School Library Journal Review
Gr 5-8-The Colliers emphasize political history as opposed to social or cultural events in these clearly written books. Each volume concentrates on one theme and succeeds well. Civil War takes readers through strategies, battles, and outcomes and provides an analysis of factors leading up to the war. Reconstruction begins with Appomattox and includes current and former opinions about important persons and events of the time. Slavery includes background material, much detail on everyday life, and good interpretations of the events leading up to the Civil War. Each title includes many maps and full color as well as black-and-white photos and reproductions. Excellent additions to history collections.-Linda Beck, Indian Valley Public Library, Telford, PA (c) Copyright 2010. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
Horn Book Review
Each volume focuses on a specific period in American history, discussing how political systems and institutions developed and evolved. Despite some generalizations (especially in [cf2]Immigration[cf1]), the accessible texts offer interesting anecdotes, along with the standard textbook facts. Illustrated with historical reproductions in color and black and white, the books also include plenty of maps. Bib., ind. (c) Copyright 2010. The Horn Book, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
Booklist Review
Gr. 5^-8. The Colliers continue their excellent Drama of American History series with five new volumes. Each continues the series' standard of dependable research, responsible presentation, and readable prose. Industry surveys the changes brought about by industrial growth, railroads, corporate monopolies, worker revolts, and government regulation. Slavery discusses the history of that institution in the U.S., with emphasis on the years leading up to the Civil War. Illustrated with many period paintings, engravings, and photos, as well as maps, the books have the visual appeal of colorful graphics and good layout. Each volume includes a bibliography for teachers and one for students. Check the Series Roundup in this issue for other titles. --Carolyn Phelan
