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A History of US #8
An Age of Extremes: 1880-1917
Recommended by the Common Core State Standards for English Language Arts and Literacy as an exemplary informational text.
For the captains of industry men like Andrew Carnegie, John D. Rockefeller, J. P. Morgan, and Henry Ford the Gilded Age is a time of big money. Technology boomed with the invention of trains, telephones, electric lights, harvesters, vacuum cleaners, and more. But for millions of immigrant workers, it is a time of big struggles, with adults and children alike working 12 to 14 hours a day under extreme, dangerous conditions. The disparity between the rich and the poor was dismaying, which prompted some people to action. In An Age of Extremes, you'll meet Mother Jones, Ida Tarbell, Big Bill Haywood, Sam Gompers, and other movers and shakers, and get swept up in the enthusiasm of Teddy Roosevelt. You'll also watch the United States take its greatest role on the world stage since the Revolution, as it enters the bloody battlefields of Europe in World War I.
About the
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. Recommended by the Common Core State Standards for English Language Arts and Literacy as an exemplary informational text, A History of US weaves together exciting stories that bring American history to life. Hailed by reviewers, 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. In ten books that span from Prehistory to the 21st century, young people will never think of American history as boring again.
For the captains of industry men like Andrew Carnegie, John D. Rockefeller, J. P. Morgan, and Henry Ford the Gilded Age is a time of big money. Technology boomed with the invention of trains, telephones, electric lights, harvesters, vacuum cleaners, and more. But for millions of immigrant workers, it is a time of big struggles, with adults and children alike working 12 to 14 hours a day under extreme, dangerous conditions. The disparity between the rich and the poor was dismaying, which prompted some people to action. In An Age of Extremes, you'll meet Mother Jones, Ida Tarbell, Big Bill Haywood, Sam Gompers, and other movers and shakers, and get swept up in the enthusiasm of Teddy Roosevelt. You'll also watch the United States take its greatest role on the world stage since the Revolution, as it enters the bloody battlefields of Europe in World War I.
About the
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. Recommended by the Common Core State Standards for English Language Arts and Literacy as an exemplary informational text, A History of US weaves together exciting stories that bring American history to life. Hailed by reviewers, 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. In ten books that span from Prehistory to the 21st century, young people will never think of American history as boring again.
228 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1994
28 people are currently reading
223 people want to read
About the author
Joy Hakim
140 books80 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
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews
January 29, 2016
I'm done with you, Joy Hakim. I've tried, I really have. But your socialist/ progressive and anti-Christian agenda seems to seep into every accounting. I thought it might be limited to the early books, because those were particularly religious times, but no. I made it about 40 pages into this book and found it a disappointment.
I'm also tired of your sloppy use of the language. The definition of capitalism, of which you are clearly not in favor, is confusing and unspecific - though your distaste for it is not.
Your continued criticism of Protestant conservatives is tiring. "Perhaps one reason L. Frank Baum liked to make up exciting stories about children was his own strict upbringing. His mother would not even let her children play baseball on Sunday." Oh my word! Has she never heard of Eric Liddell who would not run his Olympic heat on Sunday in 1924, years after L. Frank Baum's mother forbid him? Refusing to engage in sporting pursuits was a common practice at the time. In fact, one can look up the term Sabbatarianism "This nineteenth-century reform movement sought to impose restrictions on business activities and entertainment on Sundays out of respect for the Christian Sabbath." Or page 28-29, "The Miles Morgan, an early ancestor, moved from rigid Massechusetts to more tolerant Connecticut and there acquired land, prominence and fame...", on which I doubt either Hakim's rigidity or intolerance had much to do with Morgan's decision.
Or this dosey from page 27, "But he was very rich and very powerful, and vain and arrogant, too Which means he was very sure of himself." Being very sure of yourself is not vain or arrogant, and doesn't require riches or power, rather it's called "confidence". Apparently, Hakim doesn't want our young readers to develop confidence, because only "bad" people have it.
