(3) 4-6 Smithsonian: Exploring the 13 Colonies series. Straightforward, informative histories of four of the original thirteen colonies each explore the colony's unique characteristics, settlers, leaders (colonial and Native American), and events leading to involvement in the Revolutionary War. A balanced mixture of paintings, charts, documents, and maps effectively complements the narratives. Common Core–related questions are appended. Reading list, timeline. Bib., glos., ind. Review covers these Smithsonian: Exploring the 13 Colonies titles: Exploring the Virginia Colony, Exploring the Georgia Colony, Exploring the Pennsylvania Colony, and Exploring the New Hampshire Colony.

Reviewer: Jack Forman

(4) 4-6 Fact Finders: Cause and Effect series. This formulaic series provides overviews of events surrounding turning points in American history. Stock archival reproductions and photos support the accessible texts; of the two, Life and Liberty is the better organized and written. The uncluttered layout includes "fast fact" boxes and definitions. These offer adequate starting points for report writers and history buffs. Reading list. Glos. Review covers these Fact Finders: Cause and Effect titles: Freedom from Slavery and For Life and Liberty.

Reviewer: Kristy Pasquariello