nation (1789-1850)
Grade 7 Up-This series entry is a more than adequate but stylistically flawed survey of the history of our country from the inauguration of Washington through the first part of the 19th century. Commendably, Hakim is not a slave to the "presidential syndrome" that seems to affect many writers of such surveys. To be sure, she does give information regarding the era's presidents in chronological order, but intersperses accounts of such topics as Lewis and Clark, the first census, transportation, and the growth of industry. The book demonstrates well the author's meticulous research and organizational skills. These features are reinforced by the inclusion of an excellent selection of reproductions of art, letters, posters, etc. accompanied by informative captions. Hakim also makes good use of illuminating sidebars and apt quotations from the period's "movers and shakers." Unfortunately, the narrative does not flow smoothly; it is largely made up of words with one or two syllables and sentences that are themselves short or made up of short clauses; these style features combine to create a choppy effect. This flaw is further amplified by the inclusion of too many pedantic questions for readers to think about. One is given the impression that this is intended to be a "hi-lo" book, but the prose style may actually discourage some readers.David A. Lindsey, Lakewood Junior/Senior High School, WACopyright 1994 Reed Business Information, Inc.--This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.