This paperback text is a good general survey U.S. history text for junior high and high school students. Though it has a decidedly Catholic leaning it is more thorough and accurate than the average history text. Although Carroll's Christ the King, Lord of History (world history text) focuses very heavily on church history, Christ and the Americas includes church history but doesn't let it dominate the text.
Carroll uses stories and anecdotes that make for interesting reading. She also offers analytical commentary throughout the text rather than presenting bare facts. This is especially helpful in discussions of policy issues such as common schools, the New Deal, and Great Society programs.
The text begins with early Indian civilizations and continues up through the Clinton administration (albeit briefly). Protestants might also use this text alongside another to get a more complete perspective. Essay/discussion questions and project suggestions follow each chapter. Project suggestions include research, reports, creative writing projects, art, and drama.
A companion workbook by Belinda T. Mooney does double duty as an answer key. The workbook has extra questions for each chapter plus activity pages (mulitple choice, true/false, short essay responses, matching, and fill-in-the-blanks questions.)
