A History of US

"A History of US" is a 10-part (and one sourcebook) historical book series for children, written by Joy Hakim. The series is published by the US branch of Oxford University Press and is currently in its third edition. Originally conceived as a trade children's series, the books quickly found fans among classrooms teachers; in response to the prompting of educators Oxford University Press developed ancillary teaching materials to accompany the series. Branded as 'alternatives to traditional textbooks' the series is regularly used in both public and private schools, usually in middle school classes. The books are all written in a personal tone, as if the author were a storyteller. The texts have been released to ample praise by teachers, home-schoolers, students, and many others. The series has also won the James A. Michener Award in Writing, and the Parent's Choice Silver Honor Award.

The books are titled:

*The First Americans
*Making Thirteen Colonies
*From Colonies to Country
*The New Nation
*Liberty for All?
*War, Terrible War
*Reconstruction and Reform
*An Age of Extremes
*War, Peace, And All That Jazz
*All the People

The eleventh volume is a sourcebook and index, containing full text of the primary sources-- usually government documents, speeches, or famous writings-- referenced throughout the series.

Criticism

Although it has received positive reviews from most people, several others have criticized the works for its biased political orientation and personal voice. [cite book
last = Ravitch
first = Diane
authorlink =
coauthors =
title = The Language Police
publisher = Alfred A. Knopf
date = 2003
location = New York
pages = 100-104
url =
doi =
id =
isbn = 0-375-41482-7 ]

References

External links

* [http://www.textbookleague.org/121hakm.htm Errors in A History of US]
* [http://www.joyhakim.com Joy Hakim's official website]
* [http://www.oup.com/us/k12/abouthofus/ A History of US official site]
* [http://groups.google.com/group/historyofus/ A History of US discussion group]