The Civil War
Part of the Look at U.S. History series
The Civil War is a major part of the social studies curriculum. However, it can be overwhelming to cover the causes of the war, its main events, and the immediate results. This book summarizes the most important points of the Civil War in an accessible way appropriate for many reading levels. Fact boxes explain key terms and add crucial details to the main content. Historical images and a concluding timeline help both new readers and those reviewing the topic to better understand a complex sequence of events easily.
The American Revolution
Part of the Look at U.S. History series
Understanding the events of the American Revolution is key to learning more about the history of the United States. When readers encounter this important topic in social studies classes, they often must be able to explain the causes, main events, and results of the war. Through simple explanations and language, this book gives readers of all levels an overview of these aspects of the Revolutionary War in a format perfect for test review or quick reference. A timeline helps readers keep events in order, and fact boxes explain more difficult terms and subject matter.
The Spanish-American War
Part of the Look at U.S. History series
A war between Spain and the United States was waged in 1898 in the Caribbean and in the Philippines. It forced Spain out of Cuba and established the United States as a true world power. Young historians will learn the causes of the war, each side's military maneuvers, and the conflict's aftereffects, all clearly explained in comprehensible text especially for the struggling reader. Remarkable photographs and images of the war will help visual learners connect with the material.
Women's Suffrage
Part of the Look at U.S. History series
From the formal beginning of the women's suffrage movement in the United States to the passage of the Nineteenth Amendment, the journey to women's right to vote is endlessly fascinating. Leaders such as Elizabeth Cady Stanton and Alice Paul are part of this volume, which covers important curriculum points, including the Seneca Falls Convention and its Declaration of Sentiments. The main text succinctly introduces important events and groups as well as provides historical context outside of the suffrage movement. A concluding timeline aids readers in need of further review.
The Bill of Rights
Part of the Look at U.S. History series
Though it was written more than 200 years ago, the first 10 amendments included in the Bill of Rights are still being interpreted today. Understanding how these additions to the Constitution came about is a key topic of the social studies curriculum, and it's also essential for understanding the modern political conversation. All readers can benefit from the concise explanation of why the Bill of Rights was written and what each amendment states. Students struggling with reading are better able to grasp knowledge needed in the classroom by using this excellent volume as a review.
The Industrial Revolution
Part of the Look at U.S. History series
Once the Industrial Revolution made it to the United States, the workforce changed forever. Not only that, family life, childhood, and the economy changed, too. A complex topic with many facets, the Industrial Revolution is covered in accessible language in this book. Written with social studies curricula in mind, the main content includes age-appropriate detail, such as important dates, people, and vocabulary readers will likely need in the classroom. Developing readers and those in need of review need look no further than this volume to enhance or refresh their knowledge of this key time period in American history.
The French and Indian War
Part of the Look at U.S. History series
The French and Indian War was just one part of a global conflict between France and Great Britain and their allies. However, for U.S. citizens, it marked the beginning of the revolutionary era. As one of the causes of the American Revolution, the French and Indian War is a staple of social studies curriculums. In this volume, its complexities are pared down to the most important facts to give struggling readers a better chance to understand them. A concluding timeline provides all readers a way to review the major points of this history-making war.
The Trail of Tears
Part of the Look at U.S. History series
Even the name, "Trail of Tears," evokes the great sadness of the compulsory relocation of Native Americans in the 1830s. This accessible book shares the tragic account of what happened when the U.S. government forcibly removed native peoples from their homelands and resettled them, thousands of miles away. Readers will learn why this occurred and its terrible consequences. Maps, historic images, and fact boxes shed light on this devastating incident. The carefully crafted text is especially designed for struggling readers and those, who need an approachable review of this controversial subject.
The Constitutional Convention
Part of the Look at U.S. History series
Far from the well-ordered, solemn conference some might think of, the Constitutional Convention of 1787 was filled with disagreements, debates, and near-disasters. Yet, the framers of the Constitution pushed on to save the new nation from falling apart. The result was the remarkable document the United States government still uses as its foundation. Readers of this accessible book, perfect for struggling readers, will learn the story of the convention, who showed up, who didn't, and the final fight for ratification. Historical images shed light on the time-period. Fact boxes add further interesting details about this important event.
The Civil Rights Movement
Part of the Look at U.S. History series
The rights of a nation's citizens are civil rights. In the 1950s and 1960s, black Americans organized a movement to demand these rights, including equal education, the right to vote, and many other freedoms. This significant and accessible volume takes readers through the key events of the movement, including its victories and disappointments. Central figures such as Martin Luther King, Jr. and Malcolm X are featured, and a timeline helps readers understand the movement's progression.
The Panama Canal
Part of the Look at U.S. History series
The Panama Canal is only about 40 miles long, but this narrow channel connects the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans. It saves ocean vessels from going around South America, which would otherwise be a 9,000-mile journey. Readers will learn about the canal's creation, how the United States became involved, and about the 40,000 people who worked on it over 10 years. They'll especially appreciate the amazing photographs of construction from the early 1900s as well as fact boxes that delve more deeply into the details of how the canal functions.
The Transcontinental Railroad
Part of the Look at U.S. History series
A transcontinental railroad spanning the United States was once thought to be impossible. After a practical route was found, about 1,800 miles of track were laid from Nebraska to California in just 6 years. This railroad changed the nation, connecting the East and West Coast and making travel and communication easier than ever. Readers will be fascinated by the amazing tale of this railroad and the striking photographs that support this accessible narrative.
