A politically conservative interpretation of history, A Child's Story of America will teach children through a casual narrative tone. Covering a number of interesting figures in early American history, the Revolutionary War, War of 1812, Civil War, and recent history, black & white photographs and two-tone brown & black illustrations and maps provide a vintage feel. Review questions are provided at the end of each chapter. KJV used. 200 pages, softcover. 4th Grade.

Parental Note: This book speaks plainly about Bill Clinton's "immoral sexual acts" and how he would "publicly promote and endorse the anti-God and anti-family life-style known as "gay" or "lesbian." George Bush's policies on the same issues are also reviewed.

Average Rating:

7 of 7 Reviews Showing:

Reviewed by Angela S. (FL), August 19, 2010

After a diligent search for an appropriate American history text for one of our sons, I came across A Child's Story of America. I saw both the positive and negative aspects of the book that have been referenced in previous reviews. It is written in an engaging, narrative style yet it does treat a few areas in a way that was somewhat disappointing. However, given the options out there, this book won out far and away above the others. There are just too many texts that are written from a leftist viewpoint. At least this one does not remove God entirely from our history and that's certainly more than I can say for the texts that most public school children encounter. When we cover the Native Americans, slavery, or the Clinton administration, that is an opportunity for us to discuss these important events in our history from our Christian worldview. All authors have a bias. Some are better at treating topics from a balanced perspective while others go to extremes. In this case, I felt is was far easier to modify it than use something from a completely secular and/or liberal bias that left God entirely out of our history or had a pro-liberal agenda.

Reviewed by Natalia Castillo (Chula Vista), June 17, 2010

I'm a student who liked this book. It's a big change from what my Public School teacher used to say about Republicans. I like it because now I understand why my parents are both Republicans. It is nice to see some people have different views. I also like home school.

Reviewed by Sandra D (FL), March 01, 2010

This book is quite comprehensive and interesting for the targeted age range. However there are some serious issues. This is a reprint and revised version of an old public domain book. The older parts are well done. But after the book hits 1950, watch out! The modern writer clearly had an ax to grind against democrats and definitely put every Republican president on a complete pedestal. I am a very conservative Christian and usually end up voting Republican. I don't mind some right wing bias in Christian textbooks. But this was over the top. Also be aware that book talks specifically about homosexuality, gay, lesbian, and adultery and sexual acts when it's teaching about Bill Clinton. The book is far too lenient on slavery, which was an abomination to God and a stain on our great country. The book talks about Indians torturing prisoners "all they could." Be aware of extreme language here and there. Now, That said, I liked the rest of it and after using a black marker generously, I now feel it will be a good addition to our homeschool. My son needs a good overview of American history and this serves the purpose with plenty of maps, biographies, detail, etc.

Reviewed by Kathy (Racine Wisconsin), October 20, 2009

I purchased this book because of Cathy Duffy's favorable review, comparing the text to that of V.M. Hillyer's classic,"A Child's History of the World." Ms. Duffy is correct in the fact it is written in a narrative tone like Hillyer's classic. However the book is nothing more than a "sanitized" version of American history to fit the theology of the Reformed Church and Christian Liberty School thus making the text "politically correct." In the end I returned my copy and purchased "Beautiful Feet Early American History" "The Rainbow Book of American History" by Earl Schenck Miers and H.E. Marshall's "This Country of Ours."

Reviewed by Janine (Springfield, Ohio), August 01, 2009

This book is a very well written account of US History. It is informative and interesting and, best of all, holds my children's attention. The study questions at the end of each chapter are very handy. I've used it for two of my children and am in despair because I can't locate my copy for my third child. Luckily, I found it here.

Reviewed by José (Roseville, MI), May 22, 2009

I had such great expectations for this book for my daughter. After reading through it I have to say this book is an absolute joke! As a Christian and a citizen of this great country I am appalled that this would be touted as an American History book. This is an extremely biased opinion of our history. There is a big difference between Christian values and political agenda. Unfortunately this book leans entirely toward political agenda. I do not see this book as a reflection of our Christian values but merely an extreme right wing rant. I expect a history book to report history and allow the reader to build his/her own opinion. This is propaganda disguised as ‘history book’.

Reviewed by Rachel Mcconnell (Martinsville, IN), November 15, 2007

My 9 year-old daughter has always said she doesn't like History. This book is causing her to change her opinion somewhat. I can tell she is interested even though she won't admit it, because she is even asking questions as we go. I like how it includes quotes and excerpts of things people actually said regarding God, etc.

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