History is etched in stone. The interpretation of it is not. One of the perennial challenges for purveyors of the past is the almost irresistible urge to compartmentalize it into neat, clinical time lines and periods with no room for interpretation. The problem with this approach is that it suggests to students that history is an inanimate subject in which every cause and every effect is thus so, and no more or less. This season’s new American history texts treat the study of the past as a fluid, living thing. Using attractive, youth-friendly formats, and thorough, fact-filled content, these sets showcase a variety of figures, events, and social mores.

Preschool-Grade 4

BAUMANN, Susan K. Black Civil War Soldiers: The 54th Massachusetts Regiment. ISBN 978-1-4777-1316-7; ISBN 978-1-4777-1464-5.

––––. Harriet Tubman: Conductor of the Underground Railroad. ISBN 978-1-4777-1312-9; ISBN 978-1-4777-1460-7.

––––. The Middle Passage and the Revolt on the Amistad. ISBN 978-1-4777-1311-2; ISBN 978-1-4777-1459-1. LC 2013001131.

SCHMID, Katie Kelley. Nat Turner and Slave Life on a Southern Plantation. ISBN 978-1-4777-1314-3; ISBN 978-1-4777-1462-1. LC 2013000193.

WEISS, Lynne. Crispus Attucks and the Boston Massacre. ISBN 978-1-4777-1315-0; ISBN 978-1-4777-1463-8. LC 2012050198.

––––. Frederick Douglass and the Abolitionist Movement. ISBN 978-1-4777-1313-6; ISBN 978-1-4777-1461-4. LC 2012048609.

ea vol: 24p. (Jr. Graphic African-American History Series). chron. glossary. illus. index. map. websites. Rosen/PowerKids Pr. 2013. lib. ed. $25.25; ebk. $25.25.

Gr 3-5–Using a graphic-novel format, these titles illuminate the lives of African American heroes. The biographical information is thorough. The dialogue is fictionalized, but it is revelatory and believable. For instance, on advising slaves hiding in the woods, Harriet Tubman warns, “No matter what happens or what you hear, you must lie still and not make a sound.” The format is ideal for showing period details and the heroes’ key characteristics. In Frederick Douglass, for example, Douglass’s public-speaking ability is depicted several times as he is shown passionately addressing crowds of people, all of whom are clad in 19th-century garb. Brief introductions, “character” lists, time lines, and glossaries are included. Illustrations are colorful and rendered in a style that blends cartoon and realism.

BELTON, Blair. The Articles of Confederation. ISBN 978-1-4339-8993-3; ISBN 978-1-4339-8996-4.

LEVY, Janey. The Magna Carta. ISBN 978-1-4339-9001-4; ISBN 978-1-4339-9004-5.

NAGELHOUT, Ryan. Thomas Paine’s Common Sense. ISBN 978-1-4339-9013-7; ISBN 978-1-4339-9016-8.

RAJCZAK, Kristen. The Mayflower Compact. ISBN 978-1-4339-9005-2; ISBN 978-1-4339-9008-3.

SHEA, John. The Declaration of Independence. ISBN 978-1-4339-8997-1; ISBN 978-1-4339-9000-7.

SHEA, Therese. The United States Constitution. ISBN 978-1-4339-9009-0; ISBN 978-1-4339-9012-0.

ea vol: 32p. (Documents That Shaped America Series). chron. further reading. glossary. illus. index. map. photos. reprods. websites. Gareth Stevens. 2013. lib. ed. $26.60; ebk. $26.60.

Gr 3-5–In this series, the context of foundational documents is peeled back layer by layer. Well-organized, short chapters explain the reasons each document came to be, the people involved with its creation, and the effects of it on the course of history. Excerpts from the subjects are woven into the text. Sepia-toned backgrounds lend an antique air, while bold color accents add a modern dash to the design. The illustrations, which consist of reproductions and photographs, are frameless. The effect is that the images bleed into the text, creating an easy transition between word and picture. Captions and “It’s a Fact!” asides supply additional information. While there’s nothing groundbreaking here, this set gives librarians and teachers an opportunity to replace older titles with new, attractive ones.

CONNORS, Kathleen. Let’s Explore the Great Basin. ISBN 978-1-4339-9124-0; ISBN 978-1-4339-9127-1. LC 2012049296.

––––. Let’s Explore the Midwest. ISBN 978-1-4339-9129-5; ISBN 978-1-4339-9132-5. LC 2012049130.

––––. Let’s Explore the Northeast. ISBN 978-1-4339-9134-9; ISBN 978-1-4339-9137-0. LC 2012049132.

