From Colonies to Country: 1735-1791 A History of US Book 3 [Paperback]

Joy Hakim (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: February 3, 2007 | Age Level: 10 and up | Grade Level: 5 and up | Series: A History of Us (Book 3)

How did compliant colonials with strong ties to Europe get the notion to become an independent nation? Perhaps the seeds of liberty were planted in the 1735 historic courtroom battle for the freedom of the press. Or maybe the French and Indian War did it, when colonists were called "Americans" for the first time by the English, and the great English army proved itself not so formidable after all. But for sure when King George III started levying some heavy-handed taxes on the colonies, the break from the motherland was imminent. With such enthralling characters as George Washington, Sam Adams, Patrick Henry, Eliza Pinckney, and Alexander Hamilton throughout, From Colonies to Country is an amazing story of a nation-making transformation.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"[An] exciting series... Ms. Hakim braids multiple narratives together to bring alive material long dead to children's imaginations."--The New York Times Book Review

"Joy Hakim didn't rewrite history. But she did make it a whole lot more fun to read."--Education Week

"Readers young and old will find themselves amused, amazed, and engrossed by this searching, opinionated survey. In every sense a fresh look at our history." --Kirkus Reviews

"Merits every accolade, starting with the most personal: I couldn't put it down."--Washington Post Book World

"The liveliest, most realistic, most well-received American history series ever written for children."--Los Angeles Times

"A thorough and accurate narrative of our nation's history."--The Philadelphia Inquirer

"I think this is the best American history written for young people that I have ever seen."--David Herbert Donald, Harvard University; Pulitzer prize-winning author of Lincoln

"When master storyteller Joy Hakim wields her pen, you're in for a breathtaking adventure."--Teaching K-8

"An attention to detail and drama alike make these recommended choices for not only readers ages 8-13 but for entire families."--Children's Bookwatch

"Absorbing, real and even fun to read."--Voice of Youth Advocates

"Books of real substance that speak directly to kids."--Jean Fritz, author of Shhh, We're Writing the Constitution

"One of the best nonfiction series of the decade. Impossible to put down."--School Library Journal

About the Author

Joy Hakim is a former newspaper writer and editor and elementary school teacher who holds a bachelor's degree in government from Smith College and a master's degree in education from Goucher College.

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 10 and up
  
• Paperback: 224 pages
• Publisher: Oxford University Press, USA; 3rd revised edition (February 3, 2007)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0195327179
• ISBN-13: 978-0195327175
• Product Dimensions: 9 x 7.4 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.1 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.4 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (8 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #69,471 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #39 in Books > Children's Books > History > United States > Colonial & Revolutionary
  • #63 in Books > History > Historical Study > Reference

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

8 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent book for adults too!, January 11, 2010

By 

Jim F "Jim F" (Felton, PA United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: From Colonies to Country: 1735-1791 A History of US Book 3 (Paperback)

This is the first book I've found about the Revolutionary War that delved deeply enough into the cultural and political roots of Independence. While I don't have a full 4 year degree, I often read college level books just for fun. I found that this book was written so well that I think it would be readable to a 9-12 year old, yet it was a good read for me. Every few pages the author would call out words to further explain and I would be reminded the age level of the book.

Many items were called out in sidebars in the book. It is chock full of meaty, meaningful sidebars, maps, and graphics. These items aren't filler like in some books. Just as important, I felt I was getting a fair, unbiased portrayal of the facts and history. At my age and political temperament that is a unique and refreshing change.

I have not read very much about the Revolutionary War and the surrounding Independence movement. Since high school so many years ago, I have only read 2 or 3 of them. The last one I read about a month ago was "Patriots: Men Who Started the American Revolution" by AJ Langguth. The title implied that it delved much more into the roots of the movement than it really did. Ms Hakim's book did a much better job at this. Probably much more than half the book discussed the events prior to and after the war. The other book was better at discussing the warfighting... but I don't think 9-12 year olds need that much indepth knowledge of that.

I hope this review was coherent. It is the first one Ive ever done. I was just so thrilled with this book. I highly recommend it.

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Very readable!, September 8, 2008

By 

LD/homeschool teacher (Kansas City, MO) - See all my reviews

This review is from: From Colonies to Country: 1735-1791 A History of US Book 3 (Paperback)

A From Colonies to Country: 1735-1791 A History of US Book 3 (A History of Us)

The History of US series is a wonderful resource! This year, I am using it to homeschool. But I have also used it to supplement a school history textbook where I have taught elementary.

Each book is very reader-friendly. Short chapters. Lots of photos and graphics. Engaging vignettes. Enough info to get the basics but also will tease you to do more research if something peaks your interest. A workable text for learning disability kiddos, depending on their reading level.

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Wonderful way to learn U.S. history, April 4, 2009

By 

M. Graviett "an old homeschooling mom" (Missouri) - See all my reviews
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Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: From Colonies to Country: 1735-1791 A History of US Book 3 (Paperback)

The entire collection of A History of US is amazingly detailed and chock-full of photos and to keep a young person interested in the story of our country. As with the other books in the series the chapters are fairly short and loaded with facts children find intriguing. From Colonies to Country is especially useful to me as a teaching tool because it covers the critical years of the founding of the nation. My 10-year old daughter loves to sit and share bits of information with me from the pictures and side notes in each chapter. She learns best when she's most involved and this set keeps her interest.