Times and Places
RSSReviewed by Mary Mueller, Rolla Junior High School, MO -- School Library Journal, 11/01/2009
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Also in this article:
American History - 900 |
American History - 900
One of the traditional goals of education has been for students to develop a solid understanding of the past. What is often missing, however, from both their textbooks and library books, are reasoned discussions of place and time. Far too many of those books either ignore or minimize discussions of how geography, natural resources, and economic development affect the history of a place and the actions of people who lived there in the past or live there now. The concept of historical time is also an often overlooked factor in many books, yet almost all types of technology, economic development, and other aspects of history are highly dependent upon it. These series incorporate material about place and time and will help students develop a better understanding of their effects on the events of yesterday and today.
ALLEN, Kathy. The First American Flag illus. by Siri Weber Feeney. map. ISBN 978-1-4048-5541-0. LC 2009006892.ALLEN, Kathy. President George Washington illus. by Len Ebert. ISBN 978-1-4048-5539-7. LC 2009006894.
MORTENSEN, Lori. Paul Revere's Ride illus. by Craig Orbeck. maps. photos. ISBN 978-1-4048-5537-3. LC 2009006893.
MORTENSEN, Lori. Writing the U.S. Constitution illus. by Siri Weber Feeney. maps. ISBN 978-1-4048-5540-3. LC 2009006895. ea vol: 32p. (Our American Story Series). illus. chron. further reading. glossary. CIP. Picture Window 2009. PLB $23.99.
Gr 3-5–These books introduce the people and events of the American Revolution, providing basic information as well as a short analysis of each event or person's importance. The books are illustrated with well-executed, full-page, color illustrations, maps, and photos. American Flag (which clearly states that the Betsy Ross story is a myth) and Paul Revere are more tightly focused and readable than the other two titles, which tackle subjects that are more difficult to cover in such brief texts. However, the books all provide accurate, clearly written information that students can use for either leisure reading or reports, and are good choices for introductory American history classes.
BAGLE, Jeanne. Texas: Past and Present ISBN 978-1-4358-5287-7. LC 2008050962.FREEDMAN, Jeri. Massachusetts: Past and Present ISBN 978-1-4358-5294-5. LC 2008054229.
HARMON, Daniel E. Washington: Past and Present ISBN 978-1-4358-5295-2. LC 2008054236.
HASAN, Heather. Pennsylvania: Past and Present ISBN 978-1-4358-5291-4. LC 2008054214.
HEOS, Bridget. Wisconsin: Past and Present ISBN 978-1-4358-5293-8. LC 2009003906.
LA BELLE, Laura. California: Past and Present ISBN 978-1-4358-5290-7. LC 2008055151.
LEW, Kristi. Ohio: Past and Present ISBN 978-1-4358-5286-0. LC 2008054234.
MATTERN, Joanne. Illinois: Past and Present ISBN 978-1-4358-5284-6. LC 2008050577.
MILLS, J. Elizabeth. New York: Past and Present ISBN 978-1-4358-5285-3. LC 2008054256.
PORTERFIELD, Jason. Virginia: Past and Present ISBN 978-1-4358-5289-1. LC 2008054403.
SAWYER, Sarah. Florida: Past and Present ISBN 978-1-4358-5288-4. LC 2008054223.
WATSON, Stephanie. Georgia: Past and Present ISBN 978-1-4358-5292-1. LC 2008054225. ea vol: 48p. (The United States: Past and Present Series). maps. photos. reprods. bibliog. chron. further reading. glossary. index. CIP. Rosen Central Nov. 2009. PLB $26.50.
Gr 4-6–Combining information about history, geography, culture, and political structure in an attractive format, these books are divided into five chapters that discuss the state's land, history, government, economy, and famous natives. The “Past and Present” component is provided through numerous sidebars that connect the history and current status of a wide array of topics, such as natural resources, agriculture, industry, and environmental issues that are important to an understanding of the place. The texts are supplemented with maps; average-quality photos, reproductions, and illustrations; and an extensive bibliography. These titles will give students both basic report information and an interesting perspective on how a state's past affects its present.
BULLARD, Lisa. The Empire State Building illus. ISBN 978-0-8225-9404-8. LC 2008030642.BULLARD, Lisa. The Erie Canal ISBN 978-0-8225-9405-5. LC 2008030639.
