A History of US, third edition

Name: A History of US, third edition
Brand: Oxford University PressCustomer Service Department

by Oxford University PressCustomer Service Department

Social_studiesGrades 5–8

About This Curriculum

A ten-volume narrative history series that weaves exciting stories together to bring American history to life, recommended by Common Core Standards as exemplary informational text.

What makes it unique: Storytelling approach by single author Joy Hakim that makes history engaging and accessible while developing both historical knowledge and critical reading skills.

A History of US, Third Edition: Narrative-Driven American History Series

A History of US, third edition is a ten-volume narrative history series by Joy Hakim that presents American history through engaging storytelling rather than traditional textbook format. The curriculum covers chronological American history from Native Americans through 2009, with heavily illustrated volumes designed to make history accessible and interesting for grades 5-8.

Best for

Homeschool families and teachers seeking an engaging, literature-based approach to American history for grades 5-8, particularly those comfortable with narrative-driven rather than direct instruction methods.

Evaluation Criteria

3 strengths · 1 concern · 3 neutral

Primary SourcesStrength

The curriculum includes substantial primary source support through a dedicated sourcebook with 94 historical documents.

The eleventh volume 'Sourcebook and Index' contains '94 source documents from United States history plus commentary' and teaching guides include 'instructions for using the primary source documents'

Teacher TrainingStrength

The curriculum provides comprehensive teaching guides with lesson plans for every chapter and detailed activity instructions.

Oxford University Press offers 'teaching guides for the first ten volumes' with 'one lesson plan for every chapter' including 'activities for vocabulary, map work, comprehension, critical thinking, composition, research, and projects'

Chronological KnowledgeStrength

The series builds chronological knowledge systematically through ten sequential volumes covering American history from Native Americans to 2009.

Rainbow Resource notes the series covers history 'chronologically' and Cathy Duffy lists the ten volumes in historical sequence from 'The First Americans' through 'All the People'

Direct InstructionConcern

The curriculum emphasizes narrative storytelling over direct instruction, though teaching guides provide structured lesson support.

Reviews consistently describe a 'storytelling approach' and 'narrative history,' with Cathy Duffy noting it presents 'history more as a series of stories rather than a recitation of facts'

Retrieval PracticeNeutral

Retrieval practice is supported through assessment materials that test both factual knowledge and critical thinking.

The Assessment Book includes questions that 'assess knowledge of key facts and chronology' alongside critical thinking components, though specific retrieval practice methods are not detailed

Vocabulary BuildingNeutral

Vocabulary instruction is included through teaching guide activities but not explicitly emphasized in the core texts.

Teaching guides include 'activities for vocabulary' as part of comprehensive lesson plans, though the narrative focus suggests less explicit vocabulary instruction in the main texts

Geographic KnowledgeNeutral

Geographic knowledge is supported through maps and atlas sections in each volume.

Cathy Duffy notes the books are 'heavily illustrated with drawings, maps, and photos' and Rainbow Resource mentions each volume contains 'an atlas section'

Sources: cathyduffyreviews.com, thehomeschoolmom.com