America's Story

Rating:
Summary: American History Made Easier Than Eating Jello
Review: I am a teacher of learning disabled children and adults. As such, I am always looking for easy but interesting material for my students. America's History is, surprisingly, one of those books.
I was introduced to the book by an adult student. Almost a non-reader, as he slowly learned to read, this book was used. He was absolutely enthralled by it. As a slow learner in school, he never learned anything about the history of our country, so every page was new and exciting to him. It starts with the early explorers and visitors to our coasts, then brings Pilgrims and immigrants to the country, and continues on through the years with the colonization, industrialization, wars, common people, and famous men and women.
The book is interestingly written and holds attention by short paragraphs and easy vocabulary, yet covers all of the major concepts and history. But it never talks down to the reader. Adult learners need to have things expressed at their own adult level, but too often,unfamiliar words and too much repetition defeat the purpose. Comprehension, too often overlooked, is easily grasped by this good effort. And even at this level, better readers can also enjoy the book, because it is telling things that many adults have forgotten about their own country. It refreshes without boring. (Even the teacher often enjoys the refresher course !)
Try it with your own children, for example. I think you'll find it both interesting and easily understood.
The book was so useful and so interesting that I even bought one for the student who brought it to my attention. Don't you think he deserved it?