Author, Curt Lader, has transformed the facts, figures and dates of American History into a lively and fascinating narrative. The full span of American history is covered, starting with Columbus's landing, then proceeding to colonization, the Revolutionary War against England, the formation of a new government, American growth and expansion during the nineteenth century, and emergence as a major world power in the present century.

With Barron’s, learning about government studies becomes fun. Painless American Government covers the U.S. Constitution, branches of government, civil liberties and civil rights, and more. Short quizzes are included throughout the book so students can test their learning progress. Geared toward middle school– and high school–level learners, Painless American Government takes a lighthearted, humorous approach to learning about government and politics, and is ideal for students who find it confusing or who just need a little extra help. Ideal for students learning the basics of government, the author starts with a general description of government and a comparison of democracy as practiced by the founding fathers and how it operates in today's America. Students will also learn about elections and political parties, how public policy is created and shaped, and how they can become more involved in the process of self-government.

Printed in color. U.S. History is designed to meet the scope and sequence requirements of most introductory courses. The text provides a balanced approach to U.S. history, considering the people, events, and ideas that have shaped the United States from both the top down (politics, economics, diplomacy) and bottom up (eyewitness accounts, lived experience). U.S. History covers key forces that form the American experience, with particular attention to issues of race, class, and gender.

Learning at home is now the new normal. Need a quick and painless refresher? Barron’s Painless books make learning easier while you balance home and school. Titles in Barron's extensive Painless Series cover a wide range of subjects as they are taught on middle school and high school levels. Perfect for supporting state standards, these books are written for students who find the subjects unusually difficult and confusing--or in many cases, just plain boring, and may need a little extra help. Barron's Painless Series authors' main goal is to clear up students' confusion and perk up their interest by emphasizing the intriguing and often exciting ways in which they can put each subject to practical use. Most of these books take a light-hearted approach to their subjects, often employing humor, and always presenting fun-learning exercises that include puzzles, games, and challenging "Brain Tickler" problems to solve. This title describes the exciting revolution in our understanding of Earth's processes and changes, focusing on movement of tectonic plates, earthquakes, volcanoes, and much more.

Kenneth C. Davis, author of the phenomenal New York Times bestseller Don't Know Much About History, presents a collection of extraordinary stories, each detailing an overlooked episode that shaped the nation's destiny and character. Davis's dramatic narratives set the record straight, busting myths and bringing to light little-known but fascinating facts from a time when the nation's fate hung in the balance. Spanning a period from the Spanish arrival in America to George Washington's inauguration in 1789, America's Hidden History details these episodes, among others: The story of the first real Pilgrims in America, who were wine-making French Huguenots, not dour English Separatists The coming-of-age story of Queen Isabella, who suggested that Columbus pack the moving mess hall of pigs that may have spread disease to many Native Americans The long, bloody relationship between the Pilgrims and Indians that runs counter to the idyllic scene of the Thanksgiving feast The little-known story of George Washington as a headstrong young soldier who committed a war crime, signed a confession, and started a war! Full of color, intrigue, and human interest, America's Hidden History is an iconoclastic look at America's past, connecting some of the dots between history and today's headlines, proving why Davis is truly America's Teacher.

How could the United States, a nation founded on the principles of liberty and equality, have produced Abu Ghraib, torture memos, Plamegate, and warrantless wiretaps? Did America set out to become an empire? And if so, how has it reconciled its imperialism--and in some cases, its crimes--with the idea of liberty so forcefully expressed in the Declaration of Independence? Empire for Liberty tells the story of men who used the rhetoric of liberty to further their imperial ambitions, and reveals that the quest for empire has guided the nation's architects from the very beginning--and continues to do so today.

Combines instruction in sentence structure with examination of amusing expressions, and gives tips on email communication, editing a school paper, and more. Titles in Barron’s extensive Painless Series cover a wide range of subjects, as they are taught at middle school and high school levels. Perfect for supporting Common Core Standards, these books are written for students who find the subjects somewhat confusing, or just need a little extra help. Most of these books take a lighthearted, humorous approach to their subjects, and offer fun exercises including puzzles, games, and challenging “Brain Tickler” problems to solve. Bonus Online Component: includes additional games to challenge students, including Beat the Clock, a line match game, and a word scramble.