A History of US: Book 3: From Colonies to Country (1735-1791)
Grade 5 Up-This series has a lot going for it. Hakim is excited about her subject and is a talented writer. The opening chapter of First Americans offers an explanation of why history is important and includes quotes from Marcus Garvey, Cicero, Hegel, and John F. Kennedy, among others. The book proceeds to trace the history of North America from the arrival of the earliest humans through the 1600s. Interspersed throughout the text are one-to two-page "features" on selected topics. From Colonies to Country continues the story through the signing of the Constitution. Making Thirteen Colonies covers the years from the first European settlement to the opening of the Wilderness Road in 1755. Each volume concludes with age-appropriate suggested readings that include fiction and drama, a good index, and an interesting author's note. The books are illustrated with period prints and drawings (not always well reproduced), and enhanced by numerous quotations. Hakim's chatty style and personal interjections make for engaging reading. There have been few personalized attempts at writing an overall history of the U.S. for children. Sadly, Hakim's excellent writing has been imprisoned in a decidedly dull, textbook format. The extensive use of marginal notes (albeit intriguing and informative) and pictorial material make for a busy and tiring layout, and seriously impede the narrative flow. Unless children are pushed past the dreary exteriors and into the texts themselves, these books are likely to be shelf sitters.Elaine Fort Weischedel, Turner Free Library, Randolph, MACopyright 1994 Reed Business Information, Inc.--This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.