A History of US: From Colonies to Country: 1735-1791A History of US Book Three

A History of US #3

by Joy Hakim

How did compliant colonials with strong ties to Europe get the notion to become an independent nation? Perhaps the seeds of liberty were planted in the 1735 historic courtroom battle for the freedom of the press. Or maybe the French and Indian War did it, when colonists were called "Americans" for the first time by the English, and the great English army proved itself not so formidable after all. But for sure when King George III started levying some heavy-handed taxes on the colonies, the break from the motherland was imminent. With such enthralling characters as George Washington, Sam Adams, Patrick Henry, Eliza Pinckney, and Alexander Hamilton throughout, From Colonies to Country is an amazing story of a nation-making transformation.

Genres: History, Nonfiction, School, American History, Read For School, Childrens, Historical

215 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1993

About the author

I'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

Reviews

[Jim · Rating 5 out of 5]

An excellent overview of US history at the time & she does a great job discussing what made our Declaration of Independence, Constitution, & Bill of Rights so unique at the time. She also discusses the compromises & personalities. Why did we keep slavery when so many of the Founders opposes it? Compromise. Some knew it would come back to bite us, too. Why didn't women get rights then? Such things are well put into the context of the times & the amount of change that was going on.

I think she could have been a little more clear on just how divided the country was on the revolution. She does say that it tore some families apart, but she never mentions the third faction, those who just avoided the issue. That might have been because she was talking up the Revolution & the need for an educated, involved citizenry. Smells a bit like propaganda. Well, this is a book for 10 year olds & mid teens & some idealizing is needed. She didn't do a lot of that & showed off many warts.

It's a pretty fantastic bit of history writing. As she said, a lot of important details were left out, but she gives great overviews & usually just enough detail to nail it down. At the end, there's a timeline & a reading of the important documents, although she covered them pretty well in the main text. Highly recommended for ages 10 & up. That includes adults. I was never bored & she hit some points I hadn't thought of for a long time. Very well narrated.

[Ebookwormy1 · Rating 2 out of 5]

We used this book for home school history. It does a thorough job of covering the American Revolution, and I like the detailed insight into our own country's history. But, I have to say, I think I am simply tolerating it. I don't look forward to reading it like to do the H.E. Marshall or G. Foster books, and I find myself editing or explaining more than I would like.

[Rebekah Byson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Read this US history series to your kids- middle schoolers and teens! Read it for yourself! If there's a better book series for learning US History, I haven't seen it yet!

[Katherine · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a good spine. Maybe not the right time (and I think I'd prefer the hard copy to the audiobook we used) - my kids would probably have better appreciated it if they were older. But it provided a good launch point for other reading we did, giving them a time frame and hooks to hang the events we spent more time discussing.

[Apzmarshl · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved learning about separating from Great Britain, the Revolutionary War, Continental Congress, Declaration of Independence, and the US Constitution.

[Theresa · Rating 3 out of 5]

a good resource for children to learn about american colonies during the revelutionary wars and the building of the countries ideals and country

[Ahmed Atif Abrar · Rating 4 out of 5]

Joy Hakim’s third from the ten-volume USA history, From Colonies to Country (1735-1791) has been an instrumental read this year, bar none. It invokes nothing but poignancy that even after 51 years of independence, no institution either of governmental or private authority has produced such a readable history of Bangladesh (including the rest of the Greater Bengal) beginning from the ancient age to the age of occasional libellous statements on cyberspace, that is accessible to assorted readers of different age groups. Professor AKM Shahnawaz has attempted to forge some, but that too lacks in legible and authentic maps and figures. Khandker Swanan Shariar, who’s written two widely-applauded books on Bengal history, has let me down that he doesn’t have the time required to dig deep into the records to weave one like Hakim.
Hakim has attempted to remain balanced and critical of the Framers as much as possible considering a readership that enlists teenagers. But at one point, she opines

It [the US constitution] certainly is the best.

I need to deliberate more over other constitutions to differ or conform to her opinion. Here another book idea strikes my mind, a series of constitutions of other countries along with interpretations in Bengali. I can’t see any book on সংবিধান in Rokomari other than ours. The US constitution, Bill of Rights (the first ten amendments) and the Declaration of Independence are consequential documents to be read by all since these were the first instances of true democracy, though fallible of course. Many a right is still infringed or disregarded in the twenty-first century Bangladesh. So the concise constitution hasn’t stopped ringing true here.
The book also made me inquisitive of Benjamin Banneker, a black American astronomer and mathematician, Ben Franklin’s capacitor, Jefferson’s polygraph, Paine’s Common Sense, Madison’s A Remonstrance Against Religious Assessments, early American submarine, Spaniards, America’s early feminist female thinkers and entrepreneurs, slavery and Native Americans. As Hakim has phrased nicely

…and everyone in the Constitutional Convention, to one degree or another, was caught in the scientific web.

