The Countryside in Colonial America

Gr 6–8—Thoroughly researched and expertly executed, this series describes in rich detail the lives of Native Americans, African Americans, and white settlers, including children, women, and criminals. The introductory material that prefaces each title is of particular value, as it demonstrates that the colonists were part of a larger world picture. For instance, Religion takes readers back to Jerusalem to chronicle the expansion of Protestantism and Catholicism there and abroad. The author gives an overarching explanation ("For nearly 1,500 years, the Roman Church dominated the spiritual life of Western Europe, and greatly influenced the art, customs, architecture, and belief systems of Western civilization.") and then in the first chapter picks up with a brief description of the Protestant Reformation to explain how that movement led to the settlement of the eastern seaboard by Europeans. Content in each title incorporates quotes from period letters and journals as well as a plethora of well-chosen, colorful illustrations. Strong, attractive titles for those looking for more coverage of Colonial America.