––––. Let’s Explore the Pacific Northwest. ISBN 978-1-4339-9139-4; ISBN 978-1-4339-9142-4. LC 2012049206.

––––. Let’s Explore the Southeast. ISBN 978-1-4339-9144-8; ISBN 978-1-4339-9147-9. LC 2012049208.

––––. Let’s Explore the Southwest. ISBN 978-1-4339-9149-3; ISBN 978-1-4339-9152-3. LC 2013000101.

ea vol: 24p. (Road Trip: Exploring America’s Regions Series). chart. diag. further reading. glossary. index. map. photos. reprods. websites. Gareth Stevens. 2013. lib. ed. $22.60; ebk. $22.60.

Gr 2-3–With the picturesque perfection of a chamber of commerce brochure, the land of purple mountain majesties is made accessible to report writers. This set covers the basics of geography, topography, major industries, and culture (including recipes). The information is well organized and the writing is direct and simple. The use of large, bold fonts; captioned, high-resolution photos and reproductions; and a colorful layout makes for a high-impact, attractive presentation. “Pit Stop” text boxes include oddball facts, such as “The Great Basin is home to the oldest kind of tree still alive today–the bristlecone pine.” Great intros to the American landscape.

GUNDERSON, Jessica. Benedict Arnold: Battlefield Hero or Selfish Traitor? ISBN 978-1-4765-0243-4; ISBN 978-1-4765-3407-7.

––––. Christopher Columbus: New World Explorer or Fortune Hunter? ISBN 978-1-4765-0242-7; ISBN 978-1-4765-3406-0.

YOMTOV, Nel. Andrew Jackson: Heroic Leader or Cold-Hearted Ruler? ISBN 978-1-4765-0245-8; ISBN 978-1-4765-3409-1.

––––. John Brown: Defending the Innocent or Plotting Terror? ISBN 978-1-4765-0244-1; ISBN 978-1-4765-3408-4.

ea vol: 32p. (Fact Finders: Perspectives on History Series). further reading. glossary. illus. index. map. photos. reprods. websites. Capstone. 2013. lib. ed. $26.65; pap. $7.95.

Gr 3-5–“Benedict Arnold has been remembered as both a hero and a villain. What do you think?” With clarity and insight, this series shows just how slippery the slope between fame and infamy can be. With a focus on the subjects’ motives, the authors present information without bias–explaining, for example, that Benedict Arnold betrayed the Colonies because he became bitter after his former supporter General Washington “issued a public reprimand about Arnold’s behavior.” The authors leave it up to readers to decide which side of the moral divide the men come down on. Bold, dynamic layouts attract the eye, while the colorful, high-resolution illustrations and photographs are perfect complements to the texts. Final sections encourage even more critical thinking and Common Core-relevant activities.

LEVY, Janey. 20 Fun Facts About the Presidency. ISBN 978-1-4339-9188-2; ISBN 978-1-4339-9191-2.

NAGELHOUT, Ryan. 20 Fun Facts About the White House. ISBN 978-1-4339-9203-2; ISBN 978-1-4339-9206-3.

NELSON, Maria. 20 Fun Facts About the US Flag. ISBN 978-1-4339-9193-6; ISBN 978-1-4339-9196-7.

NIVER, Heather Moore. 20 Fun Facts About the Declaration of Independence. ISBN 978-1-4339-9183-7; ISBN 978-1-4339-9186-8.

––––. 20 Fun Facts About US Monuments. ISBN 978-1-4339-9208-7; ISBN 978-1-4339-9211-7.

SHEA, Therese. 20 Fun Facts About the US Constitution. ISBN 978-1-4339-9198-1; ISBN 978-1-4339-9201-8.

ea vol: 32p. (Fun Fact File: US History Series). chart. chron. diag. further reading. glossary. index. map. photos. reprods. websites. Gareth Stevens. 2013. lib. ed. $25.25; ebk. $25.25.

Gr 2-4–These collections of thumbnail sketches highlight strange, significant, and unusual facts about American history. By and large, each page features one fact (e.g., “The US Constitution wasn’t the first American constitution”) with a few sentences that explain the information. The well-curated content is peppered with information that is of use to report writers and of interest to casual readers. For example, “There is a handprint on the Declaration of Independence” and “There’s no recorded proof that Betsy Ross sewed the first US flag.” Accessibility for readers is enhanced by concise, direct writing and large, high-impact fonts. Informative and entertaining.

LYNETTE, Rachel. The Gold Rush. ISBN 978-1-4777-0784-5; ISBN 978-1-4777-1037-1. LC 2012049053.

