American History: A Visual Encyclopedia

I'm using this as an American History spine for one year of homeschool history, along with pbslearningmedia.org teaching plans, documentaries and student activities for specific areas. We will also mix in free YouTube videos, such as from The Nomadic Professor, History Channel, National Geographic, etc., group discussions and research report assignments for deeper areas of interest.After some brief perusing, the book has many colorful photographs and drawings and is logically ordered. Each section starts with a timeline of key moments for that era, then follows with pages of facts. It starts at year 1000 and ends at 2018. Each era starting at 1763 covers anywhere from 15 to 60 years at a time, prior to 1763 information is sparse. The eras have helpful color-coded page tabs. Presidents typically have a two page spread. The appendix contains a typed and small pic of important documents such as The Declaration of Independence, The Constitution with its sections and articles, all 27 Amendments and the Gettysburg Address. Plus, there's a spread showing the presidents, and a table of states listing their ratification years, state bird, tree, etc.Overall, it is what I was looking for, a simple and eye-catching spine for one year of American History. In the past we have used Joy Hakim's Story of US series, fleshed out with discussions and assignments for an in-depth 2 year American History study. It can be used for school for any age, with adaptions for older students. Or, utilize it for brief history reading, a fun coffee table book or a simple resource on your shelf of encyclopedias. Like with all history study, one resource will not tell the entire story, or show different historian's perspectives... So you must research interpretations from a variety of sources, along with actual documents to form your own visualization of the big picture. This book was what they advertised it to be, a visual encyclopedia. If you're like us and love educational encyclopedias with pretty pictures to grab your interest, then this would be a good choice.

I've been really surprised how much my son enjoys this book. He reads a section A Day Out Loud with me. Then I discuss with him what was in the section. As a history buff I'm familiar with most of this stuff in the book enough to discuss the material with him and explain it. I would say that this is suitable for maybe 8th grade and up to have some really Frank discussions. This is not a college level depth of a textbook but I don't think it's meant to be that. And if you go too deep into the details too soon I think you lose people especially younger students who aren't going to be interested in memorizing and insane quantity of information. We use a US History workbook with this so that when the topics overlap would pause and go back to the workbook and look at the discussion questions to dig a Little Deeper in our reflection of the material. So for instance after reading about the French and Indian War the workbook asked us to compare why the traditional European fighting methods did not work in colonial America. I'm going to say that most Americans cannot accurately discuss the information in this book even to this level and that if they could our society as a whole would be much better off. I don't think the average person needs to go a whole lot deeper than what this book provides unless you happen to be a history major or a history buff like me.

I purchased this American history book a month ago, and I’m very satisfied with it. The book arrived surprisingly fast and in perfect condition, which made a great first impression. The content is well-structured, informative, and engaging. It offers a balanced view of major events and figures in U.S. history, with clear explanations and multiple perspectives that encourage deeper understanding. Whether you're a student or simply interested in American history, this is a great addition to your collection. Highly recommended!

Absolutely amazing!

Not a lot in depth history, very basic. Very good for children as introduction

Perfect design, printing and text! Love it!

Beautiful illustrations and so much information! I bought this as a substitute for my homeschooled son's history this year We are going to read it aloud a chapter a week or so and talk about all of History! I LOVE this book and will not sell it I will keep it after using it this year! Talks about early settlers, all the way to the present, and even The Constitution and Bill of Rights! Also includes info on each meaningful time in history all the way back to 1000-1607 good and bad and wars we have had, landing on the moon, the civil rights movement, the twin towers getting hit and going down, certain influences in different periods of time, and a list of all the states with the date of statehood, capital, state trees, state bird, state flower, and each ones nickname! I think my favorite is the Constitution and The Bill of Rights and amendments. This book was well worth $20.00! I recommend it to any history lover or anyone interested in just learning more about all of our country's past!

We are using this book along with the US History on Khan Academy for my son's fourth grade homeschooling experience. The pictures are vivid and fun to look at. Also, the topics are not too deep so my son doesn't get overwhelmed with too much information. I like the continous use of a timeline throughout the book too. Love this book!