What do you think?
Rate this book
Freedom: A History of US
Master storyteller Joy Hakim has excited millions of young minds with the great drama of American history in her award-winning series A History of US . Hailed by historians, educators, and parents for its exciting, thought-provoking narrative, the books have been recognized as a break-through
tool in teaching history and critical reading skills to young people. And the kids themselves agree: Hakim has piles of fan letters as testimony.
Beginning in January, PBS, in association with Thirteen/WNET, General Electric and Kunhardt Productions, will present Freedom: A History of US , an innovative television mini-series based on Joy Hakim's award-winning books. Katie Couric will host the series, George and Laura Bush will
introduce the first episode, and celebrated actors such as Paul Newman, Glenn Close, Robin Williams, Matthew Broderick, Angela Bassett, Jeremy Irons, John Lithgow, and Morgan Freeman will participate as narrators. The program will focus on the history of the United States through the inspiring story
of our fight to uphold the ideal of freedom, beginning with the Declaration of Independence in 1776, culminating in the Civil Rights movement, and concluding with the challenges posed by the September 11th attacks. In 8 one-hour episodes appearing nationally on public television, the story of
America will unfold through Joy Hakim's vision: her belief that freedom survives again and again, despite all the mistakes and tragic setbacks, and that in order to succeed in upholding this great ideal we must examine the past.
The Freedom: A History of US companion book to the PBS series will capture both the visual energy of the programs and Hakim's rare gift for telling history through the lives of its makers. The book will follow the thread of the programs and also expand on them, providing a more complete
picture of the people and events that shaped a defiant band of thirteen colonies into a great nation of 50 states. More than 400 illustrations, sidebars, and historical documents enhance this stunning look at American history for families to share, discuss, and treasure. Freedom: A History of US is
an essential book for every household in America, and reminds us that great storytelling and a passion for freedom will always have a place at the table.
tool in teaching history and critical reading skills to young people. And the kids themselves agree: Hakim has piles of fan letters as testimony.
Beginning in January, PBS, in association with Thirteen/WNET, General Electric and Kunhardt Productions, will present Freedom: A History of US , an innovative television mini-series based on Joy Hakim's award-winning books. Katie Couric will host the series, George and Laura Bush will
introduce the first episode, and celebrated actors such as Paul Newman, Glenn Close, Robin Williams, Matthew Broderick, Angela Bassett, Jeremy Irons, John Lithgow, and Morgan Freeman will participate as narrators. The program will focus on the history of the United States through the inspiring story
of our fight to uphold the ideal of freedom, beginning with the Declaration of Independence in 1776, culminating in the Civil Rights movement, and concluding with the challenges posed by the September 11th attacks. In 8 one-hour episodes appearing nationally on public television, the story of
America will unfold through Joy Hakim's vision: her belief that freedom survives again and again, despite all the mistakes and tragic setbacks, and that in order to succeed in upholding this great ideal we must examine the past.
The Freedom: A History of US companion book to the PBS series will capture both the visual energy of the programs and Hakim's rare gift for telling history through the lives of its makers. The book will follow the thread of the programs and also expand on them, providing a more complete
picture of the people and events that shaped a defiant band of thirteen colonies into a great nation of 50 states. More than 400 illustrations, sidebars, and historical documents enhance this stunning look at American history for families to share, discuss, and treasure. Freedom: A History of US is
an essential book for every household in America, and reminds us that great storytelling and a passion for freedom will always have a place at the table.
416 pages, Hardcover
First published November 14, 2002
19 people are currently reading
181 people want to read
About the author
Joy Hakim
140 books81 followersI've just updated A HISTORY OF US to include some new stories, especially those on people who haven't had their full story told, like Native Americans and African Americans. I've been astounded by some of what I've learned, I think you will be too.
My husband and I live most of the year in Colorado. I grew up in Rutland, Vermont and graduated from Rutland High School. I earned a bachelor's degree in government at Smith College, a master's degree in education from Goucher College, as well as an honorary doctorate from Goucher.
