Americans have a unique national identity. We are confident in our diverse culture, our rule of law, and the social and economic mobility that draws immigrants from countries around the globe. But it can be difficult for students to comprehend how much the country has developed over the course of history. Our founding and governing documents, immigration, wars and internal conflicts, changing perceptions of human and civil rights, and even our clothing have shaped how Americans view themselves. Most of the following series will help students better understand how who we were in the past influenced who we are today.

Preschool-Grade 4

ANTHONY, David H. & Stephanie Kuligowski. Freedom: Life After Slavery. reprods. ISBN 978-1-4333-1521-3. ----. Langston Hughes: Harlem Renaissance Writer. reprods. ISBN 978-1-4333-1520-6. CAROSELLA, Melissa & Stephanie Kuligowski. The Fight for Freedom: Ending Slavery in America. reprods. ISBN 978-1-4333-1519-0. ----. Frederick Douglass: Leader of the Abolitionist Movement. reprods. ISBN 978-1-4333-1518-3. CONKLIN, Blane. Barack Obama: President of the United States. ISBN 978-1-4333-1522-0. KULIGOWSKI, Stephanie. African Americans Today. ISBN 978-1-4333-1688-3. ea vol: 32p. (Primary Source Readers: Focus On African Americans Series). photos. glossary. index. Teacher Created Materials dist. by Shell Education. 2011. pap. $8.99. LC number unavailable. CAROSELLA, Melissa. Dolley Madison: First Lady of the United States. ISBN 978-1-4333-1504-6. ----. Founding Mothers: Women Who Shaped America. ISBN 978-1-4333-1505-3. ----. Hillary Rodham Clinton: First Lady, Senator, and Secretary of State. ISBN 978-1-4333-1508-4. ----. Still Marching Strong: Women in Modern America. ISBN 978-1-4333-1509-1. ISECKE, Harriet. Susan B. Anthony & Elizabeth Cady Stanton: Early Suffragists. ISBN 978-1-4333-1506-0. ----. Women's Suffrage: Fighting for Women's Rights. ISBN 978-1-4333-1507-7. ea vol: 32p. (Primary Source Readers: Focus On Women in U.S. History Series). photos. reprods. glossary. index. Teacher Created Materials dist. by Shell Education. 2011. pap. $8.99. LC number unavailable. Gr 3-5-With short chapters, primary-source excerpts, and plentiful illustrations and photos, these two series combine biographical information and history to introduce elementary readers to the people and events of women's and African-American history. The histories include sketches of important leaders and the biographies show historical context, which gives readers a well-rounded view of events and emphasizes the importance of leadership in creating societal change and expanding civil rights. Sidebars provide supplementary information. While these books are attractive and generally well written, their coverage is similar to that in many extant series. Supplemental report purchases. ASSELIN, Kristine Carlson. The Real Story About Government and Politics in Colonial America. ISBN 978-1-4296-6139-3; ISBN 978-1-4296-7219-1. LC 2011004570. FAJARDO, Anika. The Dish on Food and Farming in Colonial America. ISBN 978-1-4296-6492-9; ISBN 978-1-4296-7217-7. LC 2011002117. RAUM, Elizabeth. The Cold, Hard Facts About Science and Medicine in Colonial America. ISBN 978-1-4296-6140-9; ISBN 978-1-4296-7215-3. LC 2011002481. ----. The Scoop on Clothes, Homes, and Daily Life in Colonial America. ISBN 978-1-4296-6138-6; ISBN 978-1-4296-7213-9. LC 2011002482. ea vol: 32p. (Fact Finders: Life in the American Colonies Series). maps. photos. reprods. bibliog. further reading. glossary. index. Websites. CIP. Capstone. 2011. PLB $25.99; pap. $7.95. Gr 4-6-Clear prose and accessible vocabulary give readers an interesting introduction to life in colonial America. Each volume contains four to five brief chapters, and although most of the information is about white settlers and colonists, facts about Native Americans and African slaves are included. Smatterings of unpleasant and/or gross details (e.g., toad powder as a cure for smallpox, bleeding as a medical cure-all, and the lack of indoor plumbing) that will capture and hold readers' interest are scattered throughout the books. Colorful illustrations, brief primary-source excerpts, and sidebar definitions of glossary terms supplement the texts. Although the large font and brief format limit the amount