The Declaration of Independence
Part of the Look at U.S. History series
Not only did the Declaration of Independence help set U.S. history in motion, the document was influential to other revolutions around the world. Therefore, it's crucial to understand the meaning of the Declaration of Independence in order to continue exploring the social studies curriculum. Readers are presented with the most important aspects of the document, including why it was written, the writing process, and its impact on American independence. Written in simple language, this volume will be useful in test review or as an introduction to the history of the Declaration of Independence.
The Dust Bowl
Part of the Look at U.S. History series
Most people have at least seen a snowstorm on television, but imagine a storm of dust instead of snow. These were called "black blizzards" in the Dust Bowl, which was the name for the Great Plains of the United States during the 1930s. Readers will learn what transformed green farmland and lush grassland into a disaster area, forcing thousands to leave, and finally how the land was restored. Stunning photographs reflect the conditions, while Make the Grade fact boxes offer more information about this significant period in American history.
The Great Depression
Part of the Look at U.S. History series
The Great Depression was a terrible time in the United States. Americans had never known such hunger and poverty. This crisis lasted 10 years. What happened to cause this catastrophe, how it finally ended, and the lasting effects it had on the nation are all addressed in this invaluable look at a critical period in American history. Engaging and accessible text is supported by striking historical images and interesting fact boxes. A timeline summarizes and reinforces the most essential concepts.
The Lewis and Clark Expedition
Part of the Look at U.S. History series
The story of the Lewis and Clark Expedition, which is the journey of exploration across the Louisiana Territory and Pacific Northwest, is one of the most exciting in American history. This beneficial volume is an asset to any social studies curricula. Readers are invited into the Corps of Discovery to follow Meriwether Lewis and William Clark on their historic trek. They'll learn about the expedition's goals, achievements, and the hardships and surprises they encountered along the way. Beautiful images accompany the narrative, which was written to support and motivate all levels of readers.
The California Gold Rush
Part of the Look at U.S. History series
The California Gold Rush, which began after the discovery of gold in 1848, was about much more than people trying to strike it rich. It was a total reshaping of the United States because of thousands making the arduous trek to the West Coast by land and sea. Some even came from Asia and Europe. In this noteworthy book, this important episode in American history is told through text crafted for the struggling reader. Interesting fact boxes and carefully selected images and photographs are especially motivating.
Westward Expansion
Part of the Look at U.S. History series
In the 1800s, American began to push west, sometimes into lands that weren't yet a part of the United States. This movement came to be called western expansion. Some believed the nation had a right to this land, and that it was the country's destiny. However, this romantic view doesn't reveal what this settlement meant: bloody conflicts, Native American displacement, and a renewed battle over slavery. This insightful volume provides the information that readers need to know about this critical curricular topic through thought-provoking images and achievable content. This volume will thrill readers who want more support than what is typically presented in history texts.
The Louisiana Purchase
Part of the Look at U.S. History series
When the Louisiana Territory was added to the United States in 1803, it about doubled the size of the young nation. It took years to clarify its boundaries and explore every square mile. How this momentous purchase came to be and its implications on the future of the United States are explained in detail in this book. Uncomplicated maps and simple language help developing readers and those in need of review to understand the many changes in this land that started with its purchase in 1803.
The Gettysburg Address
Part of the Look at U.S. History series
In 1863, President Abraham Lincoln delivered a solemn address on the site of one of the bloodiest battles of the Civil War. The statement, written to consecrate a cemetery for fallen soldiers, became one of the most memorable, quoted, and admired addresses in American history. With this inspiring book, young historians learn about the background of this historic event, how the address was received, and the words that resonate even today. Striking images and photographs give context to the accessible text, which is crafted for readers, who need extra support.
The Thirteen Colonies
Part of the Look at U.S. History series
Students often spend a long time learning about the early European settlements, such as Jamestown, and the founding the 13 British colonies that became the United States. Remembering and digesting so much information can be difficult, especially for struggling readers. Through accessible language and simple sentences, this book allows readers to review the history of the 13 colonies no matter the level at which they read. A concluding timeline helps readers chronologically order main events of the social studies curriculum while fact boxes offer explanations for important terms and more detail when needed.
The U.S. Constitution
Part of the Look at U.S. History series
The highest law in the United States isn't written in modern English. Yet students are expected to know and understand much of what it says, as well as facts about how and why it was written. Readers are presented with the most important points of the history of the Constitution and its contents in this book. The main content gives simple explanations of important social studies curriculum topics, from the compromises needed to write the Constitution to the Bill of Rights. Fact boxes, a concluding timeline, and historical images offer readers even more detail needed for a full overview of the document.
The Articles of Confederation
Part of the Look at U.S. History series
It can be confusing to learn that the US Constitution wasn't the first document governing the United States. The Articles of Confederation was a problematic document, and the social studies curriculum commonly asks students to understand why and its effect on the Constitution. This volume simply breaks down the writing of the Articles as well as its problems for readers unfamiliar with the document or in need of reviewing it. Key definitions and explanations are offered in short fact boxes, ensuring that readers of all levels can understand the Articles of Confederation.
The Emancipation Proclamation
Part of the Look at U.S. History series
In 1862, the American Civil War was underway, actively tearing the United States apart. At the start of the war, President Abraham Lincoln's main goal was preserving the Union, but he was now ready to make a stand on slavery. The Emancipation Proclamation was one of the most important documents of its time, but its contents can be confusing. This volume gives readers context for the proclamation, as well as explains what it says and its results, in uncomplicated language appropriate for those reading below level and those looking for a review of this subject.