American History by James Stobaugh

James Stobaugh’s new High school textbook “American History- Observations & Assessments from Early Settlement to Today” is 384 pages of intense learning opportunity. This is a meaty book about America’s past, and asks tough questions about our future.

The book is most definitely designed for the independent learning High School aged student. If your student hasn’t done independent study in the past, you may want to consider also purchasing the Teacher’s book to help you both transition to this style of learning. www.masterbooks.net

The student book starts out with a Preface to prepare the student for the style of critical thinking and study they will soon come to expect from their daily lessons. The first lesson in Chapter one has one of the best explanation of the seven major Worldviews that I have ever read. This gives the student a basis for thought as the history of America is studied, debated, and questioned. The lessons are from a decidedly Biblical worldview, with thought given to how each person’s actions affect those around them.

Each of the 34 chapters is divided into 4 lessons. I think that is wise, because sometimes your High School student is going to have questions, or want to look further into the topics and events from that week’s lessons, and will relish having that 5th day of the week to accomplish this without getting behind. The Teacher’s guide has an exam for each week. If your student has truly studied during the four lesson days, this will be a review, if not, you’ll know they need to go back and re-do the week’s lessons.

I also appreciated that the book’s lessons begin with the indigenous people groups, and works its way slowly through the colonies, revolution, and eventually into modern day history and contemporary issues.

If you’re wanting your student to learn, understand, and REMEMBER their American History, this is a book you’ll want to use. This book covers the good and the bad of our history, and requires the student to think through the issues Americans were dealing with at the time, not just fill-in-the-blanks. At only $29.99 for the student book, and $14.99 for the Teacher’s book, this is a tremendous resource at a low price.

As a reviewer for New Leaf Publishing Group, these books were provided to me free of charge in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are mine.