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HOMESCHOOL REVIEWS
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To Pledge Allegiance series: Vol 1 - A New World in View, Vol. 2 - Building a City on a Hill, Vol. 3 - On the Road to Independence
These are the first three books of seven planned in the “To Pledge Allegiance” study of U.S. History. Most history texts deal briefly with the period of exploration, then jump into the colonial era. This series, instead, dedicates the entire first volume to historical background information and the explorations that were crucial to our country's foundations. The idea of worldviews in conflict is introduced at the beginning of Chapter 1 and is a central theme of the study. In describing the foundational principle of the series, the publisher says, “Nations and individuals either serve God or some idol.... Their allegiance explains both their actions and the results of their actions.” While various worldviews are contrasted, the Biblical Christian worldview, emphasizing God's providence, is clearly presented as truth. Although the book is heavily illustrated in color, it is best suited for students seventh grade and above rather than younger levels. Sidebars on most pages add essential and fascinating detail; do not skip these! The writing style is very engaging with occasional dashes of humor most evident in titles for the sidebars and some of the subsections. The content is excellent. Rather than a dry recitation of names and dates, it tackles the motivational issues related to beliefs and values that drive men to either noble or despicable deeds. Touchy issues such as the conflict between Cortes and Montezuma are treated fairly without whitewashing the failings of the explorers. Each chapter in the first book is followed by a few discussion questions. The second and third volumes add "Optional enrichment projects" suggestions. The second volume in the series is titled Building a City on a Hill. Curiously, each volume picks up with chapter and page numbers continuing from the previous volume. For example, the second volume begins with page 163 and Chapter 17. The second volume carries on the story by first studying the Reformation in Europe in depth. It traces the Reformation and its consequences through England and to the New World. It continues with settlement and development of the colonies, but always with an eye to religious development and influence. The perspective here is clearly that of Reformed Protestantism. In fact, this volume is more a history of Reformed Christianity in America than a general coverage of American History. However, it is important to recognize the vital role that Reformed theology played in shaping the United States. This book clearly outlines the dominant political ideas and their religious foundations that led up to the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution, but it is narrower in historical scope because of its perspective. As with the first volume, the writing style remains extremely lively and engaging. Volume 3 - The Road to Independence retains its Reformed Protestant character but broadens out to provide excellent coverage of the period leading up to the American Revolution, then continuing to the end of the 18th century. Volumes 2 and 3 are both significantly longer than Volume 1. Both also seem a bit more challenging than the first volume. Consequently, I would recommend only the first volume for junior high level, and the others for high school. Even then, I expect some high schoolers might find the content too detailed and overwhelming. (Unfortunately, to make history both interesting and accurate, it generally requires more information!) A single CD-ROM is also available from the publisher that contains all three books plus their companion teacher manuals.
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