A Child's Story of America, second edition

Name: A Child's Story of America, second edition
Brand: Christian Liberty Press

by Christian Liberty Press

Social_studiesGrades 3–5

About This Curriculum

A narrative-style U.S. history textbook covering Columbus through the late 20th century from a Protestant perspective, featuring illustrations, maps, and review questions.

What makes it unique: Story-like format with strong conservative Protestant perspective and updated content through the Clinton administration

A Child's Story of America: Narrative Protestant History for Elementary

A Child's Story of America is a narrative-style U.S. history textbook from Christian Liberty Press covering Columbus through the Clinton administration for grades 3-5. The second edition emphasizes Protestant Christianity with expanded coverage of religious revivals and ministers, using a conversational storytelling approach with illustrations and maps.

Best for

Elementary homeschooling families (grades 3-5) seeking a Protestant Christian perspective on U.S. history with engaging narrative presentation and Charlotte Mason methodology

Evaluation Criteria

2 strengths · 2 neutral · 3 insufficient evidence

Direct InstructionStrength

The curriculum appears designed for direct instruction through its narrative textbook format. The conversational style supports teacher-led presentation of historical content.

Described as reading 'like stories' with author 'conversing directly' with reader, suggesting structured content delivery

Chronological KnowledgeStrength

The curriculum appears to build chronological knowledge systematically from Columbus through the late 20th century. The narrative structure follows historical progression rather than thematic organization.

Review indicates coverage spans from Columbus through the Clinton administration in story format

Retrieval PracticeNeutral

The curriculum includes chapter review questions and separate testing materials to support knowledge retention. This provides some retrieval practice opportunities.

Contains 'chapter review questions' and 'separate test booklet and answer key are available'

Geographic KnowledgeNeutral

The curriculum includes geographic elements through maps and illustrations. However, the depth of geographic instruction beyond visual aids is unclear.

Second edition features 'many more illustrations and maps, printed in two colors'

Primary SourcesInsufficient Evidence

No evidence of primary source integration is mentioned in the available review. The emphasis appears to be on narrative storytelling rather than document analysis.

Review focuses on storytelling approach and Protestant perspectives but does not mention primary sources or historical documents

Teacher TrainingInsufficient Evidence

No mention of teacher training or professional development materials is provided in the available review. Support appears limited to the textbook and testing materials.

Review only mentions textbook, test booklet, and answer key without reference to teacher guides or training

Vocabulary BuildingInsufficient Evidence

No explicit mention of vocabulary instruction is provided in the review. The conversational narrative style may support comprehension but systematic vocabulary building is unclear.

Review emphasizes conversational tone and story-like presentation but does not address vocabulary instruction

Sources: cathyduffyreviews.com