––––. The Louisiana Purchase. ISBN 978-1-4777-0781-4; ISBN 978-1-4777-1034-0. LC 2012044925.

––––. Meriwether Lewis and William Clark. ISBN 978-1-4777-0783-8; ISBN 978-1-4777-1036-4. LC 2012048036.

––––. The Oregon Trail. ISBN 978-1-4777-0786-9; ISBN 978-1-4777-1039-5. LC 2013000190.

––––. Sacagawea. ISBN 978-1-4777-0782-1; ISBN 978-1-4777-1035-7. LC 2012046883.

––––. The Transcontinental Railroad. ISBN 978-1-4777-0785-2; ISBN 978-1-4777-1038-8. LC 2012050205.

ea vol: 24p. (Pioneer Spirit: The Westward Expansion Series). glossary. index. map. photos. reprods. websites. Rosen/PowerKids Pr. 2013. lib. ed. $22.60; ebk. $22.60.

Gr 2-4–Concise, well-organized content makes these slim volumes a lot more informative than a cursory glance suggests. Short chapters (one to two pages each) chronicle the causes, effects, events, and people that figured in the westward expansion. The writing is concise but packed with facts. For example, Gold Rush explains that, “Passengers traveled on dirty, crowded ships for six months or longer. Food often spoiled and water was not always safe to drink.” The illustrations are a mix of photos and gorgeous reproductions of archival paintings and drawings, all of which complement the texts to a tee. The colorful, bordered captions add helpful information.

MONROE, Tyler. The American Flag. ISBN 978-1-4765-3085-7; ISBN 978-1-4765-3534-0. LC 2013001820.

––––. The Bald Eagle. ISBN 978-1-4765-3089-5; ISBN 978-1-4765-3538-8. LC 2013001821.

––––. The Pledge of Allegiance. ISBN 978-1-4765-3090-1; ISBN 978-1-4765-3539-5. LC 2013001823.

––––. The Star-Spangled Banner. ISBN 978-1-4765-3087-1; ISBN 978-1-4765-3536-4. LC 2013001824.

––––. The Statue of Liberty. ISBN 978-1-4765-3088-8; ISBN 978-1-4765-3537-1. LC 2013001825.

––––. Uncle Sam. ISBN 978-1-4765-3086-4; ISBN 978-1-4765-3535-7. LC 2013001827.

ea vol: 24p. (Pebble Plus: U.S. Symbols Series). further reading. glossary. illus. index. photos. reprods. websites. Capstone. 2013. lib. ed. $24.65; pap. $6.95.

K-Gr 2–This series is both informative and accessible. In each spread, two or three sentences on the verso face a complementary, full-page, high-resolution photograph or reproduction on the recto. The illustrations are rarely captioned. The font is large and plain, and the sentence structure is short and direct. The text never panders, and is full of relevant, substantial facts. For instance, in Pledge, the author explains the protocol for saying the Pledge of Allegiance: “The code says most people should take their hats off when they say the pledge. Only people in the military keep their hats on during the pledge.”

Grades 5 & Up

BENJAMIN, Daniel. American Life and Movies from the Ten Commandments to Twilight. 112p. ISBN 978-1-60870-921-2; ISBN 978-1-60870-926-7. LC 2011045889.

FRANKEL, Karen. American Life and Fashion from Jeans to Jeggings. 112p. ISBN 978-1-60870-920-5; ISBN 978-1-60870-925-0. LC 2011024270.

MUSSARI, Mark. American Life and Music from Elvis Presley to Lady Gaga. 96p. ISBN 978-1-60870-922-9; ISBN 978-1-60870-927-4. LC 2011020743.

––––. American Life and Television from I Love Lucy to Mad Men. 112p. ISBN 978-1-60870-923-6; ISBN 978-1-60870-928-1. LC 2011036023.

ea vol: (Pop Culture Series). bibliog. further reading. index. notes. photos. reprods. websites. Cavendish Square. 2013. lib. ed. $35.64; ebk. $35.64.

Gr 7 Up–This compelling series details the evolution of popular culture in America. Each title spans a period of about 60 years, from the 1950s through the 2000s. Specific components of pop culture are described and placed within a broader historical context. For example, Television links the meteoric rise of TV’s popularity with America’s post-World War II prosperity, the nation’s growing interest in world affairs, and a shift from reliance on the radio. Music makes a connection between singer Justin Bieber’s recent rise to fame and the popularity of earlier teen sensations such as Stevie Wonder and the Hanson brothers. The dense texts are broken up by a wealth of high-quality photographs and reproductions and text boxes with additional facts. Informative and enjoyable.

