Stagecoaches and Railroads

Gr 4–6—These attractive volumes provide solid information. Stagecoaches explores transportation in the United States from its first inhabitants to modern times. Industrial Revolution looks at inventions and improvements in technology in the U.S. from 1750 to 1950. Explorers discusses exploration and settlement of North America up to 1890. Immigrants covers the role immigration played in the development of the United States. Strengths consistent throughout the four books include engaging text, well-selected illustrations, a one-paragraph introduction on the contents page that summarizes the scope of the book, and translation of period costs to current dollar values. These texts cover a wide span of time and history; this scope, along with some of the surprising information in the many pull-out boxes, leaves readers wanting more. That is not necessarily a bad thing, as students can follow up with further research on the topics of interest. Each spread is busy with illustrations, engravings, and photos, all with captions so it takes a little work to get a linear historical recounting. Overall, these titles are worthwhile additions.—Stephanie Farnlacher, Trace Crossings Elementary School, Hoover, AL