of background information and details that can be included, this set will attract an audience. CUNNINGHAM, Kevin & Peter Benoit. The Cheyenne. ISBN 978-0-531-20759-8; ISBN 978-0-531-29301-0. LC 2010049082. ----. The Comanche. ISBN 978-0-531-20770-3; ISBN 978-0-531-29312-6. LC 2010049081. ----. The Inuit. ISBN 978-0-531-20760-4; ISBN 978-0-531-29302-7. LC 2010049080. ----. The Navajo. ISBN 978-0-531-20762-8; ISBN 978-0-531-29304-1. LC 2010050837. ----. The Pueblo. ISBN 978-0-531-20763-5; ISBN 978-0-531-29305-8. LC 2010050838. ----. The Sioux. ISBN 978-0-531-20768-0; ISBN 978-0-531-29310-2. LC 2010049083. ----. The Ute. ISBN 978-0-531-20765-9; ISBN 978-0-531-29307-6. LC 2010051578. ----. The Wampanoag. ISBN 978-0-531-20766-6; ISBN 978-0-531-29308-9. LC 2010049075. ----. The Zuni. ISBN 978-0-531-20761-1; ISBN 978-0-531-29303-4. LC 2010050846. DOLBEAR, Emily J. & Peter Benoit. The Iroquois. ISBN 978-0-531-20771-0; ISBN 978-0-531-29313-3. LC 2010049079. ----. The Timucua. ISBN 978-0-531-20767-3; ISBN 978-0-531-29309-6. LC 2010049077. FRIEDMAN, Mark & Peter Benoit. The Apache. ISBN 978-0-531-20769-7; ISBN 978-0-531-29311-9. LC 2010049078. ea vol: 48p. (A True Book: American Indians Series). map. photos. reprods. chron. further reading. glossary. index. Websites. CIP. Children's Press. 2011. PLB $28; pap. $6.95. Gr 3-5-Each book begins with a "Find the Truth" page that presents two true/false questions that will be answered within the text. The first chapter includes an informative map that shows the featured tribe's origins and historic and current locations. Subsequent sections describe how the people lived before and after contact with white settlers, conflicts with the American government and resettlement on reservations, food, organization and customs, and current status. A final "True Statistics" page, which also answers the true/false statements, completes each book. An attractive combination of large, colorful illustrations and photos supplement the texts. Although coverage is largely standard for books about Native Americans, the interesting format and visual appeal of these titles will make them popular with elementary readers. CUNNINGHAM, Kevin. The Connecticut Colony. ISBN 978-0-531-25387-8; ISBN 978-0-531-26600-7. LC 2011009487. ----. The Delaware Colony. ISBN 978-0-531-25388-5; ISBN 978-0-531-26601-4. LC 2011007147. ----. The Georgia Colony. ISBN 978-0-531-25389-2; ISBN 978-0-531-26602-1. LC 2011008351. ----. The Maryland Colony. ISBN 978-0-531-25390-8; ISBN 978-0-531-26603-8. LC 2011008914. ----. The Massachusetts Colony. ISBN 978-0-531-25391-5; ISBN 978-0-531-26604-5. LC 2011007143. ----. The New Hampshire Colony. ISBN 978-0-531-25392-2; ISBN 978-0-531-26605-2. LC 2011007144. ----. The New Jersey Colony. ISBN 978-0-531-25393-9; ISBN 978-0-531-26606-9. LC 2011010221. ----. The New York Colony. ISBN 978-0-531-25394-6; ISBN 978-0-531-26607-6. LC 2011010046. ----. The North Carolina Colony. ISBN 978-0-531-25395-3; ISBN 978-0-531-26608-3. LC 2011010747. ----. The Pennsylvania Colony. ISBN 978-0-531-25396-0; ISBN 978-0-531-26609-0. LC 2011007148. ----. The Rhode Island Colony. ISBN 978-0-531-25397-7; ISBN 978-0-531-26610-6. LC 2011009634. ----. The South Carolina Colony. ISBN 978-0-531-25398-4; ISBN 978-0-531-26611-3. LC 2011010881. ----. The Virginia Colony. ISBN 978-0-531-25399-1; ISBN 978-0-531-26612-0. LC 20110011428. ea vol: 48p. (A True Book: The Thirteen Colonies Series). maps. photos. reprods. chron. further reading. glossary. index. Websites. CIP. Children's Press. 2011. PLB $28.; pap. $6.95. Gr 3-5-Every title opens with a "Find the Truth!" page that asks readers to determine whether two statements are true or false by the book's end. Brief chapters cover the profiled colony's precolonial indigenous peoples, European exploration and settlement, economy and daily life, Revolutionary experience, and eventual statehood. Sidebars profile important personalities and signers of the Declaration of Independence. Detailed maps, captioned period images, and "True Statistics" pages enhance the texts. Although there are many extant sets on the 13 colonies, Cunningham's clear writing and the attractive layouts will draw browsers and aid report writers, making these books good choices for elementary collections.