CARAVANTES, Peggy. The Orphan Trains. ISBN 978-1-62431-420-9; ISBN 978-1-62431-458-2; ISBN 978-1-62431-496-4. LC 2013006360.

LLANAS, Sheila Griffin. The Underground Railroad. ISBN 978-1-62431-423-0; ISBN 978-1-62431-461-2; ISBN 978-1-62431-499-5. LC 2013006437.

LUSTED, Marcia Amidon. The Battle of Bunker Hill. ISBN 978-1-62431-414-8; ISBN 978-1-62431-452-0; ISBN 978-1-62431-490-2. LC 2013006361.

QAISER, Annie. The Story of the Statue of Liberty. ISBN 978-1-62431-422-3; ISBN 978-1-62431-460-5; ISBN 978-1-62431-498-8. LC 2013006436.

VAN ZEE, Amy. The War of 1812. ISBN 978-1-62431-424-7; ISBN 978-1-62431-462-9; ISBN 978-1-62431-500-8. LC 2013006433.

ZUCHORA-WALSKE, Christine. The Dust Bowl. ISBN 978-1-62431-417-9; ISBN 978-1-62431-455-1; ISBN 978-1-62431-493-3. LC 2013006359.

ea vol: 32p. (Perspectives Library Series). further reading. glossary. index. photos. reprods. websites. Cherry Lake. 2013. lib. ed. $28.50; ebk. $28.50; pap. $14.21.

Gr 4-6–À la Edgar Lee Masters’s Spoon River Anthology (1915), this set present history from a variety of viewpoints. Grounded in fact, each title provides three fictionalized first-person accounts. For instance, Orphan Trains is told from the perspectives of an orphan, a farmer’s wife, and a placing agent. The text is accessible, yet seasoned to suit the identity of the narrator. In Dust Bowl, for example, a young man remembers his reaction to a dust storm: “We thought it was a tornado. Momma told us to hightail it down into the root cellar.” Reproductions complement the diarylike tone of the narratives. Sidebars with suggestions for activities and critical-thinking activities round out each title.

Cooke, Tim, ed . Causes and Outbreak. ISBN 978-1-78121-042-0.

––––. Disengagement and Defeat , 1969-1975. ISBN 978-1-78121-044-4.

––––. The Experience of War , ISBN 978-1-78121-047-5.

––––. The International War . ISBN 978-1-78121-046-8.

––––. The Johnson Years, 1965-1968 . ISBN 978-1-78121-043-7.

––––. The War and U.S. Society . ISBN 978-1-78121-045-1.

ea vol: 48p. (NAM: The Vietnam War Series). further reading. glossary. index. map. photos. reprods. websites. Brown Bear. 2013. lib. ed. $35.65.

Gr 6 Up–The Vietnam War receives expansive treatment in this series. The controversial war is presented in a way that is balanced and neutral. Included are the causes of the conflict, information about daily life for soldiers on various fronts, the war’s impact on U.S. politics and society, and more. The complex issues are made comprehensible by straightforward writing and clear organization. “Key Themes,” “Key Personality,” and “Key Moment” text boxes present additional information, while “Eyewitness” boxes offer firsthand accounts. The books are illustrated with photos, maps, and reproductions. This series represents the best in history books for young readers.

FRISCH, Nate. Death Valley National Park. ISBN 978-1-60818-194-0. LC 2012023228.

––––. Everglades National Park. ISBN 978-1-60818-195-7. LC 2012023229.

––––. Grand Canyon National Park. ISBN 978-1-60818-196-4. LC 2012023230.

––––. Great Smoky Mountains National Park. ISBN 978-1-60818-197-1. LC 2012023231.

––––. Yellowstone National Park. ISBN 978-1-60818-198-8. LC 2012023232.

––––. Yosemite National Park. ISBN 978-1-60818-199-5. LC 2012023233.

ea vol: 48p. (Preserving America Series). bibliog. glossary. index. map. photos. reprods. websites. Creative Education. 2013. lib. ed. $35.65.

Gr 4-7–This series delivers the next best thing to traveling to the national parks in person. Informative and visually stunning, each title provides a level of access report writers will appreciate. Features covered include each park’s history, geography, animal life, recreational activities, and conservation efforts. The writing is direct and illustrative: “Yosemite is characterized by sky-piercing mountain peaks and plunging waterfalls.” Illustrations consist of archival and present-day photos, drawings, and maps. The many color photographs are of exceptionally fine quality, giving the images an almost stereoscopic quality. First-rate all around.

