Christ and the Americas [jr./sr. high]

by Anne W. Carroll

TAN Books

This paperback text is a good general survey U.S. history text for junior high and high school students. Though it has a decidedly Catholic leaning it is more thorough and accurate than the average history text. Although Carroll’s Christ the King, Lord of History (world history text) focuses very heavily on church history, Christ and the Americas includes church history but doesn’t let it dominate the text.

Carroll uses stories and anecdotes that make for interesting reading. She also offers analytical commentary throughout the text rather than presenting bare facts. This is especially helpful in discussions of policy issues such as common schools, the New Deal, and Great Society programs.

The text begins with early Indian civilizations and continues up through the Clinton administration (albeit briefly). Protestants might also use this text alongside another to get a more complete perspective. Essay/discussion questions and project suggestions follow each chapter. Project suggestions include research, reports, creative writing projects, art, and drama. (An answer key is available through Catholic Heritage Curricula, [800] 490-7713.)

Laura Berquist, author of Designing Your Own Classical Curriculum, has created a ninth-grade course syllabus using Christ and the Americas. Syllabus for American History (Mother of Divine Grace School) provides daily lesson plans that incorporate historical fiction and other books (suggested reading lists included) with the Christ and the Americas as the primary textbook. The course includes use of a timeline and the study of related poetry, art, and composers. Students are required to do extensive reading and writing, with six lengthy papers assigned over the course of the school year. The Syllabus is written directly to the student so he or she can work independently for the most part.