Grades 5 & Up

BEHNKE, Alison Marie. The Little Black Dress and Zoot Suits: Depression and Wartime Fashions from the 1930s to the 1950s. ISBN 978-0-7613-5892-3; ISBN 978-0-7613-8055-9. LC 2010035444. BIX, Cynthia Overbeck. Petticoats and Frock Coats: Revolution and Victorian-Age Fashions from the 1770s to the 1860s. ISBN 978-0-7613-5888-6; ISBN 978-0-7613-8053-5. LC 2010053384. HAVELIN, Kate. Buckskin Dresses and Pumpkin Breeches: Colonial Fashions from the 1580s to the 1760s. ISBN 978-0-7613-5887-9; ISBN 978-0-7613-8051-1. LC 201101176. ---. Hoopskirts, Union Blues, and Confederate Grays: Civil War Fashions from 1861 to 1865. ISBN 978-0-7613-5889-3; ISBN 978-0-7613-8054-2. LC 2010048808. KOHN, Katherine. Calico Dresses and Buffalo Robes: American West Fashions from the 1840s to the 1890s. ISBN 978-0-7613-5890-9; ISBN 978-0-7613-8052-8. LC 2011003036. ea vol: 64p. (Dressing a Nation: The History of U.S. Fashion Series). reprods. photos. bibliog. chron. further reading. glossary. index. notes. Websites. CIP. 21st Century Bks. 2011. PLB $31.93; ebook $23.95. Gr 5 Up-These well-written and appealing books place clothing and fashion, from underwear to headgear, in the larger context of American history, emphasizing that for most of our past, clothing signified status and reinforced societal roles, especially for women. The series includes information about the clothing of many groups, notably Native Americans, African Americans, soldiers, and children. It also discusses regional and ethnic differences in dress and traces how clothing styles and forms reflected changes in society. Large, attractive period illustrations and color and archival photos and boxed quotes enhance the texts. This series is certain to draw both researchers and browsers. BRENNAN, Linda Crotta. The Birth of the United States: 1754 to the 1820s. map. reprods. ISBN 978-1-61080-197-3. LC 2011015122. COMBS, Maggie. Postwar United States: 1945 to the 1970s. ISBN 978-1-61080-196-6. LC 2011015121. COSSON, M. J. America: Three Worlds Meet: Beginnings to 1620. reprods. ISBN 978-1-61080-193-5. LC 2011015118. CUNNINGHAM, Kevin. Contemporary United States: 1968 to the Present. ISBN 978-1-61080-195-9. LC 2011015120. HERRINGSHAW, DeAnn. The United States Enters the 20th Century: 1890 to 1930. reprods. ISBN 978-1-61080-200-0. LC 2011015125. HOWELL, Brian. The U.S. Civil War and Reconstruction: 1850 to 1877. map. reprods. ISBN 978-1-61080-201-7. LC 2011015126. ----. U.S. Growth and Change in the 19th Century: 1801 to 1861. maps. reprods. ISBN 978-1-61080-202-4. LC 2011015127. LUSTED, Marcia Amidon. America's Colonization and Settlement: 1585 to 1763. map. reprods. ISBN 978-1-61080-194-2. LC 2011015119. MEINKING, Mary. The Development of U.S. Industry: 1870 to 1900. reprods. ISBN 978-1-61080-198-0. LC 2011015123. PETERSON, Sheryl. The Great Depression and World War II: 1929 to 1945. reprods. ISBN 978-1-61080-199-7. LC 2011015124. ea vol: 32p. (Language Arts Explorer: History Digs Series). photos. further reading. glossary. index. Websites. CIP. Cherry Lake. 2011. PLB $27.07. Gr 4-6-On the first page of each title, readers learn that their "mission" is to "think like a historian" so that they can learn about the past. Then, unnamed young narrators take family road trips and visit museums and living-history parks and interact, complete with dialogue, with fictional historians and museum staff, who help them discuss and analyze topics. The books close with "Mission Accomplished" summaries and suggestions for further activities. The format and large font limit space for significant background information and details, and the narratives often seem gimmicky, factors that will limit the usefulness of and audience for these books. COOKE, Tim, ed. Battles and Campaigns. maps. ISBN 978-1-936333-43-1. LC 