This is one of the few children's history books that you might want to buy in the hardcover edition because you will probably want to hold on to it forever. - Cathy Duffy Reviews This is America! And this is its glowing, epic story, from the days of the Viking expeditions to the birth of the Atomic age. Here are the explorers, the Indians, the settlers and fur trappers, the soldiers, the statesmen, the men and women who have shaped our country and its destiny. It is a continuous take of adventure, of wars, of industry and invention, of hardship and growth; it is an unparalleled tale of courage, high ideals, hard work--and a precious thing called Freedom. Perhaps more happened, faster, in the history of this country than in any other. Earl Schenck Miers tells its story as it should be told: in terms of the great moments and events, and through the lives and experiences of individuals. Among the fifty chapters included are: the faith and longing for freedom of worship that brought the band of Pilgrims to Plymouth's shores; James Smith's own account of his capture by the Indians in 1755; excerpts from Davy Crockett's diary, telling of the last days of the Alamo massacre; a young Southern girl's description of the burning of Columbia, S.C., in the Civil War. Miers has recreated unforgettably, the hardships of a cattle drive, the inspiring story of how Booker T. Washington overcame great obstacles to build a school, the suspense that held America in a spell in 1927 when a young man named Lindbergh flew to Paris by himself. This telling of the American story is dramatic, ever engrossing--and it is based on careful scholarship. The more than 200 illustrations by James Daugherty--most of them in color--are an integral part of the book. A great artist and a superb scholar-storyteller have joined forces to produce a memorable record--an instructive, immensely readable and heart-warming book about the country we love. Children from about ages seven to twelve should enjoy the author's lively, storytelling approach to history. The book also features more than 200 action-packed, colorful images by well-known illustrator James Daugherty. Rather than a history text, Miers has written a chronological collection of 50 stories that highlight some of the most important events and people in the history of the United States. These include historical events you would expect such as the voyage of the Mayflower and the Boston Tea Party as well as a few cultural events such as the first game of intercollegiate football in 1869 and life on a cattle drive. Children also learn about scientific discoveries such as electricity and the invention of the radio. Most stories are just the right length for reading in a single session, although some might be better read over two sessions. While children about fourth grade and above should be able to read the book on their own, the writing style really lends itself to dramatic reading aloud. A Child's First Book of American History is one of the few children's history books that you might want to buy in the hard cover edition because you will probably want to hold on to it forever. -- Cathy Duffy Reviews Following the narrative fashion in which history has been transmitted from generation to generation for thousands of years, it consists of fifty fascinating stories that focus on influential figures during a specific time period, such as Christopher Columbus, George Washington, Davy Crockett, Thomas Edison, and even Mark Twain, all of which showcase America s uniqueness and greatness. -- Wayne S. Walker A Child's First Book of American History is a book that has long been out of print, under its old title The Rainbow Book of American History . It is a little over 300 pages in length and spans from 1000 A.D. to 1945 A.D. Each chapter ranges from five to ten pages and is chock full of illustrations, both black and white and color. The illustrations have a charcoal look to them, and feel very Americana. Before the author (Earl Schenck Miers) dives into the history though, he tells us about his childhood and reading Mark Twain. One can see Twain's influence in this book, as the book is not dry history but fascinating tales. Mr. Miers tends approaches history by focusing on influential figures for a specific time period. Such figures included are Leif Ericson, Christopher Columbus, George Washington, Davy Crockett, Thomas Edison, and even Mark Twain. The book reads like a storybook, because it engages the reader and draws them in, especially when read aloud. There were times I felt like I was transported back in history sailing with Vikings, fighting the British, and travelling with Lewis and Clark. -- Stuart's Study Blog Earl Schenck Miers was an American historian (1910-1972), who wrote over 100 books, mostly about the Civil War. In the words of another notable historian-Paul Angle, "Miers was one who stressed the essential drama of events and brought the hu