I’ll read the rest of the volumes, would request Archer K. Blood Library to procure the rest of the volumes.

Some days ago at a district library during an altercation with a staffer, the staffer picked his phone to capture me in a video but no guardians to the kids who went there for a quiz checked this cyber-guerrilla. I told them, ‘Apa, please teach your kids their rights first.’ I reckon they scarcely listened to me. Politicians, bureaucrats, law-enforcement agencies and defence agencies and all other who are superior to us by gender, religion or might will continue to push around us if we choose to study our own constitution for the mere sake of a public service examination.

[Rykki · Rating 4 out of 5]

Overall for a book on the elements of the American Revolution for children, I was pretty satisfied with this book. It covered all the important elements of the revolution, even if most of them were pretty briefly covered. It isn't a large book, so understandably, some things had to be left out. However, I feel enough content was included to give an accurate introduction to the American Revolution, and covered it in more detail than most of the local schools seem to.

That being said, there were a few things that just didn't sit right with me. It seems like every New Englander (at least those my age and older) know the quote, "Don't fire until you see the whites of their eyes!" Sure, quite a few don't know who said it, but most of the people I've met can at least tell you that this was because of the limited supply of gunpowder at the Battle of Bunker Hill. Unfortunately, not only is this quote altered, but the talk about the limited gunpowder didn't even enter in until she was giving the reason the Americans beat their retreat. There were other little moments like this that I know of from local history where little details that are pretty common knowledge (at least in reference to things in New England) were ignored, making me feel her portrayal of the American Revolution may actually be lacking.

That being said, it's certainly a good leaping off point for further investigation, and seems to accurately (or accurately enough) cover the time period in a logical fashion. It was a well written book, and engaging. There was also the inclusion of the Declaration of Independence, the Constitution and the Bill of Rights, and the Virginia Statute for Religious Freedom.

[Lilith Day · Rating 5 out of 5]

This history book is amazing. It starts off with a small introduction of England. America was founded offshore. From there it goes into all of the other countries that played a role and the power struggle that pre-America went through. As much as we love America today, it was not that easy gaining out independence. Here are some of the things I love about this book.

1. It was written to cover a short time frame. This allows the reader to focus on more of the history and know it well.

2. It was written for the child. You can tell by the amount of illustrations and explanations that this book is written for the child to remember the facts rather than just another history book.

3. It is very easy to understand and follow along. The children will have an easier time picking up the information.

Overall I am very impressed with this book. It is small so the kids are not overwhelmed and packed with lots of important and fun information. A great way to build a foundation of American History.

I received this book in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are mine and were in no way influenced by outside sources. I am a professional blogger at LittleLadyPlays. Feel free to contact me: LittleLadyP;ays@gmail.com

[Marianne Robin-Tani · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a clear, concise, inclusive, and open-minded history book. I feel sad that the part about presidential elections -- how the loser aids the winner and doesn't contest the result -- is now not the whole truth and nothing but the truth. Our constitution has remained in place, rock-solid, since 1789. I hope it will withstand the chaos and greed that is now prevalent in the USA. As Benjamin Franklin said, we have a "Republic, if (we) can keep it," out of the hands of despots and megalomaniacs.

[Alice · Rating 5 out of 5]

Where was this book when I was in high school studying AP history and was bored out of my mind ? I really like history I've learned a lot and this series has been amazing but I wish I would've had it when I was younger. what I like about this is that it's interesting she talks to you as if you're right in front of her . But I love the most about this series is it tells you about some of the unknown unsung heroes of history makes you want to learn more

[Elina · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’m not usually a fan of nonfiction books so reading this was a change. I learned a lot of new fact this book is about the revolutionary war. In school I never really went deep into it but this book did. I feel the words were to small and the text was a lot to read. Maybe that’s just me but otherwise it was put in a way that I could understand and the pictures were helpful too. I learnt a lot more things so 4/5 fits it.

[Hank Pharis · Rating 2 out of 5]

(Note: I'm stingy with stars. For me 2 stars means a good book. 3 = Very good; 4 = Outstanding {only about 5% of the books I read merit this}; 5 = All time favorites {one of these may come along every 400-500 books})

[Karen · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book does provide a good overview of the years from 1735 to 1791, and contains some stories that may not be commonly known, BUT I wouldn't use just this book for a study of history. There are some vital facts missing here.