BULLARD, Lisa. The Gateway Arch ISBN 978-0-8225-9406-2. LC 2008030640.
PIEHL, Janet. The Capitol Building ISBN 978-0-57505-966-2. LC 2008047174.
ZUEHLKE, Jeffrey. The Golden Gate Bridge ISBN 978-0-8225-9407-9. LC 2008030641.
ZUEHLKE, Jeffrey. The Hoover Dam diag. illus. ISBN 978-0-8225-9408-6. LC 2008031245. ea vol: 32p. (Lightning Bolt Books: Famous Places Series). map. photos. reprods. further reading. glossary. index. CIP. Lerner 2009. PLB $25.26.
Gr 2-4–These attractive books use high-quality photos, illustrations, maps, and diagrams to take students to some of America's most famous landmarks, providing information about the history, construction, and significance of each one. Two or three sentences per page are overlaid on full-page, captioned images. The texts conclude with a “Fun Facts” page. Readers will enjoy learning about our famous sites and the challenges of building and maintaining large structures, making the series a good choice.
CLELAND, Jo. Surviving the Dust Bowl map. ISBN 978-1-60694-441-7. LC 2009020502.CLELAND, Jo. Surviving the Galveston Hurricane ISBN 978-1-60694-438-7. LC 2009020499.
CLELAND, Jo. Surviving the Great Chicago Fire map. ISBN 978-1-60694-440-0. LC 2009020501.
CLELAND, Jo. Surviving the San Francisco Earthquake map. ISBN 978-1-60694-439-4. LC 2009020500.
KARAPETKOVA, Holly. Landing at Ellis Island ISBN 978-1-60694-443-1. LC 2009020506.
KARAPETKOVA, Holly. Riding with Paul Revere map. ISBN 978-1-60694-442-4. LC 2009020504. ea vol: illus. by Pete McDonnell. 32p. (Eye on History Graphic Illustrated Series). illus. photos. reprods. glossary. index. Web sites. CIP. Rourke 2009. PLB $29.93.
Gr 3-5–These brief books feature graphic-novel-style fiction about a family who struggles to survive a natural disaster or participates in a significant historical moment, combined with introductory and closing nonfiction portions describing the event. The tales are told through the eyes of the family's children, and in each one, the communities exhibit a “can do” attitude and work together to build a better future. The detailed cartoons are large, with only one or two per page. The “Setting the Stage” introduction and four-page “Discover More” conclusion put the event into historical context, but both are at a higher reading level than the fictional story, which limits their effectiveness. The graphic portions are overly simplistic and generally fail to capture the scope of the natural disasters or the lasting impact of events, and will do little to help readers understand them.
GIBSON, Karen Bush. San Antonio ISBN 978-1-58415-811-0. LC 2009001111.O'NEAL, Claire. Washington D.C ISBN 978-1-58415-809-7. LC 2009001109.
ROBERTS, Russell. Philadelphia ISBN 978-1-58415-807-3. LC 2009001106.
SCHOLL, Elizabeth. New York City ISBN 978-1-58415-808-0. LC 2009001110.
SHERMAN, Patrice. Boston ISBN 978-1-58415-806-6. LC 2009001107.
TRACY, Kathleen. San Diego ISBN 978-1-58415-810-3. LC 2009001108. ea vol: 48p. (Class Trip Series). maps. photos. reprods. bibliog. chron. further reading. glossary. index. Web sites. CIP. Mitchell Lane 2009. PLB $21.50.
Gr 4-6–This series follows students in fictional fourth-grade classes as they prepare for and go on on visits to noteworthy American cities. As each group prepares for its field trip, the students are asked to research the city, and their “reports” become chapters on the city's history, geography, populations, sports, popular culture, and landmarks. The last section describes the children visiting some of attractions they have learned about. Maps and attractive color photos and illustrations, a “Just the Facts” page with basic information, time lines, and instructions for craft projects add to the text. Although the premise of the series is best described as a gimmick, these books will help young readers learn about and become more interested in some of America's most important cities.
JENSEN, Niels R. Maine ISBN 978-1-60453-654-6. LC 2008051045.JENSEN, Niels R. Maryland ISBN 978-1-60453-655-3. LC 2008051046.
