Heading West

November 1, 2009
Gr 4-7 -"Heading West" touts its "21 activities" but it is really little more than a cut-and-dry history textbook. Arranged chronologically in eight chapters, the book begins with a time line spanning from 1754 (the French and Indian War) to 1986 (the close of homesteading in Alaska). The page layout and organization have a slightly jumbled appearance with various size photos and drawings strewn throughout, sometimes filling in margins but leaving others empty. Though plentiful, the black-and-white primary-source photos and drawings (the bulk of which are from the Library of Congress) are of mixed quality and often lack dates. Numerous primary quotes from settlers, presidents, and Native Americans enliven the text somewhat. Activities range from the very easy (make a tepee out of paper, draw a community poster) to those needing adult supervision (pulling taffy and dipping candles). If pioneer and Western activities are what you're looking for, try David C. King's "Pioneer Days" (Wiley, 1997), which offers a much better array in a livelier and easier-to-use format."Madeline J. Bryant, Los Angeles Public Library"

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