While no one can deny Hakim has a fun conversational style, she is constantly poking the conservative Christian in the eye, and I'm done. I'm aghast that the series is recommended by so many home school programs. While it might be helpful as an illustration of the left leaning nature of many educational resources, I find it a waste for children of elementary or dialectic age.
I will sub this book out of our program. I will start requiring pages in "Children's Encyclopedia of American History" by DK Publishers. I found I could read through the corresponding sections without being completely annoyed. It lacks the detail of Hakim, but the rich visuals make it more appealing to students. Happy Trails, "A History of US."
I'm also tired of your sloppy use of the language. The definition of capitalism, of which you are clearly not in favor, is confusing and unspecific - though your distaste for it is not.
Your continued criticism of Protestant conservatives is tiring. "Perhaps one reason L. Frank Baum liked to make up exciting stories about children was his own strict upbringing. His mother would not even let her children play baseball on Sunday." Oh my word! Has she never heard of Eric Liddell who would not run his Olympic heat on Sunday in 1924, years after L. Frank Baum's mother forbid him? Refusing to engage in sporting pursuits was a common practice at the time. In fact, one can look up the term Sabbatarianism "This nineteenth-century reform movement sought to impose restrictions on business activities and entertainment on Sundays out of respect for the Christian Sabbath." Or page 28-29, "The Miles Morgan, an early ancestor, moved from rigid Massechusetts to more tolerant Connecticut and there acquired land, prominence and fame...", on which I doubt either Hakim's rigidity or intolerance had much to do with Morgan's decision.
Or this dosey from page 27, "But he was very rich and very powerful, and vain and arrogant, too Which means he was very sure of himself." Being very sure of yourself is not vain or arrogant, and doesn't require riches or power, rather it's called "confidence". Apparently, Hakim doesn't want our young readers to develop confidence, because only "bad" people have it.
While no one can deny Hakim has a fun conversational style, she is constantly poking the conservative Christian in the eye, and I'm done. I'm aghast that the series is recommended by so many home school programs. While it might be helpful as an illustration of the left leaning nature of many educational resources, I find it a waste for children of elementary or dialectic age.
I will sub this book out of our program. I will start requiring pages in "Children's Encyclopedia of American History" by DK Publishers. I found I could read through the corresponding sections without being completely annoyed. It lacks the detail of Hakim, but the rich visuals make it more appealing to students. Happy Trails, "A History of US."
April 5, 2014
These could be great books, but Ms. Hakim is incredibly biased and condescends to young readers by constantly telling her audience who was a "good" President and who was not, who was a "good" businessman, and who was not. It is also clear that she has very socialistic ideas about the way government and society should operate. On the upside, it's a great opportunity to teach young readers how to critically read non-fiction material and how to identify bias.
January 26, 2010
Engaging but very subjective history for youth.
March 6, 2021
This series is geared to readers “9-99.” I’d put in on a middle school level overall, though there were author notes that seemed geared toward those nine year olds and some vocabulary that was new to me (I’m a college educated mama of teens). Some reviews point out the author’s progressive bias. I did notice it, but found that she was fair to people of various opinions and often points out how historic figures disagreed and how they came to their options.
This particular volume covers an area my own historical education nearly glossed over. I remembered little in the post Reconstruction pre WWI period. This book refreshed my memory and filled in the story with dozens more people and events from the Age of Extremes.
I’m glad I read it, and look forward to reading more books in this series.
This particular volume covers an area my own historical education nearly glossed over. I remembered little in the post Reconstruction pre WWI period. This book refreshed my memory and filled in the story with dozens more people and events from the Age of Extremes.
I’m glad I read it, and look forward to reading more books in this series.
June 20, 2022
Joy Hakim writes in a narrative style to tell the stories of various people, subjects, and events that take place during American history. An Age of Extremes covers Reconstruction, the time period following the Civil War when Americans tried to repair the damage made to members of society most hurt by Southern plantation life, through the Gilded Age, and up to The Great World War, also known as World War I. I like how the author includes quotes, graphics, maps, and other features along with her narrative writing.