2011005392. ----. Behind the Fighting. ISBN 978-1-936333-44-8. LC 2011005395. ----. Home Front and the Economy. ISBN 978-1-936333-45-5. LC 2011005399. ----. People. ISBN 978-1-936333-47-9. LC 2011005414. ----. Politics. maps. ISBN 978-1-936333-48-6. LC 2011005416. ----. Weapons, Tactics, and Strategy. diags. ISBN 978-1-936333-46-2. LC 2011005412. ea vol: 112p. (Curriculum Connections: Civil War Series). reprods. photos. further reading. glossary. index. Websites. CIP. Brown Bear Bks. 2011. PLB $39.95. Gr 9 Up-Each of these volumes features alphabetically arranged readings about topics that are similar in scope and coverage to those found in many extant encyclopedias. Readings are supplemented by numerous brief "Curriculum Context" sidebars that emphasize important points, ask critical thinking questions, describe the topic's place in history curricula, and/or identify possible questions about the material. However, the series fails to deliver on its curriculum-friendly premise as the readings do not provide in-depth coverage or develop analysis that would give readers a broader understanding that would allow them to address the very points the sidebars raise. This series is not noteworthy enough, either in premise or material, to merit its purchase. DIPRIMIO, Pete. The Judicial Branch. ISBN 978-1-58415-944-5; ISBN 978-1-61228-186-5; ISBN 978-1-61228-088-2. LC 2011002753. GAGNE, Tammy. The Power of the States. chart. ISBN 978-1-58415-945-2; ISBN 978-1-61228-187-2; ISBN 978-1-61228-089-9. LC 2011000613. HINMAN, Bonnie. The Executive Branch. appendix. notes. ISBN 978-1-58415-943-8; ISBN 978-1-61228-185-8; ISBN 978-1-61228-087-5. LC 2011002749. LEAVITT, Amie Jane. The Bill of Rights. chart. map. appendix. ISBN 978-1-58415-947-6; ISBN 978-1-61228-189-6; ISBN 978-1-61228-091-2. LC 2011000611. MURCIA, Rebecca Thatcher. The Legislative Branch. notes. ISBN 978-1-58415-942-1; ISBN 978-1-61228-184-1; ISBN 978-1-61228-086-8. LC 2011000609. ORR, Tamra. The Story of The Constitution. map. ISBN 978-1-58415-946-9; ISBN 978-1-61228-188-9; ISBN 978-1-61228-090-5. LC 2011002747. ea vol: 48p. (My Guide to the Constitution Series). photos. reprods. bibliog. further reading. glossary. index. Websites. CIP. Mitchell Lane. 2011. PLB $29.95; pap. $16.50; ebook $29.95. Gr 4-6-Bright and appealing layouts will draw readers to these overviews of American constitutional history and government. Each book describes the historical background of its subject and traces its evolution as the country and government grew and changed. The authors don't attempt to cover all aspects of the Constitution and government. Rather, they use interesting and often timely examples about historical and current issues to show readers how the federal government operates, examining the interactions between the branches of government and those of the federal government and the states. Large, colorful reproductions and photos depicting leaders and relevant topics will draw students. ISAACS, Sally Senzell. Colonists and Independence. ISBN 978-0-7534-6581-3; ISBN 978-0-7534-6513-4. STATON, Hilarie N. Cowboys and the Wild West. ISBN 978-0-7534-6582-0; ISBN 978-0-7534-6510-3. TODRAS, Ellen H. Wagon Trains and Settlers. ISBN 978-0-7534-6583-7; ISBN 978-0-7534-6511-0. WALKER, Paul Robert. Gold Rush and Riches. ISBN 978-0-7534-6584-4; ISBN 978-0-7534-6512-7. ea vol: 32p. (All About America Series). illus. map. photos. reprods. chron. further reading. glossary. index. Websites. Kingfisher. 