3.0 out of 5 stars
Like a mini textbook, March 9, 2005
This review is from: Historical Album Of California (Historical Albums) (Library Binding)
Mr. George Delalis makes some interesting points in the editorial rewiew featured here from the School Library Journal. To the books credit the first third of the book discusses the native population, early exploration including settlement by the Europeans and their missions. The incidents leading up to the establishment of the Bear Flag Republic are dealt with in paragraphs without much detail. For example, the concept of Manifest Destiny is briefed over with essentially a definition and one incident in Monterrey. The young reader can only benefit by getting an overview of historical facts. The Gold Rush and Chinese immigration and the development of the railroad concludes the 1800's. Suddenly it is the twentieth century, followed by the depression, WWII and a sunny conclusion with surfers going out to the beach on the last pages. There are several interesting pictures and illustrations of note to compliment the book but it is still a rather dry and boring book to capture a young persons imagination. There are also maps and a California gazetteer with quick facts,California historical timeline and a who's who of California personalities. Teachers cannot pull very much from this book to enrich a students understanding of California. This book can only serve the young student as a supplement when doing a report and works primarily for painting a broad picture of historical facts.
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