I've been a teacher: in Syracuse, New York; Omaha, Nebraska; and Virginia Beach, Virginia. And I've taught in elementary school, middle school, high school, and in a community college.
I've also been a newspaper woman: a general reporter, a business reporter, and an associate editor and editorial writer at Norfolk's Virginian-Pilot.
We have three children and five grandchildren.
from: http://www.joyhakim.com/biography.html
My husband and I live most of the year in Colorado. I grew up in Rutland, Vermont and graduated from Rutland High School. I earned a bachelor's degree in government at Smith College, a master's degree in education from Goucher College, as well as an honorary doctorate from Goucher.
I've been a teacher: in Syracuse, New York; Omaha, Nebraska; and Virginia Beach, Virginia. And I've taught in elementary school, middle school, high school, and in a community college.
I've also been a newspaper woman: a general reporter, a business reporter, and an associate editor and editorial writer at Norfolk's Virginian-Pilot.
We have three children and five grandchildren.
from: http://www.joyhakim.com/biography.html
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
September 11, 2017
Freedom. What does freedom mean to us as Americans? What issues have been important to us throughout our history? How can we tell if all people in the United States are free? What does that look like?
These are some of the varied ideas that Joy Hakim takes up in Freedom: A History of Us. This book is a condensed look at American history that briefly goes through our history from the Declaration of Independence to the modern issues of terrorism and the power of the supreme court. This book is a lovely companion to a PBS series, and has large, beautiful margins and photographs and illustrations.
I had never actually read one of Hakim's books, so I was curious about her writing to say the least. Some of the sources that I read said that she had conservative bias. Other sources say she has liberal bias. I found, as a reader, that on some issues, Hakim is very conservative and on others, Hakim is quite liberal. I think many of us have this mix in us, so it is not surprising that there would be such a mix of ideas about her biases and leanings. In the end, I mostly found Hakim to be great storyteller. Her book was entertaining through and through.
As a special note, her writing is on a level that is accessible to middle school students. As I read this book, I found myself deciding that I will probably use this as a history textbook for my seventh grader. It would make a great semester long survey of US history for him. I figure we'll either use it spring semester this year or as part of his eighth grade year.
These are some of the varied ideas that Joy Hakim takes up in Freedom: A History of Us. This book is a condensed look at American history that briefly goes through our history from the Declaration of Independence to the modern issues of terrorism and the power of the supreme court. This book is a lovely companion to a PBS series, and has large, beautiful margins and photographs and illustrations.
I had never actually read one of Hakim's books, so I was curious about her writing to say the least. Some of the sources that I read said that she had conservative bias. Other sources say she has liberal bias. I found, as a reader, that on some issues, Hakim is very conservative and on others, Hakim is quite liberal. I think many of us have this mix in us, so it is not surprising that there would be such a mix of ideas about her biases and leanings. In the end, I mostly found Hakim to be great storyteller. Her book was entertaining through and through.
As a special note, her writing is on a level that is accessible to middle school students. As I read this book, I found myself deciding that I will probably use this as a history textbook for my seventh grader. It would make a great semester long survey of US history for him. I figure we'll either use it spring semester this year or as part of his eighth grade year.
August 31, 2012
I read this book for a couple of reasons. One, I am a middle school Language Arts teacher, and as our state adopts the new Common Core standards, I was looking for more history-reading that I could incorporate into my classroom. This book is definitely written at the junior high level and I found plenty of one page excerpts that I could use in class. I also appreciate that the theme of the book is freedom. So while Hakim tells the story of America, she points out what we did to get our freedom and even that at different times in history we denied others their freedom. The second reason I read this book was simply because I wanted a brief, but informative history of the US. I took history classes in high school, AP placement tested out of history in college and was just in the mood for an American history refresher.
My only real complaint is that in the latter part of the book there are some very obvious typographical errors and I would've expected those to have been caught by an editor.
My only real complaint is that in the latter part of the book there are some very obvious typographical errors and I would've expected those to have been caught by an editor.
April 23, 2013
Anyone who teaches history, loves history, or finds history to be dry as dust needs to read Joy Hakim’s Freedom: A History of US.