April 20, 2024
This book clearly explains the beginnings of the historical pattern where big business horribly exploits workers to reap enormous profits which are only enjoyed by a minuscule portion of the population. The actions of Misters Musk, Bezos, and Zuckerberg et al vary very little from those of Misters Rockefeller, Carnegie, and Vanderbilt et al. The richest banker in the early 1900s? JP Morgan Chase. What bank bought up all the banks that failed in 2008? JP Morgan Chase.
July 23, 2021
It gives a great overview of some of the history from 1880 to 1917. The best parts of this book that it explains some things you may not understand and reminds you of some previously mentioned events when they are relevant to information in later chapters. It is an interesting history book that isn't boring.
September 3, 2018
Another good overview/review with tidbits like San Francisco grew from 800 to 25,000 in one year because of the gold rush. William Henry Harrison died of pneumonia after only 31 days as President. Theodore Roosevelt read a book per day, wrote 30+ books and 150,000 letters.
February 23, 2019
This has been the best of the series so far, because of its relevance to our current national situation.
I highly recommend the entire History of US series. Joy Hakim presents history as an interesting narrative with lots of little asides and humor.
I highly recommend the entire History of US series. Joy Hakim presents history as an interesting narrative with lots of little asides and humor.
August 26, 2018
Awesome book on an important period of time in the US history - the book is part of series of books on American history - for people without any prior knowledge on American history.
April 24, 2020
A time of extraordinary transformation, with Plenty of TR, but I would have willingly had more.
July 21, 2020
I love this time period!!! So much discussion to have with middle-grades students! Much better read together to ensure you are thoroughly have your students questioning as they read.
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August 2, 2023I liked this book and how it talked about the KKK. I also liked how they described things very well.
July 4, 2025
Excellent book in and excellent series!
January 9, 2017
I love this history series! This book covers the time period leading up to the Great War.
September 5, 2010
Book 8 of Joy Hakim's "A History of US, An Age of Extremes" is another fine entry in the 10-volume young adult US history set. Even though I like to consider myself quite knowledgeable about history in general and US history in particular, I always uncover new facts when I read these books. Moreover, I gain greater insight on the happenings of the era because of the excellent presentation. I love all of the interesting sidebars, pictures, and diagrams that are included.
This volume covers numerous topics such as the rise of industry, the politics of business vs. government, and inventions galore. We get nice summaries of the major players of the day: tycoons such as Vanderbilt, Rockefeller, Carnegie, or JP Morgan; Presidents like Grant, Hayes, Roosevelt and Wilson; and other prominent people who impacted US history like John Roebling, Frank Lloyd Wright, John Muir, William Jennings Bryan, and the Wright Brothers. Of special interest to me because I like reading about the history of books, were nice summary biographies of L. Frank Baum, the author of the Wizard of Oz books, as well as the Muckrakers like Ida Tarbell, Upton Sinclair, Sam McClure and Jack London, Rudyard Kipling, Stephen Crane, and Willa Cather. We bought this set of books for use in our kids' homeschooling effort and they are perfect for that purpose as they bring the history to life. Highly recommended.
This volume covers numerous topics such as the rise of industry, the politics of business vs. government, and inventions galore. We get nice summaries of the major players of the day: tycoons such as Vanderbilt, Rockefeller, Carnegie, or JP Morgan; Presidents like Grant, Hayes, Roosevelt and Wilson; and other prominent people who impacted US history like John Roebling, Frank Lloyd Wright, John Muir, William Jennings Bryan, and the Wright Brothers. Of special interest to me because I like reading about the history of books, were nice summary biographies of L. Frank Baum, the author of the Wizard of Oz books, as well as the Muckrakers like Ida Tarbell, Upton Sinclair, Sam McClure and Jack London, Rudyard Kipling, Stephen Crane, and Willa Cather. We bought this set of books for use in our kids' homeschooling effort and they are perfect for that purpose as they bring the history to life. Highly recommended.
September 19, 2011
Absolutely fascinating. This book covers an era in US History that I know what only brushed on when I was in school.
I consider it a huge plus that the author throws in a lot of sidebars on economics. Very straight forward (though probably simplified) concepts and descriptions. It really helped me pass it on to the kids when we needed to go over some of the other things that were happening at the time.
