Westward Expansion

School Library Journal

Gr 6-10-Well-written historical overviews. Louisiana Purchase begins with a helpful time line followed by an introduction that discusses the impact of this land deal. The rest of the book provides background information on how the purchase came to be and important events and people surrounding it. Uschan's clear introduction in Westward Expansion explains how the increase in population and immigration in the U.S. created a need for more land. The book also discusses Manifest Destiny, the Mormon expansion, Custer's Last Stand, the Republic of Texas, women on the trail, railroads, cattle, the Oklahoma land rush, and the discovery of gold in California. Each book ends with an analysis of the era and its legacy. The use of primary sources in both books will help students understand how the authors gathered information and used it to construct the texts. Black-and-white photographs, maps, and period reproductions illustrate the volumes. Thought-provoking books that will introduce readers to American history and historical research.-Dona J. Helmer, College Gate School Library, Anchorage, AK Copyright 2002 Cahners Business Information.