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4-6
Timeline Trackers: Westward Expansion series.
The volumes in this series examine the cause and effect surrounding particular aspects of America's westward expansion. Each well-organized chapter begins with a timeline plotting out the events described within, skillfully zooming in and out on relevant years. An inviting approach, accessible prose, and carefully curated photographs and art enhance the presentations. Writing activities are appended. Reading list, websites. Glos., ind. Review covers the following Timeline Trackers: Westward Expansion titles: Mexican-American War, Transcontinental Railroad, and California Gold Rush.
80 pp.
| Heinemann
| January, 2012
|
LibraryISBN 978-1-4329-5998-2$36.50
(4)
YA
Living Through series.
This extremely detailed volume offers a balanced account of one of the most controversial wars in U.S. history. Motivations, military strategies, battles, and leaders on both sides are the focus. Also included are the reactions of those who opposed the war and discussion of Mexico's bitterness at defeat. Illustrations, photos, sidebars, and maps crowd the pages. Reading list, timeline, websites. Bib., glos., ind.
144 pp.
| Morgan
| August, 2011
|
LibraryISBN 978-1-59935-160-5$28.95
(3)
YA
Story of Mexico series.
This series covers the history of Mexico from pre-Columbian times to the present. The writing is clear, engaging, and not overly simplified; Stein doesn't shy away from difficult topics such as drug-cartel violence today. Each of the volumes is well designed, with relevant photographs and illustrations. Timeline, websites. Bib., ind. Review covers these Story of Mexico titles: Ancient Mexico, Emiliano Zapata and the Mexican Revolution, The Mexican-American War, and Modern Mexico.
128 pp.
| Enslow/Links.com
| September, 2006
|
LibraryISBN 1-59845-005-0$33.27
(3)
4-6
America's Wars through Primary Sources series.
A brief discussion of events surrounding each conflict provides background for study of primary sources. Archival photographs, paintings, documents, and maps combine with quotes from soldiers, politicians, family, and the press to provide a comprehensive perspective. The publisher's website includes up-to-date links, and screen shots are included throughout the book. Reading list, timeline, websites. Glos., ind. Review covers these America's Wars through Primary Sources titles: Primary Source Accounts of the War of 1812, Primary Source Accounts of the Mexican-American War, and Primary Source Accounts of the Revolutionary War.
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4-6
Illustrated by
John Hendrix.
"An exhausted sailing ship" limps into port; its arrival signals the start of an adventure for those on board, including twelve-year-old cabin boy Shipwreck. Onshore the crew (mostly loyal) faces a long-held grudge, a self-assured female bandit, and a little war between Mexico and the United States. This romp over the California countryside involves plenty of surefire escapades and cliffhanger chapter endings.
Reviewer: Betty Carter
| Horn Book Magazine Issue:
March, 2005
88 pp.
| Lerner
| March, 2004
|
LibraryISBN 0-8225-0831-1$27.93
(3)
4-6
Chronicle of America's Wars series.
These books do an adequate job of detailing the activities that led to the War of 1812 and the Mexican-American War as well as the wars themselves. "Eyewitness quotes," reproduced art, and maps help to break up the sometimes dense text. Occasional double-page spreads focus on topics such as weapons and uniforms. Reading list, timeline, websites. Bib., glos., ind. Review covers these Chronicle of America's Wars titles: The War of 1812 and The Mexican-American War.
143 pp.
| Facts
| April, 2003
|
TradeISBN 0-8160-4932-7$$35.00 1992
(4)
YA
America at War series.
Five previously published historical surveys have been updated to include a few contemporary references (e.g., the War of 1812 is compared with the September 11 attacks), stronger bibliographies, and additional (if not always well reproduced) black-and-white illustrations. These books are incontestably thorough but, due to the authors' generally dry writing styles, somewhat unexciting. Glos., ind. [Review covers these America at War titles: Civil War, Spanish-American War, War of 1812, U.S.-Mexican War, and Revolutionary War.]
128 pp.
| Enslow
| July, 2002
|
LibraryISBN 0-7660-1853-9$$20.95
(4)
4-6
American War series.
The formulaic volumes in this series each begin by recounting a key moment in a battle, followed by chapters that discuss the conflict's origins, trace the arc of the war to its resolution, then reflect on the lasting legacy of that war. Illustrated with black-and-white photographs and reproductions, the books are written in a dry but thorough textbooklike prose. Timelines are included. Bib., ind. [Review covers these American War titles: The Mexican War, The Spanish-American War, and The War of 1812.]
163 pp.
| Delacorte
| May, 2002
|
TradeISBN 0-385-32719-6$$15.95
|
LibraryISBN 0-385-90038-4$$17.99
(4)
4-6
Mexico has just lost the 1846-48 war with the U.S., and the de Haro family's ownership of their California ranch is challenged. Meanwhile, thirteen-year-old narrator Cesa contends with her great-aunt's attempt to excise Cesa's tomboy ways. Part coming-of-age tale, part historical family drama, the novel is initially stalled by too many descriptions of Mexican customs and traditions but is ultimately compelling and moving.
40 pp.
| Scholastic
| March, 2000
|
TradeISBN 0-590-98833-6$$16.95
(4)
4-6
Illustrated by
Ronald Himler.
Sixteen vignettes trace the history of the Alamo from the 1500s to modern times, with much of the focus on the famous battle. At times, the first-person prose-poems sparkle, as in Davy Crockett's self-description: "I can wade the Mississippi, leap the Ohio, and ride upon a streak of lightning." However, story-line gaps require readers to refer to the author's lengthy historical note. Realistic watercolor and gouache paintings complement the text.
112 pp.
| Lucent
| March, 1999
|
LibraryISBN 1-56006-495-1$$22.45
(4)
YA
World History series.
This informative and clearly written history incorporates a wide variety of quotes from primary and secondary sources and contains useful sidebars related to narrow slices of history. The narrative directly confronts and fairly treats the war's political and social ramifications--and its long-term effect on U.S.-Mexican relations. Included in the unattractively designed book are black-and-white photos, drawings, maps, and diagrams. Bib., ind.
96 pp.
| Benchmark
| September, 1998
|
LibraryISBN 0-7614-0780-4$$19.95
(4)
4-6
Drama of American History series.
Focusing on specific periods in early American "political and institutional history," this series is accessible and easy to use and, despite generalizations, will be useful for report writing. Illustrated with historic reproductions in color and in black and white, the books' design imparts a traditional textbook look, though the authors maintain an inviting tone in the text. Bib., ind.