Ditchfield, Christin. Exploring the Virginia Colony.

Ditchfield, Christin.  Exploring the Virginia Colony.  Capstone Publishers  2017    48p  $23.99  ISBN 978-1-5157-2229-8         elem/ms  Series: Exploring the 13 Colonies.  Nonfiction  VG-BNS

Upper-elementary and middle-school students who need to do research on the thirteen colonies will find this series to be very helpful.  With this book, students will gain a better understanding of the original thirteen colonies and where Virginia fits into the mix.  Filled with information on the native people and the early history of Virginia, the book teaches students how Virginia made the transition from colony to state in 1788.  The author includes a few critical-thinking prompts with primary resources for students to think about. 

The book is beautifully illustrated, with captioned period-portrait reprints, interesting “Did You Know?” facts, primary resources, maps, personal quotations, biographical information on important people, a timeline of events, a glossary of terms, critical thinking prompts using the Common Core, a list of recommended books, a special code to use on the FactHound web site, source notes, a bibliography, and an index.

For schools who participate in Accelerated Reader, an existing test is available for students to take (AR Quiz # 184201).  Books on all thirteen colonies have been published.  Each title features the people, places, and history of each colony and what made it unique.                       

Summary: “This book explores the people, places, and history of the Virginia Colony.”

Virginia History-Colonial period, ca. 1600-1775                                           --Charleen Forba-MacCain

Micklos, John Jr. Exploring the Pennsylvania Colony.

Micklos, John Jr.  Exploring the Pennsylvania Colony.  Capstone Publishers  2017  48p     $23.99  ISBN 978-1-5157-2232-8     elem/ms  Series: Exploring the 13 Colonies.  Nonfiction  VG-BNS                       

This well written, brief book provides aspects of the development of the Pennsylvania Colony, beginning with an overview of the 13 colonies. It continues by providing information about the new colony, relations with the Native Americans, growth and expansion, daily life, Declaration of Independence from England and the choosing of the capital. Descriptions are provided in a succinct manner and a lower reading level that will not intimidate young readers. It also treats the colony’s relations with the Native Americans with accuracy and sensitivity that will not disturb young readers.

In addition to the well-written text the book has visual appeal. Each double-page spread provides graphics and shading reminiscent of colonial times. Each page also includes a full-color illustration and/or photograph that enhances and clarifies the text. A text box at the bottom of the page defines highlighted glossary words so that the reader is not required to flip back and forth from a main glossary for definitions. Also included are thought-provoking “Critical Thinking with Primary Sources” boxes related to the Common Core. Brief biographies of important persons of the time and photographs of primary sources also add to the engagement and succinct informative properties of this book.

The book concludes with a timeline, full glossary, additional Common Core thinking questions, additional information sources, source notes and a comprehensive index, making this a good beginning research resource for young readers.
           

This is one book in the highly acclaimed Smithsonian series. There are currently 42 titles in the series covering a variety of subjects.     

Summary: This book examines life in Colonial Pennsylvania, beginning with an overview of the 13 colonies that is followed by information about the new colony, relations between the colonists and the Native Americans, growth and expansion, daily life, Declaration of Independence from England and the choosing of the capital.          

Pennsylvania Colony                                                                                       --Virginia McGarvey