Gr. 5^-8. In this single-volume history of the U.S., Johnston takes on an enormous, complex topic and presents an excellent overview for young people. Rather than just marching along the time line from 1492 to the present, the text pauses from time to time for close-up views of significant people and issues. Each of the eight chapters includes two one-page profiles of individuals, such as Abigail Adams, Ida B. Wells-Barnett, and Joseph McCarthy, and a two-page "Great Debate" feature. These sections discuss questions of concern during a certain era, such as "How to Rid the United States of Slavery?" or "How Should America Combat the War on Terrorism at Home?" This well-written book does a particularly good job of balancing political and social history. Although the text is engaging, readers will also appreciate finding at least one full-color illustration on nearly every page. These include reproductions of period paintings, prints, and photographs; pictures of artifacts; and many fine maps. The heavy, glossy paper allows for excellent reproduction, and the use of color makes this large volume very attractive. The scope of coverage, the excellence of presentation, and the reasonable price make this a solid choice. --Carolyn Phelan

U.S. history is presented in a narrative format that segues smoothly from event to event but results in a rushed overview of the nation's politics and culture. Illustrated with color and black-and-white maps, photos, and reproductions, the text features biographical profiles of notable figures and great debate discussions on, among other topics, slavery, feminism, and terrorism. Bib., ind. From HORN BOOK Spring 2003, (c) Copyright 2010. The Horn Book, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.

Gr 5-8-This book stands in stark and wonderful contrast to the dry textbook approach to learning about history, and is exactly the type of book an informed teacher would want. Divided into eight 20- to 25-page chapters, the beautifully illustrated and fluidly written narrative manages to encapsulate the seminal events in American history from Columbus through the attack on the World Trade Center, including not only accurate facts but also evenhanded debates on major issues. Each chapter begins with a spread showing eight pictures representing major events during the period covered, an introductory paragraph raising framing questions, and a reproduction of the American flag as it looked in the epoch under consideration. The text itself takes issues and events in greater detail, is refreshingly devoid of sidebars, and is enhanced with full-color photographs and reproductions. Each chapter contains two profiles-and they alone are invaluable and brilliantly chosen to throw issues of the time period into high relief. For example, "War, Prosperity, and Social Change: 1941-1968" profiles Joseph McCarthy and Martin Luther King, Jr.; "The Age of Conservatism: 1969 to the Present" features Sandra Day O'Connor and Csar Ch vez. Especially notable is the presentation of the debate surrounding the last presidential election and the mixed response to the loss of civil liberties resulting from the War on Terror. The closest competitor to this exemplary presentation is John A. Scott's The Story of America (National Geographic, 1992). The Making of America supersedes it, not only in currency but also in intellectual scope.-Ann Welton, Grant Elementary School, Tacoma, WA (c) Copyright 2010. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.