This series is purposely designed to support the Common Core State Standards and includes a lot of features teachers will love when using these books in the classroom as a supplemental resource. These books include primary source accounts of the historical events; multiple suggestions for reading, writing, and critical thinking activities; and lots of important text features like maps, charts, diagrams, and graphs . . . . The series [i]s a mix of high-interest topics and those crucial for understanding the period. These titles are good books to be used to support the social studies curriculum focusing on westward expansion. Recommended.

The American West has a history that has grown to mythic proportions. This series brings the time period into perspective without losing any of its vitality or wonder. The syntax is spot-on for the audience and the content is abundant in facts, figures, and compelling details. The inclusion of…[T]he Trail of Tears and [T]he Transcontinental Railroad widen the scope of what is typically considered to be Wild West fare, but effectively demonstrate that there was more to the Wild West than herding cattle and shoot-outs. High-interest, curriculum-related content attractively presented. A sound purchase.