2011. PLB $19.89; pap. $9.99. LC number unavailable. Gr 4-6-Appealing, full-page, slice-of-life illustrations are the strongest elements of these introductions to early and frontier America. Two-page chapters examine an aspect of the main topic and incorporate information about women, children, Native Americans, and ethnic groups. Although the authors avoid graphic details, they discuss some of the difficulties of frontier life and the negative consequences of American expansion. Sidebars provide additional details about related topics. The captioned illustrations, which include cut-away views, maps, and realistic depictions of everyday activities, will help capture and hold readers' attention, making this set a strong choice for elementary collections. JEFFREY, Gary. George Washington and the Winter at Valley Forge. illus. by Nick Spender. ISBN 978-1-4339-6174-8; ISBN 978-1-4339-6014-7; ISBN 978-1-4339-6055-0. LC 2010048672. ----. John Adams and the Boston Massacre. illus. by Emanuele Boccanfuso. ISBN 978-1-4339-6016-1; ISBN 978-1-4339-6017-8; ISBN 978-1-4339-6056-7. LC 2010053711. ----. Paul Revere and His Midnight Ride. illus. by James Field. photos. ISBN 978-1-4339-6019-2; ISBN 978-1-4339-6020-8; ISBN 978-1-4339-6057-4. LC 2010050925. ----. Samuel Adams and the Boston Tea Party. illus. by Nick Spender. photos. ISBN 978-1-4339-6022-2; ISBN 978-1-4339-6023-9; ISBN 978-1-4339-6058-1. LC 2010051829. ----. Thomas Jefferson and the Declaration of Independence. illus. by Emanuele Boccanfuso. photos. ISBN 978-1-4339-6025-3; ISBN 978-1-4339-6026-0; ISBN 978-1-4339-6059-8. LC 2011004701. ----. Thomas Paine Writes Common Sense. illus. by Nick Spender. ISBN 978-1-4339-6028-4; ISBN 978-1-4339-6029-1; ISBN 978-1-4339-6060-4. LC 2011000888. ea vol: 24p. (Graphic Heroes of the American Revolution Series). reprods. glossary. index. CIP. Gareth Stevens. 2011. PLB $23.95; pap. $8.15; ebook $23.95. Gr 3-5-These graphic novels illustrate pivotal moments of the American Revolution. Each has a two-page introduction and single-page conclusion, but the main body features comic-book-style art. The texts are limited, with often a sentence or two per frame, and there is almost no background or analysis. The illustrations tend to be dark and unappealing. While these books do recount important events, they are so simplistic that they will not help their intended audience or struggling readers learn adequate details or understand the events' importance. Many of the extant high-interest, low-vocabulary titles about the American Revolution offer more information and are better executed. KRENSKY, Stephen. The Bill of Rights. 80p. ISBN 978-0-7614-4912-6; ISBN 978-1-60870-669-3. LC 2010042489. ----. The Constitution. 96p. ISBN 978-0-7614-4917-1; ISBN 978-1-60870-673-0. LC 2010040634. ----. The Declaration of Independence. 96p. ISBN 978-0-7614-4913-3; ISBN 978-1-60870-670-9. LC 2010023649. ----. The Emancipation Proclamation. 80p. ISBN 978-0-7614-4915-7; ISBN 978-1-60870-671-6. LC 2011000182. ea vol: (Documents of Democracy Series). photos. reprods. bibliog. index. notes. CIP. Marshall Cavendish/Benchmark. 2011. PLB $34.21; ebook $34.21. Gr 5-8-Krensky's largely standard coverage places each document into historical context, explaining the conditions that led to its creation and describing how it was written and adopted. He summarizes each document's contents and analyzes its continuing relevance. Every book reproduces the entire text of its titular document and includes captioned period reproductions, photos, and sidebars provide supplemental information. Although these books will help report writers understand the founding documents, they do not improve on the many other available titles about the same subjects, making them additional choices. NIVEN, Felicia Lowenstein. Fabulous Fashions of the 1920s. ISBN 978-0-7660-3551-5; ISBN 978-1-59845-275-4. LC 2010004194. ----. Fabulous Fashions of the 1930s. ISBN 978-0-7660-3824-0; ISBN 978-1-59845-276-1. LC 2010014586. ----. Fabulous Fashions of the 1940s. ISBN 978-0-7660-3552-2; ISBN 978-1-59845-277-8. LC 2010004195. ----. Fabulous Fashions of the 1950s. ISBN 