This clearly written account of the westward movement in American history begins in the 1700s, when "west" simply meant the far side of the Appalachians, and follows through the end of the 1800s pioneer era. Discussing topics such as wagon trains, pioneer homes, and community life, McCarthy provides plenty of detailed, specific information about clearing land and building houses (dugouts, soddies, and log cabins). She quotes whole paragraphs from the personal accounts of the settlers, an approach that is particularly effective in the chapter on pioneer children. Illustrated with line drawings, the activities include making a clothespin doll, a local history poster contrasting then and now, and apple butter (in a microwave oven). The text is illustrated with many sepia-toned reproductions of period photos, paintings, drawings, prints, artifacts, and sites. Though no source notes are provided, even for quotes, the book provides lists of recommended Internet sites and books. An information-packed resource for history students and their teachers.

Gr 4-7 Heading West touts its "21 activities" but it is really little more than a cut-and-dry history textbook. Arranged chronologically in eight chapters, the book begins with a time line spanning from 1754 (the French and Indian War) to 1986 (the close of homesteading in Alaska). The page layout and organization have a slightly jumbled appearance with various size photos and drawings strewn throughout, sometimes filling in margins but leaving others empty. Though plentiful, the black-and-white primary-source photos and drawings (the bulk of which are from the Library of Congress) are of mixed quality and often lack dates. Numerous primary quotes from settlers, presidents, and Native Americans enliven the text somewhat. Activities range from the very easy (make a tepee out of paper, draw a community poster) to those needing adult supervision (pulling taffy and dipping candles). If pioneer and Western activities are what you're looking for, try David C. King's Pioneer Days (Wiley, 1997), which offers a much better array in a livelier and easier-to-use format. Madeline J. Bryant, Los Angeles Public Library