Go West with Settlers and Farmers

April 1, 2016

Gr 4-8-Old-timey fonts and star-spangled borders lure readers to the mother lode of information regarding every aspect of American frontier life: buffalo hunting, mining and prospecting, trading, building a home, running a business, and more. The text is full of newsy, engaging facts that entertain and enlighten. Students will be interested to learn the origin of blue jeans in Miners and the first transcontinental telephone line in Trailblazers. It is refreshing to see that the stories of often marginalized peoples are not relegated to one section or title. The rich and storied roles of Native Americans, African Americans, Latin Americans, and women as cowboys, hunters, explorers, scouts, politicians, entertainers, and more are integral to the series. VERDICT The bright layout and well-researched content make this series a top pick.

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