Customer Reviews

The Complete Book of U.S. History

5 star:		(11)
4 star:		(4)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(2)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

Some things about this book I really like. The pages are large, the text is big, the illustrations are very colorful. The stories are easy to read. It's so less overwhelming than the average history textbook, and presented in a much more interesting format.

It starts with the theory of early Americans coming over the land bridge from Asia. However, it presents this as FACT, rather than the theory it really is. Just recently, human fossils were found that proved humans were in North America 50,000 years ago - long before the last ice age began (which I believe was about 13,000 years ago.)

That's always been an irritant to me - books that present theory as fact, without giving kids the opportunity to judge for themselves, or even allowing them the possibility that "the teacher" might not know everything!

The book doesn't give much to 20th century America - and it focuses very heavily on Indian affairs. In fact, the second half of the 20th century is covered in only about 30 pages.

There is an unusually high percentage of text devoted to causes that normally don't get so much attention. For instance, the Vietnam Memorial gets 5 pages, and Exxon Valdez disaster gets 5 pages - but there is NO mention of Nixon, Ford, Carter, Reagan, Clinton, or either George Bush!

It's definitely not enough for a full years' curriculum, but a good book for any student who is shy of history - because the stories really are easy to read and nicely illustrated.

Each section has interesting but not really educational activities (draw a mural about life in America, write a message in Morse code) but doesn't contain tests, essays, or other difficult tasks.

It's labeled for grades 3 - 5, but I wouldn't give it to the average 3rd grader, due to the reading level. And for children older than that, this is only supplementary or remedial.

I got this book to homeschool my 4th grader. I like the pictures and the format. The activities at the end of the sections don't really show wheither or not your child has remembered or grasped what they just read. There are also no tests or questions to judge what he is learning. I am having to create my own tests and worksheets to go along with this work, which I don't really have time for. Also, I am having to suppliment with books from the library to make sure that he is really learning about each subject. This book is OK, but not great.

My 5th grader loves using this book! The text is captivating, and leaves her asking more questions about most of the topics - every homeschool mom's dream! The written exercises are useful reinforcements. They are generally fun, creative work - definitely not busywork. If your child is on the younger end of the age range, he might need some assistance with the exercises and reading.

I love the "complete" series which is what prompted me to make this purchase. I got the book today and it is nothing like the rest of the series....there are vast areas in this book that have no worksheets or activities to help the child "own" the material. It is basically a textbook...

It might be a fine history book but I think including it in the "complete" series is misleading to loyal users of the series. I wanted more fun activities for each unit and was expecting at least one consummable worksheet for section and am sad at how few are actually included.

I have been reading US History to my first grader on occasion instead of a bedtime story. We have also used it as a resource book. It is easy to understand and well written. It was well worth the money.

As homeschoolers, we struggled to find a history book that would capture my son's attention. This one focusing more on one person's story and how it fit into a historical event was perfect. Was a little disappointed that there wasn't more "meat" to it, but then again, I think it was good for elementary kids. And apparently the information provided was done in a way that my son could remember, as he pointed out some cool facts to me, while we were at a museum later! Thanks!

This is a fun book and easy to read with nice activities too. Altho' it's a childrens' book and I'm nearly 50, I enjoyed reading it and find it historically correct.

my daughter and i use this book in our homeschool studies. we find them to be fun, interesting and helpful with our american history. we also use several of the other books in the complete book series. accurate information in an easy to read format. great for the homeschooler or other students!

As with the whole "Complete Book of..." series by American Education Publishing, it is completely wonderful. I have also used their Complete Book of Phonics, Maps & Geography, Arts & Crafts, Math, Time & Money, and both Complete Book of Science books. I look forward to trying their Complete Book of World History too. The book is in story-telling style, has full-color photos and illustrations, maps, charts, timelines and a great reference section. Each section has a great "Show What You Know" at the end to ensure your child has learned what they've just read. Thank you American Education Publishing. I hope you continue to provide books of this nature. My kids love them!!!

I bought this book for my son. He loved it!
The many topics that the book presents are for children and adults alike. It is an excellent study book that enhances knowledge.