U.S. history spine similar to Usborne World History?

[chanda7]

My daughter loves the Usborne Book of World History, so much that she reads it for fun! I would love to find a similar spine for our U.S. history studies coming up next year. Usborne doesn't offer a book solely on U.S. history, and I've found that what it does cover in U.S. history isn't done really well (maybe because it is a U.K.-based company?). I'm looking for something with lots of pictures/illustrations/maps along with "meaty" text appropriate for a grammar stage child reading at an advanced level. I find most DK books a little too much with all that tiny print. Have you seen anything out there that might work for us? Thanks for any suggestions!

[Lori D.]

The only books I could find are not really exactly like the Usborne Illustrated World History, but are more text heavy with illustrations. There's a market for someone to jump in and publish one! Below are the closest things I could come up with. Perhaps look for these at your library to see if any would be appropriate or of interest? BEST of luck, Lori D.


- The Complete Book of American History (by School Specialty Publishing)
(gr. 3-6) A gentle elementary text, but more story-like, with illustrations on every page.
http://www.amazon.com/Complete-Book-U-S-History/dp/1561896799/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1220209079&sr=1-1


- "If You..." series published by Scholastic
(gr. 1-4) More story-like of specific events or time periods, but with a color illustration on every page.
http://store.scholastic.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/SearchEndecaCmd?storeId=10052&catalogId=10051&searchTerm=if+you+series


- Cornerstones of Freedom series (especially the older editions)
(gr. 1-4) More story-like of specific events in U.S. history, with a B&W illustration on almost every page.


- Children's Encyclopedia of American History (Smithsonian Institution) (by David C. King)
(gr. 4-8) A gentle upper elementary/middle school text, but more story-like based on themes rather than chronology, with illustrations on every page.
http://www.amazon.com/Childrens-Encyclopedia-American-Smithsonian-Institution/dp/0789483300/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1220207771&sr=8-3


- Cartoon History of the United States (by Larry Gonick)
(for high school and adults)
http://www.amazon.com/Cartoon-History-United-States-Gonick/dp/B000GH2YJC/ref=pd_sim_b_njs_3

[chanda7]

Lori D., I took a look at those links. I especially like the Smithsonian book, and the Complete Book of American History also looks promising. Thank you!

[Lori D.]

You're welcome! We used and really liked "The Complete Book of US history". It has some very interesting history tidbits I never had seen in other history books -- like how the U.S. Interstate highway system was founded! We enjoyed some of the "If You..." books from our local library. And we also really enjoyed the Cornerstones of Freedom series. We found a big stack of them at the used bookstore for about $2 apiece. Enjoy! Warmest regards, Lori

[Carol in Cal.]

It is similar to the Usborne one, but written at a higher reading level.