JENSEN, Niels R. Michigan ISBN 978-1-60453-657-7. LC 2008051702.
JENSEN, Niels R. Minnesota ISBN 978-1-60453-658-4. LC 2008051703.
JENSEN, Niels R. New Hampshire ISBN 978-1-60453-664-5. LC 2008051720.
JENSEN, Niels R. New York ISBN 978-1-60453-667-6. LC 2008052318.
JENSEN, Niels R. Ohio ISBN 978-1-60453-670-6. LC 2008052392.
JENSEN, Niels R. Rhode Island ISBN 978-1-60453-675-1. LC 2008052399.
JENSEN, Niels R. Vermont ISBN 978-1-60453-681-2. LC 2008052879.
JENSEN, Niels R. Virginia ISBN 978-1-60453-682-9. LC 2008052880.
OLLHOFF, Jim. Alaska ISBN 978-1-60453-637-9. LC 2008050999.
OLLHOFF, Jim. Arizona ISBN 978-1-60453-638-6. LC 2008051000.
OLLHOFF, Jim. Colorado ISBN 978-1-60453-641-6. LC 2008051026.
OLLHOFF, Jim. Connecticut ISBN 978-1-60453-642-3. LC 2008051027.
OLLHOFF, Jim. Delaware ISBN 978-1-60453-643-0. LC 2008051028.
OLLHOFF, Jim. Florida ISBN 978-1-60453-644-7. LC 2008051031.
OLLHOFF, Jim. Hawaii ISBN 978-1-60453-646-1. LC 2008051037.
OLLHOFF, Jim. Idaho ISBN 978-1-60453-647-8. LC 2008051038.
OLLHOFF, Jim. Montana ISBN 978-1-60453-661-4. LC 2008051717.
OLLHOFF, Jim. Nebraska ISBN 978-1-60453-662-1. LC 2008051718.
OLLHOFF, Jim. Nevada ISBN 978-1-60453-663-8. LC 2008051719.
OLLHOFF, Jim. North Carolina ISBN 978-1-60453-668-3. LC 2008052319.
OLLHOFF, Jim. North Dakota ISBN 978-1-60453-669-0. LC 2008052320.
OLLHOFF, Jim. Puerto Rico ISBN 978-1-60453-674-4. LC 2008052398.
OLLHOFF, Jim. South Carolina ISBN 978-1-60453-676-8. LC 2008052400.
OLLHOFF, Jim. South Dakota ISBN 978-1-60453-677-5. LC 2008052874.
OLLHOFF, Jim. Tennessee ISBN 978-1-60453-678-2. LC 2008052876.
OLLHOFF, Jim. Texas ISBN 978-1-60453-679-9. LC 2008052877.
OLLHOFF, Jim. Utah ISBN 978-1-60453-680-5. LC 2008052878.
OLLHOFF, Jim. Washington ISBN 978-1-60453-683-6. LC 2008052881.
OLLHOFF, Jim. Washington, D.C ISBN 978-1-60453-684-3. LC 2008052875.
OLLHOFF, Jim. West Virginia ISBN 978-1-60453-685-0. LC 2008052882.
OLLHOFF, Jim. Wisconsin ISBN 978-1-60453-686-7. LC 2008052883.
OLLHOFF, Jim. Wyoming ISBN 978-1-60453-687-4. LC 2008053098.
SMITH, Rich. Alabama ISBN 978-1-60453-636-2. LC 2008050997.
SMITH, Rich. Arkansas ISBN 978-1-60453-639-3. LC 2008051001.
SMITH, Rich. California ISBN 978-1-60453-640-9. LC 2008051010.
SMITH, Rich. Georgia ISBN 978-1-60453-645-4. LC 2008051032.
SMITH, Rich. Illinois ISBN 978-1-60453-648-5. LC 2008051042.
SMITH, Rich. Indiana ISBN 978-1-60453-649-2. LC 2008051039.
SMITH, Rich. Kentucky ISBN 978-1-60453-652-2. LC 2008051041.
SMITH, Rich. Louisiana ISBN 978-1-60453-653-9. LC 2008051044.
