Historical America: The North Central States

School Library Journal

Gr 4-6-An ill-conceived and poorly executed set of books that purport to be ``part of an in-depth look at `The American Scene.'" Given that the actual texts average 55 pages, minus the space given to the generous sprinkling of illustrations, in-depth is not an accurate description of these dry treatments. The Northeastern States devotes its first 49 pages to introducing the native peoples of the region, establishing the European colonies, and fighting the Revolution. Four more pages take readers to the end of the Civil War, and two short paragraphs take them into ``the age of electronics and space'' and the emergence of New York City as ``the entertainment capital of the world.'' West Virginia is included as a Northeastern state, but is mentioned only twice in the body of the text. The North Central States stretch from Ohio to the Dakotas. Conflicts with the Plains Indians are mentioned, as is Custer's defeat at Little Big Horn (although the description of that incident is lengthier in Northwestern States, which also includes a picture). Highlights of that volume include the acquisition of the horse by Plains Indians, the Modoc wars, and the Alaskan gold rush. Readers may wonder why so much time is spent describing events on the plains since the states included are Wyoming, Montana, Idaho, Oregon, Washington, and Alaska. But then, this is a common thread throughout the three books. Railroads, canals, and steamboats are not mentioned in Northeastern States, although all three had their American beginnings there. They are discussed North Central States. The description of the beginnings of railroading in this title contains several factual errors. Stick with whatever you are already using for information on United States history. It's bound to be better than these slim volumes.-Elaine Fort Weischedel, Turner Free Library, Randolph, MA