A History of Us

The teaching guides developed for Elementary schools were created to support 5th grade American history content standards and learning frameworks. They present lesson ideas for each chapter and also groups of chapters called Parts. Part activities help to set context for reading and present overview concepts for the chapters, as well as introduce timeline and map concepts to help frame understanding. Part summaries include project and activity ideas. Chapter lessons are presented in an Ask-Discuss-Write format and focus heavily on nonfiction literacy skill and reading comprehension concepts. In addition, each Chapter lesson includes additional activities to reinforce reading skills, vocabulary retention and differentiated instruction. Reproducible assessments, worksheets graphic organizers and rubrics are found at back.


[An] exciting series... Ms. Hakim braids multiple narratives together to bring alive material long dead to children's imaginations.--The New York Times Book Review

Joy Hakim didn't rewrite history. But she did make it a whole lot more fun to read.--Education Week

Readers young and old will find themselves amused, amazed, and engrossed by this searching, opinionated survey. In every sense a fresh look at our history. --Kirkus Reviews

Merits every accolade, starting with the most personal: I couldn't put it down.--Washington Post Book World

The liveliest, most realistic, most well-received American history series ever written for children.--Los Angeles Times

A thorough and accurate narrative of our nation's history.--The Philadelphia Inquirer

I think this is the best American history written for young people that I have ever seen.--David Herbert Donald, Harvard University; Pulitzer prize-winning author of Lincoln

When master storyteller Joy Hakim wields her pen, you're in for a breathtaking adventure.--Teaching K-8

An attention to detail and drama alike make these recommended choices for not only readers ages 8-13 but for entire families.--Children's Bookwatch

Absorbing, real and even fun to read.--Voice of Youth Advocates

Books of real substance that speak directly to kids.--Jean Fritz, author of Shhh, We're Writing the Constitution

One of the best nonfiction series of the decade. Impossible to put down.--School Library Journal