I first encountered Hakim’s books in the middle level series of the same name. She combined the most engaging historical writing I had ever read for young adults with outstanding historical scholarship. Freedom: A History of US condensed the series into a coffee table book and became the basis of a PBS series by the same name. As the title indicates, Hakim focuses on the social evolution of all of us who have come together to form the United States.
This recent re-release includes a chapter that explores how the terrorism of the past two decades has both united and divided us as a nation. Whether you read about an event, an era, or immerse yourself in the entire book, you will be amazed at all that you didn’t know about American History and how Joy Hakim can pull you into the History of Us.
I first encountered Hakim’s books in the middle level series of the same name. She combined the most engaging historical writing I had ever read for young adults with outstanding historical scholarship. Freedom: A History of US condensed the series into a coffee table book and became the basis of a PBS series by the same name. As the title indicates, Hakim focuses on the social evolution of all of us who have come together to form the United States.
This recent re-release includes a chapter that explores how the terrorism of the past two decades has both united and divided us as a nation. Whether you read about an event, an era, or immerse yourself in the entire book, you will be amazed at all that you didn’t know about American History and how Joy Hakim can pull you into the History of Us.
June 7, 2014
While reading this book I found the prose to be very simple, and looking at the flyleaf I discovered that it was written for young readers. However it is very well written and very readable.It explores the birth, growth, and meaning of freedom in America over the centuries.
August 5, 2018
Good fine read of us history. After reading it’s not helpful and she struggles with how much time to spend on presidents as opposed to culture. (For example she doesn’t mention he internet but mentions Monica Lewinsky scandal) She weaves threads and themes together well (civil rights especially)
March 7, 2008
I would highly recommend that you read this book to gain an understanding of US History. Very informative!
June 12, 2019
A quick overview of the key events in US history. Not as well written or in depth as her series.
December 12, 2025
Alot of lies in this book.
January 5, 2015
Reading this to try and broaden my knowledge of history, a subject I am clearly lacking in. My initial thoughts were that I don’t like the writing. It is written in a story book, romanticized way. To me, history books need to be pretty cut and dry if they are going to be factual. You can’t make inferences about people or things that were happening to try and make it flow or sound better, to try and make it sound more romantic. I suppose that is why some history books are kind of dry and boring – but this book is trying too hard to be appealing and is falling short historically at times. It feels like it is written for a younger audience.
Another thing that is bothering me is how it is written as if it is happening in the present (in order to make the reader feel connected??) I would prefer it to be written in the past tense, since it IS in fact a history book. It would flow better – to me.
The book did give a good general history. (VERY general) so if that is what you are looking for it’s ok. I think I could probably find a better history book though. The writing style did bother me the whole way through.
Another thing that is bothering me is how it is written as if it is happening in the present (in order to make the reader feel connected??) I would prefer it to be written in the past tense, since it IS in fact a history book. It would flow better – to me.
The book did give a good general history. (VERY general) so if that is what you are looking for it’s ok. I think I could probably find a better history book though. The writing style did bother me the whole way through.
May 13, 2013
These books are absolutely horrible. If the author had actually written an HONEST account of history, they would be wonderful as they are easy to read and quite entertaining. If you want your child to learn history the way it actually happened, find another history series. If you are unsure of the accuracy of some of the information presented and would like to look into the source of her information- guess what? You can't. She does not have a reference list or a list of sources at the back of the book. I am currently finding an alternate series for my son as I can't stomach any of Joy Hakim's "history" writing.
June 20, 2009
Absolutely the worst written book of my life. History good, style bad. I also thought this book was really bias and is definitely written by a true blooded Republican.
Want to read
February 22, 2010Good History
April 28, 2012
Didn't enjoy this abbreviated version nearly as much as I am the multi-volume set.
Read
July 31, 2013Can't really rate this one. I started to read through it and it felt like I was in a history class which I am not in the mood for right now. Perhaps I will try and pick this up at another time.
October 25, 2021
Great information and I love the illustrations, but it does make it harder to read. I do love that the older, more distant history gets as much attention as the 20th century!
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews