(4) 4-6 Countries in Our World series. Klobuchar provides a very general introduction to the United States, a country whose "wealth and military might make [it] the most powerful country in the world." Abundant photographs (of varying relevance) and sidebars highlight important facts and people; a useful spread looks ahead to 2020. There's some out-of-date information (e.g., "there is still a strong U.S. military presence" in Iraq today). Reading list, websites. Glos., ind.

Reviewer: Barbara Barstow

(4) 4-6 Hands-on American History series. Each book begins with three short chapters that briefly summarize a particular period in United States history; some sweeping generalizations and oversimplifications occur in the discussions. A fourth chapter includes one recipe and three crafts or activities (some of which are too complicated for the targeted age). Contemporary photos and archival pictures decorate the pages. Reading list. Glos., ind. Review covers these Hands-on American History titles: The History and Activities of the Civil War, The History and Activities of the Colonies, The History and Activities of the Revolutionary War, The History and Activities of the Frontier, and The History and Activities of the Wagon Trail.

Reviewer: Lauren Aimonette LIang

(4) 4-6 Hands-on American History series. Each book begins with three short chapters that briefly summarize a particular period in United States history; some sweeping generalizations and oversimplifications occur in the discussions. A fourth chapter includes one recipe and three crafts or activities (some of which are too complicated for the targeted age). Contemporary photos and archival pictures decorate the pages. Reading list. Glos., ind. Review covers these Hands-on American History titles: The History and Activities of the Civil War, The History and Activities of the Colonies, The History and Activities of the Revolutionary War, The History and Activities of the Frontier, and The History and Activities of the Wagon Trail.

Reviewer: Lauren Aimonette LIang

(4) 4-6 Hands-on American History series. This book offers three chapters of generic facts about the Native Americans of North America. The facts presented are mainly about the Plains tribes, but the text gives the impression that they are about all Native Americans. A fourth chapter includes one recipe and simple crafts and activities. Contemporary photos and archival pictures decorate the pages. Reading list. Glos, ind.

Reviewer: Lauren Aimonette LIang

(4) 4-6 Hands-on Ancient History series. Three short chapters provide a slight overview of an ancient civilization, including a bit about everyday life and typical leisure activities. A fourth chapter presents a recipe, instructions for two craft projects, and an activity. The text is more a collection of random facts than a cohesive unit. Photos of artifacts and archival pictures appear on every page. Reading list. Glos., ind. Review covers these Hands-on Ancient History titles: The History and Activities of Ancient China, The History and Activities of the Islamic Empire, The History and Activities of Ancient Egypt, The History and Activities of the Roman Empire, The History and Activities of the Aztecs, and The History and Activities of Ancient Greece.

Reviewer: Gail Hedges