Gr 1–3—Using age-appropriate explanations, foundational documents of the United States are explored through events that led to their creation. The inclusion of the Magna Carta and the Mayflower Compact show how both were vital in creating and shaping the Constitution. The volume on the Star-Spangled Banner gives historical context for the important poem that went on to become the country's national anthem. Colorful illustrations (mostly paintings from or of the era), reproductions of historical documents, and contemporary photographs are used effectively. A noteworthy feature is that bolded vocabulary words are not just defined in the glossary but also in sidebars near where they first appear in the text. Despite their brevity, all volumes clearly illustrate why the documents were necessary at the time, and how their importance continues. VERDICT A good choice for all elementary libraries.

Gr 1–3—Using age-appropriate explanations, foundational documents of the United States are explored through events that led to their creation. The inclusion of the Magna Carta and the Mayflower Compact show how both were vital in creating and shaping the Constitution. The volume on the Star-Spangled Banner gives historical context for the important poem that went on to become the country's national anthem. Colorful illustrations (mostly paintings from or of the era), reproductions of historical documents, and contemporary photographs are used effectively. A noteworthy feature is that bolded vocabulary words are not just defined in the glossary but also in sidebars near where they first appear in the text. Despite their brevity, all volumes clearly illustrate why the documents were necessary at the time, and how their importance continues. VERDICT A good choice for all elementary libraries.