The Alamo (Turning Points in U.S. History)

Grade 3–6—Each of these titles deals with a seminal point in American history. Alamo includes the background to the battle, as well as an account of its aftermath and some information on famous combatants. Declaration of Independence describes the unrest that led up to the signing of the famous document, how Jefferson composed it, and the uncertainty surrounding the vote for independence. Jamestown provides detail on earlier settlements in the New World, then describes the hard times that the colonists had and the settlement's legacy. The clear, concise, and dynamic style of writing simplifies the information without dumbing it down. Although one illustration in Jamestown is mislabeled, in general, the photos, paintings, and maps in these books add a wealth of information.