REFERENCE

The Handy American History Answer Book

, Jr. 450p. (The Handy Answer Book). bibliog. illus. index. photos. Visible Ink. 2015. pap. $21.95. ISBN 9781578594719; ebk. ISBN 9781578595471.
COPY ISBN
Gr 10 Up—Hudson provides a largely conventional "war and politics" survey of U.S. history. Like other volumes in this series, topics are presented in question-and-answer format. The work reads like an encyclopedia, following the course of American history in chronological order, beginning with the colonial period and concluding with the Obama administration. Subjects such as sports and popular culture are tacked on as final chapters, and these entries discuss movies, pop stars, and athletes. Photographs and illustrations, ranging in size from a quarter to a full page, are scattered throughout. Individual chapters are broken down into more specific subheadings. Some of the entry questions feel organic ("What was the Emancipation Proclamation?"), while others come off as somewhat forced ("What major law signed by President William Howard Taft (1857–1930) gave the federal government greater control over railroad rates?"). The work devotes only a few pages to pre-Columbian Native American civilizations before it dives into the colonial period: a serious omission. Nevertheless, this volume succeeds as a history reference for school projects.
VERDICT A supplemental history reference for middle and high school libraries.

Be the first reader to comment.

Comment Policy:
  • Be respectful, and do not attack the author, people mentioned in the article, or other commenters. Take on the idea, not the messenger.
  • Don't use obscene, profane, or vulgar language.
  • Stay on point. Comments that stray from the topic at hand may be deleted.
  • Comments may be republished in print, online, or other forms of media.
  • If you see something objectionable, please let us know. Once a comment has been flagged, a staff member will investigate.


RELATED 

ALREADY A SUBSCRIBER?

We are currently offering this content for free. Sign up now to activate your personal profile, where you can save articles for future viewing

ALREADY A SUBSCRIBER?