Projects About Westward Expansion

Children's Literature

Elementary school students who are studying pioneer and frontier lifestyles will appreciate the variety of projects presented in this book. Chapters cover the "Early Frontier," "Oregon Trail" and "Homesteading on the Prairie." Each topic is introduced with a brief page description along with maps and illustrations then followed with three craft projects relevant to that time period. For example, the Oregon Trail chapter includes directions to make a covered wagon out of a shoe box and moccasins out of felt. Prior to the craft directions a scenario is described on how and why such a product was important during that time period. Crafts range from the simple, berry picking basket, to the complex, construction of a sod house made from brownies. Classroom teachers will appreciate the ideas for student project differentiation. A table of contents glossary, metric conversion chart, index, and recommended Web Sites and books are included within the book. This is part of the "Hands-On History" series and would be a useful addition to classroom and children's libraries. 2003, Benchmark Books/Marshall Cavendish, Ages 7 to 12.
—Melissa A. Caudill

School Library Journal

Gr 3-5-Each of these volumes begins with period illustrations, a colorful outline map, and an invitation to readers to journey back in time and enter a particular era. The books are divided into four chapters, each one dealing with a different geographic area introduced by a page of historical background. Three or four interesting projects are included in each of these sections. They reconstruct something from the period, such as a recipe, a game or toy, a tool, or a craft. The clearly written directions include numbered steps and helpful thumbnail watercolor illustrations. Materials lists are printed on yellow backgrounds. These titles are solid choices for children who need activities to enhance their social studies projects or who just enjoy handicrafts. Laurie Carlson's Westward Ho! (Turtleback, 1996) has more projects and more historical information than Westward Expansion, but the steps are not as well delineated as in Broida's book.-Lynda Ritterman, Atco Elementary School, Waterford, NJ Copyright 2004 Reed Business Information.