SMITH, Rich. Massachusetts ISBN 978-1-60453-656-0. LC 2008051701.
SMITH, Rich. Mississippi ISBN 978-1-60453-659-1. LC 2008051715.
SMITH, Rich. Oklahoma ISBN 978-1-60453-671-3. LC 2008052394.
SMITH, Rich. Oregon ISBN 978-1-60453-672-0. LC 2008052395.
WHEELER, Jill C. Iowa ISBN 978-1-60453-650-8. LC 2008051040.
WHEELER, Jill C. Kansas ISBN 978-1-60453-651-5. LC 2008051043.
WHEELER, Jill C. New Mexico ISBN 978-1-60453-666-9. LC 2008051722.
WHEELER, Jill C. Pennsylvania ISBN 978-1-60453-673-7. LC 2008052397. ea vol: 48p. (The United States Series). maps. photos. reprods. glossary. index. CIP. ABDO/Checkerboard Library 2009. PLB $18.95.
Gr 3-4–This series uses logical organization, clean layouts, and attractive color photos and illustrations to provide basic information about the states. Each book includes an average-quality map, a “Quick Facts” overview, and short chapters that discuss the state's geography, climate, flora and fauna, history, resources, people, most important cities, industry, and sports and entertainment. A “Did You Know?” section profiles famous residents or gives interesting facts about the state. These titles are attractive and informative, but their coverage is standard for early-level report books.
BRILL, Marlene Targ. America in the 1900s ISBN 978-0-8225-3436-5. LC 2007040983.BRILL, Marlene Targ. America in the 1980s ISBN 978-0-8225-7602-0. LC 2008050116.
BRILL, Marlene Targ. America in the 1990s ISBN 978-0-8225-7603-7. LC 2009011628.
LINDOP, Edmund & Margaret J. Goldstein. America in the 1920s ISBN 978-0-7613-2831-5. LC 2009000703.
LINDOP, Edmund & Margaret J. Goldstein. America in the 1930s ISBN 978-0-8225-2832-2. LC 2007042902.
LINDOP, Edmund & Margaret J. Goldstein. America in the 1940s ISBN 978-0-7613-2945-9. LC 2007042904.
LINDOP, Edmund & Margaret J. Goldstein. America in the 1950s ISBN 978-0-8225-7642-6. LC 2008040127.
LINDOP, Edmund & Margaret J. Goldstein. America in the 1960s ISBN 978-0-7613-3453-8. LC 2007038028.
RICHARDS, Marlee. America in the 1910s ISBN 978-0-8225-3437-2. LC 2007042905.
RICHARDS, Marlee. America in the 1970s ISBN 978-0-7613-3438-9. LC 2007038570. ea vol: 144p. (The Decades of Twentieth-Century America Series). chart. photos. reprods. bibliog. chron. further reading. index. notes. Web sites. CIP. 21st Century Bks. 2009. PLB $38.60.
Gr 7-10–This well-written, appealing series provides glimpses into life in the United States during the 20th century. Chapters discuss the politics, science and technology, economy, social issues, literature and entertainment, sports, and music of the time and analyze how those factors affected this country's history. The texts are enlivened with quotes and excerpts from primary sources, period photos, and two sets of sidebars. “Profiles” provides biographical sketches of important people and “Turning Points” explains the significance of important events. Both the main texts and the sidebars offer extensive coverage of women and minority groups. A solid choice for readers and researchers.
All of these series attempt to help students gain a fuller understanding of how time and place affect events, but some are more successful than others. There are several extant series on the 20th century, but the high-quality writing of the “The Decades of Twentieth Century America” (21st Century Books) makes it a strong buy. Rosen's “The United States: Past and Present” offers students a broader perspective about how a state's history affects its present than the “The United States” (ABDO Checkerboard), which is similar in style and coverage to widely available sets currently available from other publishers. Picture Window's “Our American Story” titles are better written and more informative than those in Rourke's fictionalized and simplistic “Eye on History” books, which do little to help readers understand important events. Lerner's “Lightning Bolt Books: Famous Places” introduces some of our best-known landmarks in an attractive and informative way, and although Mitchell Lane's “Class Trip” uses a partly fictionalized format, its books will help elementary students understand the history and importance of American cities.
