Synopsis
Presents an overview of the history and contributions of major ethnic groups that shaped America yesterday and continue to change the American scene today. Discusses the social, economic, and political problems faced by immigrant groups as they settled in the southwestern states.
School Library Journal
Gr 4-8-- Three volumes that provide general overviews of the various major ethnic makeup of each region. The emphasis is on the economic and political history of each group's arrival and establishment in what are now states, rather than customs and daily life. Herda's focus is on immigrants; hence, he begins each book with a discussion of the area's Native Americans, the first to arrive via the Bering land bridge into North America. The brief chapters are packed with facts presented in clear language, supported by adequate notes, and marred only by occasional fictionalizing. While the author clearly sympathizes with oppressed groups, he also emphasizes positive and progressive social change. The glossaries are useful, as are the selected bibliographies and suggested readings, barring a few outdated titles. Clear and appealing full-color photographs appear throughout, but most of them are of people in ethnic costume at celebrations and few depict everyday situations. Good introductions and springboards to future study. --Donna L. Scanlon, Lancaster County Library, PA