Also, I appreciated that the author didn't shy away from presenting a somewhat more balanced view of the big industrialists: Carnegie, Rockefeller, J. P. Morgan, and Vanderbilt. New generations of students are often just taught that they were evil, with no more explanation, but their stories were unique. Carnegie was practically the original Horatio Alger, he started as a kid working in a factory and worked hard his whole life. Why wouldn't I want to teach my kids to work hard, too?
Recommended for all history buffs as a great overview and a gateway to other study. After reading the section on Teddy Roosevelt, I went and bought the biography by David McCullough.
I consider it a huge plus that the author throws in a lot of sidebars on economics. Very straight forward (though probably simplified) concepts and descriptions. It really helped me pass it on to the kids when we needed to go over some of the other things that were happening at the time.
Also, I appreciated that the author didn't shy away from presenting a somewhat more balanced view of the big industrialists: Carnegie, Rockefeller, J. P. Morgan, and Vanderbilt. New generations of students are often just taught that they were evil, with no more explanation, but their stories were unique. Carnegie was practically the original Horatio Alger, he started as a kid working in a factory and worked hard his whole life. Why wouldn't I want to teach my kids to work hard, too?
Recommended for all history buffs as a great overview and a gateway to other study. After reading the section on Teddy Roosevelt, I went and bought the biography by David McCullough.
August 15, 2013
Middle-School History covering 1880-1917. This book focused first on the power houses of their day: Rockefeller, Carnegie, and Morgan. It also talked about the inventions and innovations of the Gilded Age but also focused a lot on the extremes between the rich and poor and the politics behind it like the city bosses but also how the progressives came into being trying to deal with the injustices they saw all around and the reforms that came about such as the child labor laws, juvenile courts, the 40hr work week, and unions. The book leaves off at the start of WWI during Woodrow Wilson's presidency.
I liked this one probably the best of all so far. Things seemed to flow better from one chapter to the next and I didn't feel like we were bopping around all over the place completely out of order.
I liked this one probably the best of all so far. Things seemed to flow better from one chapter to the next and I didn't feel like we were bopping around all over the place completely out of order.
March 2, 2016
4.75 Stars Really enjoyed this history book (why can't they teach this stuff in an interesting way-like in the book) I love history and this was told at an 8th Grade level (but hey Danielle Steels books are for an 8th Grade reading level...so they say...I can honestly say I have never read a Danielle Steels book so I can't back up this data) Good details without too much overwhelming details. I want to read the whole series! Learn a lot about the Golden Age and I thought I already knew a lot about the Golden Age.
June 25, 2009
Ms. Hakim takes on 1880 through 1917 in this eighth volume of A History of US. It was the time of robber barons and labor unions, populists, inventors and immigrants. Ms. Hakim presents it with her usual mix of social and political history, giving special attention to those whose ideas weren't quite so popular at the time.
October 24, 2012
A very well-written and interesting history book. It's rare that I find what is essentially a textbook that is so much fun and still informative. It's not every book that warns you when a chapter will be boring!
Usually after I finish history books, I feel like I've wasted a ton of time. This time, on the other hand, I feel like I've actually learned something!
Usually after I finish history books, I feel like I've wasted a ton of time. This time, on the other hand, I feel like I've actually learned something!
March 29, 2013
The last sentence made me want to cry. Great book. Takes you back and forth from the politics to the people in all parts of the country. Doesn't cover everything...too much history to fit in a short book but it's a great overview.
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November 25, 2008973.8 Hak
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December 29, 2008JRef3#8
February 17, 2010
Love these books! They are a great addition to the textbook and a good resource for the teacher and preparing powerpoints. Would love to have a classroom set of these!
July 29, 2011
a good resource for children to learn about american during the age of extreme ideals and reaction to the people and interactions with in the nation.
March 14, 2012
Great text - just like the rest of the series! I'm learning so much that you would have thought I should have already learned in school, but somehow missed...
April 27, 2013
I loved this history book! It is clear and easily understood, but it provides good solid understanding of America's past!
June 5, 2014
Very interesting.
August 24, 2016
With kids--school.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews