Indians, Cowboys, and Farmers and the Battle for the Great Plains: 1865–1910

July 1, 2001
Gr 6-10-This is American history at its most basic. Believing that students get "lost in a swamp of factual information," the Colliers survey the essential concepts of settling the Great Plains, without a great deal of detail. For example, in describing the sequence of events that led to the Grattan Massacre, there is no mention of date, location, or names of the people involved. Without prior knowledge, readers would not know it was the Grattan Massacre. Topics addressed include Native American history prior to contact with whites and conflicts with settlers and the military, ranching and cowboys, railroads, and reform movements that sought to help farmers and regulate big business. While the focus of this book is on political and institutional history, it does mention the contributions of women and minorities. The illustrative material-photographs, campaign posters, political cartoons, advertisements, graphs, maps, and reproductions of paintings by famous Western artists George Catlin, Charles Russell, and Frederic Remington-is outstanding. References to other books in the series that further explain a topic are scattered throughout the text.-Patricia Ann Owens, Wabash Valley College, Mt. Carmel, IL

Copyright 2001 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

July 1, 2001
Each of these accessible if not especially gripping books highlights a period in American history, focusing on the major political and social issues of the time while including discussion about life for average citizens. Along with useful maps and charts, the archival photographs and reproductions break up the heavy text blocks. These are solid informational materials for upper elementary and middle school students. Bib., ind.

(Copyright 2001 by The Horn Book, Incorporated, Boston. All rights reserved.)