A New Nation: The United States: 1783-1815 (The American Story)
Grade 3–5—This book demonstrates the importance of many significant events of an often neglected era, such as the formation of the three branches of U.S. government; ongoing conflicts with France and Britain, including the War of 1812; the Louisiana Purchase; and the Lewis and Clark expedition. Giulio Maestro's pastel and watercolor illustrations are atmospheric and somewhat idealized. Every scene, from crowded city streets to busy ports, looks clean and pleasant. Soldiers killed in battle are scattered across fields in a way that makes them resemble toy soldiers more than wounded men. However, the pictures do provide a sense of period architecture and dress. The text is continuous, more like a story than a collection of dry facts, and will work as a read-aloud. On the negative side, the narrative focus spotlights the "Founding Fathers" rather than taking the more expansive view many modern history books adopt. The only women mentioned are Sacajawea, Abigail Adams, and Dolley Madison; the only references to African Americans are in the context of slavery, with no individuals mentioned by name. However, Native Americans do receive attention and Tecumseh is one of a group of leaders whose writings are included in a section of quotes. No bibliography or sources for further reading are listed. Because the book is not divided into sections or chapters, children may have difficulty extracting information for reports. While not a first choice for research, this book is successful in bringing history to life.—Lucinda Snyder Whitehurst, St. Christopher's School, Richmond, VAEND--This text refers to theHardcoveredition.