978-0-7660-3825-7; ISBN 978-1-59845-278-5. LC 2010014587. ----. Fabulous Fashions of the 1960s. ISBN 978-0-7660-3553-9; ISBN 978-1-59845-279-2. LC 2010004196. ----. Fabulous Fashions of the 1970s. ISBN 978-0-7660-3826-4; ISBN 978-1-59845-280-8. LC 2010014589. ----. Fabulous Fashions of the 1980s. ISBN 978-0-7660-3554-6; ISBN 978-1-59845-281-5. LC 2010010311. ----. Fabulous Fashions of the 1990s. ISBN 978-0-7660-3827-1; ISBN 978-1-59845-282-2. LC 2010014590. ea vol: 48p. (Fabulous Fashions of the Decades Series). reprods. photos. chron. further reading. glossary. index. Websites. CIP. Enslow. 2011. PLB $23.93; pap. $7.95. Gr 5-8-With an emphasis on youth culture and fashion, this series describes trends and crazes of the 20th century. The books each open with a chapter on fashion fads, followed by chapters on hairstyles, women's and men's fashions, accessories, and the decade's unique trends. The concluding chapters discuss popular culture. Niven writes in an informal, readable style and includes some historical and economic information for context, but keeps her focus on fashion. The attractive layout includes numerous full-color and black-and-white photos and reproductions of fashion advertisements with breezy, magazine-style captions. This set's visual appeal and approachable text will draw readers. OLLHOFF, Jim. Ancient America. maps. reprods. ISBN 978-1-61783-052-5. LC 2011012078. ----. Building a New World. map. reprods. ISBN 978-1-61783-053-2. LC 2011012348. ----. Conflicts and Independence. maps. reprods. ISBN 978-1-61783-054-9. LC 2011017711. ----. The Conquistadors. reprods. ISBN 978-1-61783-055-6. LC 2011018112. ----. Freedom and the Future. chart. ISBN 978-1-61783-056-3. LC 2011018224. ----. Identity and Civil Rights. reprods. ISBN 978-1-61783-057-0. LC 2011018225. ea vol: 32p. (Hispanic American History Series). photos. glossary. index. CIP. ABDO. 2011. PLB $27.07. Gr 5-7-Ollhoff's clearly written texts trace Hispanic history from the Paleo-Indians, conquistadors, and African forbears. These books also discuss the rise and decline of Spanish colonial North America; the effects of Mexican independence; discrimination and Hispanic civil rights; and the growing political, economic, and social influence of the Hispanic population. The layout is attractive with full-page illustrations and photos, many with text superimposed on the images. This series will help students understand the scope and significance of Hispanic history. Many of these books are about topics that have received wide coverage in extant individual and series titles, which makes finding a new perspective or improving on existing coverage a challenge for authors and publishers. Twenty-First Century's "Dressing a Nation: The History of U.S. Fashion" is the strongest of this group. While not breaking new ground, the following sets are attractive and informative enough to warrant purchase for libraries that need new or supplementary titles: Kingfisher's "All About America," ABDO's "Hispanic American History," Capstone's "Fact Finders: Life in the American Colonies," Mitchell Lane's "My Guide to the Constitution," and Children's Press's "A True Book: American Indians" and "A True Book: The Thirteen Colonies." Marshall Cavendish's "Documents of Democracy" and Teacher Created Materials's "Primary Source Readers: Focus on Women in U.S. History" and "Primary Source Readers: Focus on African Americans" offer coverage that is very similar to extant work and should be considered for purchase only where additional report material is needed. Gareth Stevens's "Graphic Heroes of the American Revolution," Cherry Lake's "Language Arts Explorer: History Digs," and Brown Bear Books's "Curriculum Connections: Civil War" all suffer from format and coverage weaknesses that limit their effectiveness.