School Library Journal Review for American Places: From Vision to Reality

Using eye-catching graphics, this series illuminates the fascinating histories of a few iconic U.S. sites. For instance, readers discover that in its infancy, the Statue of Liberty was so little regarded by the U.S. government that Congress refused to pay for the statue’s pedestal, thereby inspiring a nationwide fund-raising campaign among school children. Many images depict the early stages of planning and building, giving a rare insider’s look at how these famous places came to be. This mix of history and architecture with just a dash of archaeology allows students to encounter each subject from a variety of angles (e.g., how did archaeologists contribute to the rebuilding of Colonial Williamsburg, what are the architectural similarities between James Hoban’s design for the White House and the Leinster House in Dublin, Ireland?). VERDICT: A multifaceted look at some of the top historical destination spots in the United States. Recommended.