A History of US is Joy Hakim's acclaimed 11-volume American history series that presents U.S. history through engaging storytelling, making it a popular spine for homeschool history studies.
What is A History of US?
Written by former journalist and teacher Joy Hakim, A History of US transforms American history from textbook tedium into compelling narrative. The series spans eleven volumes—ten covering American history chronologically from Native Americans through the 2008 election, plus a companion Sourcebook of primary documents. Short chapters (3-8 pages), colorful sidebars, and abundant illustrations make dense historical content accessible. Many homeschool families adopt this series as their history spine, building additional studies around its framework.
Key Takeaways
- Eleven volumes covering American history from pre-Columbus through modern era
- Narrative storytelling approach makes history engaging for reluctant readers
- Suitable for elementary read-alouds through high school independent study
- Teaching guides and student study guides available separately
- Single-author perspective means some subjectivity—discussion encouraged
The Volumes
Grade Level Flexibility
The beauty of this series lies in its adaptability. Parents read it aloud to elementary students, who absorb the stories even without grasping every nuance. Middle schoolers read independently and tackle the accompanying study guides. High schoolers dig deeper with the primary source Sourcebook and engage in more sophisticated historical analysis. The accessible writing doesn't mean dumbed-down content—Hakim addresses complex topics like slavery, civil rights, and political conflict with nuance appropriate for young readers.
Teaching Resources
Oxford University Press publishes teaching guides with lesson plans, discussion questions, and activity suggestions. Student study guides provide chapter-by-chapter comprehension questions and vocabulary work. Teachers Pay Teachers hosts numerous free and paid resources created by homeschool families who've already done the planning work. Some families use the books alone; others layer in timelines, mapping activities, and related literature to create a full history curriculum.
A Note on Perspective
Every history text has a perspective, and single-author works show it more clearly than committee-written textbooks. Joy Hakim writes with obvious affection for American ideals while honestly addressing the nation's failures. Some readers perceive liberal bias; others see balanced treatment of controversial topics. The subjectivity that makes the writing engaging also invites discussion. Use this as a feature: teach your children to identify authorial perspective and consider alternative viewpoints.
The Bottom Line
A History of US earns its popularity among homeschool families. Joy Hakim accomplished something rare: making American history genuinely interesting to young readers without sacrificing substance. The series works across a wide age range and pairs beautifully with primary sources, historical fiction, and hands-on projects. Like any single-perspective work, it benefits from parental engagement and discussion of differing viewpoints. For families wanting a history spine that children actually enjoy reading, this series delivers.