[sara · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 Stars from Rachel as well!

[Johnnie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very easily understandable for this age group.

[Tandava Graham]

This is a good series, and feels very balanced, acknowledging and discussing problematic parts of history without throwing the baby out with the bathwater.

[Colin · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a fantastic series for teaching American history to kids, and I cannot recommend it highly enough!

[Kelly Evans · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great storytelling of the constitution to make it interesting for my 8th grader. Fun insight into the personalities of the men behind the document.

[Shirley Ressler · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good historical review

[Laura · Rating 4 out of 5]

Written for children, this is a nice simple introduction to the American Revolution. I enjoyed the audiobook, and would recommend it to readers of any age who want to start learning more about this time period.

[Amy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Everyone should read this book! It's a straightforward and concise story of the Revolutionary war. It's so important for our whole population to learn this information. I think I've mentioned before that the more I study history, the more I realize I know very little. I feel seriously robbed by the schools I attended growing up. If the schools don't feel up to giving kids a more complete history education (most elementary school districts don't start actual history instruction until 4th grade) they should be up front about encouraging all the students to do their own reading and study of history from the start.

The only complaint I have (I would have given 4.5 stars if that was possible) is that the author did not consult some of the more recent information available on King George III of England. A lot of the disparaging stories about him, even those written during his lifetime, were written by his political enemies, both in England and the US. There is a lot of evidence to argue against the accounts that he was stupid and crazy, especially during the time of the Revolutionary war. For example, King George III started a library and ended up donating tens of thousands of volumes to what later became the British museum. That doesn't support the accounts that call him illiterate. The differing accounts of King George III in history did give me a chance to point out to the kids the importance of finding primary source information and drawing their own conclusions from the accounts.

[The other John · Rating 3 out of 5]

Volume three of A History of US covers the Revolutionary War and the subsequent establishment of the federal government. Ah, what can I say? It's interesting reading, as I've come to expect from the series. But it's also reminiscent of a fan magazine--or website, in this here 21st Century. Ms. Hakim seems to gush on and on about the founders and the documents they created. She doesn't ignore their faults, as that would counter her ongoing equal rights agenda, but she does her best to excuse them. Of course, the problem is that when I encounter such partisan propaganda, I tend to start pulling the other way. So by the end of the book, I was in no mood to cut Jefferson and the rest of those durn Virginians any slack. Even if they do write good rhetoric.

[Cat *living for the One who breaths life into me* · Rating 2 out of 5]

i LOVE Joy Hakim, believe me, but this book was MEHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH! some of this constitution crap drives me up the wall, and it doesn't matter how well of a fantastic historic writer Mrs, Hakim is i just dont like it. but it is the time frame. the only reason i didn't give this book one star is because Mrs, Hakim writes soooooooooooooo well.
but yeah, it is NOTHING to Mrs. Hakim that i didn't like this one. just i find some american history gag-me-boring!

[Evelynn · Rating 4 out of 5]

We skipped the first two books because we'd already learned about their contents through the Mystery of History series.

I really enjoyed this history book; it gave me great insight into the realm of the Revolutionary War era. It was very fascinating reading about some of the stories behind the war that I hadn't heard of before. I would definitely recommend it to anyone who is learning about the Revolutionary War in school, or just wants to do some research on the era.

[Kathy · Rating 4 out of 5]

we have been reading this series to our kids ages 8/9 at bedtime....they love them and we do too....today we were driving home from vermont and stopped at the "Molly Pitcher" rest stop in New Jersey...both kids went crazy when they noted the 2 large paintings in the lobby of molly doing her rev. war thing....cool that they are putting it all together!

[Jenevieve · Rating 3 out of 5]

The 3rd book in the History of Us series. This one covered the Revolutionary War and forming of the Constitution. I liked this one better than previous as it seemed to jump around less and we delved more into the people and their influences and what they were trying to accomplish rather than jumping time periods constantly and not knowing when we were.

[Chrisanne · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of my most favorite books... and sadly out of print. But, if you want to interest anyone in history, from ages 10-90, this series is the way to go. Told like an action novel with a wry hindsight, this book will teach and amuse at the same time.

[Suzanne · Rating 2 out of 5]

Two stars is generous. Repetitive, very one sided and condescending to all views but her own. Panders to political correctness and omits any historical facts that don't support her opinions. If it weren't part of the Sonlight curriculum, I'd toss out and never read.

[Meghan · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is my history book.