By Colorado Kids Advisory Board member Leah Smith

Title: The Making of America
Author: Historian Robert Johnston, Ph.D.
Publisher: National Geographic
Number of Pages: 240

I recently finished reading The Making of America, by Historian Robert D. Johnston, Ph.D. It is a National Geographic book about the history of the United States of America from Columbus to September 11, 2001. It gives detailed descriptions of history, without making you fall asleep! Unlike some history books I've read, it is easy and even fun to read, not like an encyclopedia. There are photographs, illustrations and maps on every page, which make it even more interesting. Short biographies of important historical figures, such as Thomas Paine and Abigail Adams, are put in to help explain events. It also contains historical documents such as the Constitution and the Declaration of Independence, as well as historical places to visit, web sites to go to, etc. My favorite part of the book was the segment about the industrial age, because of the rapid change, and some things I didn't know.

I would definitely recommend reading this book. It would be great for any report having to do with the United States, past or present, and even if you're not doing any sort of research, it's a good thing to know your country's history. Kids 6th grade and up would enjoy this book the most. (December, 2002)