GAGNE, Tammy. Life on the Reservations. ISBN 978-1-61228-444-6; ISBN 978-1-61228-505-4. LC 2013012557.

––––. Native American Industry in Contemporary America. ISBN 978-1-61228-443-9; ISBN 978-1-61228-504-7. LC 2013017855.

––––. Preserving Their Heritage. ISBN 978-1-61228-441-5; ISBN 978-1-61228-502-3. LC 2013012561.

MATTERN, Joanne. Native Americans and the US Government. ISBN 978-1-61228-442-2; ISBN 978-1-61228-503-0. LC 2013012559.

ea vol: 48p. (State of Affairs: Native Americans in the 21st Century Series). bibliog. further reading. glossary. map. notes. photos. reprods. websites. Mitchell Lane. 2013. lib. ed. $29.95; ebk. $29.95.

Gr 6-8–This set examines the diverse aspects of Native American life with a focus on business and industry, life on reservations, heritage preservation, and relations with the U.S. government. The densely worded pages are difficult to mine due to the omission of headings. However, the authors do a solid job of avoiding generalizations, opting instead to illuminate the themes according to the perspectives of a variety of tribes. For instance, in Heritage, vignettes from the lives of members of the Saponi, Abenaki, and Comanche tribes add interest as well as a sense of how greatly the cultures vary. Photographs of uneven quality and reproductions illustrate each title.

GANERI, Anita. I Have a Dream: Martin Luther King, Jr. and the Fight for Equal Rights. ISBN 978-1-59920-972-2.

KELLY, Tracey. A Day That Changed History: The Assassination of John F. Kennedy. ISBN 978-1-59920-971-5.

ea vol: 48p. (Turning Points in History Series). glossary. index. photos. reprods. websites. Smart Apple. 2013. lib. ed. $35.65.

Gr 6-8–With a balance of biographical narrative and social commentary, the authors show how Martin Luther King, Jr. and John Kennedy were shaped to be key players in the political and social climates of their times. In Dream, for example, the author describes how King’s tenacity was manifest first in his desire for education. His commitment to self-improvement became his commitment to ministry. This gave way to his commitment to the Civil Rights Movement. History shows how “Kennedy’s privileged background gave him the means to study and make the most of his natural talents.” In both volumes, the narrative appears alternately in white font against a black background and black font against a white background. A plethora of large archival photographs enhances the riveting texts. Text boxes highlight quotations from both the subjects and others.

THOMPSON, Linda. America’s First Settlements. ISBN 978-1-62169-834-0; ISBN 978-1-62169-729-9; ISBN 978-1-62169-938-5.

––––. Building an Empire: The Louisiana Purchase. ISBN 978-1-62169-842-5; ISBN 978-1-62169-737-4; ISBN 978-1-62169-946-0.

––––. Immigrants to America. ISBN 978-1-62169-838-8; ISBN 978-1-62169-733-6; ISBN 978-1-62169-942-2. LC 2013936387.

––––. The Spanish in Early America. ISBN 978-1-62169-841-8; ISBN 978-1-62169-736-7; ISBN 978-1-62169-945-3. LC 2013936392.

ea vol: 48p. (History of America Series). chart. chron. glossary. illus. index. map. photos. reprods. websites. Rourke. 2013. lib. ed. $32.79; pap. $9.95; ebk. $32.79.

Gr 4-6–Disparate people, events, and institutions in American history are–for good or ill–linked irrevocably to the shape of America today. This thoughtfully curated series highlights some pivotal influences and moments. The significance of each subject is presented with concise, accessible logic. For example, Immigrants begins with an explanation of the integrality of various cultures in the American landscape. (“Everyone in the United States is an immigrant or has descended from immigrants.”) The author goes on to describe when and why groups of people moved to America and their lasting effects on society. Archival photos, reproductions, and maps are attractively framed and captioned.

The thorough, panoramic approaches exhibited in these sets complement the standards of the Common Core by encouraging students to think about America and its history critically and analytically. Cherry Lake’s “Perspectives Library,” Rourke’s “History of America,” and PowerKids’s “Pioneer Spirit: The Westward Expansion” are ideal for exploring the issues and events that shaped the formative years of the United States. Mitchell Lane’s “State of Affairs: Native Americans in the 21st Century” and PowerKids’s “Jr. Graphic African-American History” open dialogues about segments of the population that have been underrepresented in titles of the past. Every series reviewed above is a worthwhile purchase.