Drive Thru History: Philadelphia and the Founding Fathers

Gr 5–8—Host and narrator Dave Stotts is known primarily among Christian and homeschooling audiences, but this series offers a secular look at early American history. Viewers are taken on a tour around Philadelphia to visit important historical sites, such as Franklin House and Carpenter's Hall, and the host discusses the battles of the American Revolution, the history of the Liberty Bell, and more. However, precious minutes are wasted on multiple car angles, freeway signs, and restaurant stops. Stotts tries to appeal to a broad audience, but his political views are revealed with the suggestion that Benjamin Franklin would have disapproved of current federal taxing and spending levels. The production does not have enough substance to be used to supplement American history classes. For a more entertaining and educational production, Disney's "Schoolhouse Rock" series remains unparalleled and unmatched.—Bernie Morrissey, The Harker School, San Jose, CA