Parents love how the narrative style makes American history feel like real stories instead of a list of dates, and many use it as their core history spine for years. The most common complaint is that Joy Hakim's single-author take on topics like slavery, feminism, and religion is seen by some as politically slanted, so families often add a teaching guide or their own discussion to balance perspectives.
Parents love
Turns U.S. history into stories kids actually want to hear
Short chapters work well for daily read-aloud time
Full-color art, maps, and primary sources throughout
Common complaints
Single author's take on race, religion, and politics reads as biased to some
Not a complete curriculum alone; needs separate guides/assessments for structure
No video or built-in hands-on component
Who it fits
Best for
No religious content. No religious content anywhere in the series
Living books and read-alouds. Real narrative books, not a textbook
Story spine + activities. One core series to build a U.S. history year around
American history. All ten volumes trace U.S. history from prehistory to today
Yes, siblings together. Read-aloud works for a range of ages listening together
Only one child. Older kids can read the volumes independently
Mostly offline. Mostly books and hands-on work
Some screen time. Books-based, little screen time
Some: 20–30 min daily. Short 3-8 page chapters suit daily reading sessions
Less suited for
Christian, Bible-integrated. Purely secular; doesn't touch Bible history
Textbook and workbook. No workbook/textbook format; extras sold separately
Video or online lessons. Print books only, no video component
World history, in order. Covers only U.S. history, start to finish
Video lessons a big plus. Print book series only; no video edition
These come straight from the scoring rules the quiz uses.
Similar programs
Legends & LeaguesStorybook-and-workbook geography series from Veritas Press, mixing real geography with world legends.
Campfire CurriculumsChristian story-driven unit studies (history, geography, science) with hands-on, job-shadowing style activities
Home School in the WoodsHands-on history unit studies (Time Travelers, Project Passport, lap-paks) with printable projects, not workbooks.
Questions parents ask
Is A History of US a full history curriculum?
No. We list A History of US as a supplement: it's enrichment to use alongside a core program, not a full year of history on its own.
How does A History of US teach history?
A History of US is described as narrative storytelling history spine, single author. Parent prep: moderate (read aloud and discuss slant on hot topics; separate teaching guides needed for structure).
What grades does A History of US cover?
A History of US covers grades 3rd–9th.
How much does A History of US cost?
$128: 10-volume paperback set (all of U.S. history, grades 3-9). Prices were checked on publisher or retailer pages in September 2026; check current prices before buying.
Is A History of US Christian or secular?
No religious content.
What does A History of US cover?
American history.
Can siblings use A History of US together?
Yes. Read-aloud works for a range of ages listening together
Is A History of US online?
Mostly offline (books and paper). The parent teaches.
Does A History of US have a placement test?
We haven't found a placement test for A History of US. Most history programs are chosen by grade range or by the era you want to study.