I tried to find the best book I could find that offered a narrative flow to America's story and I think this book fills that need very nicely. Before I started reading these old books, there were many names from history l was familiar with, but I wasn't clear as to when and where their stories fit in. This book helped put the puzzle pieces together for me. At the time it was written, it was common for students to leave school after the 6th Grade. The author realized the necessity of those students having an understanding of the moral forces that shaped our nation. He managed to pack a lot in one book, without it becoming tedious. The book starts with the story of Columbus and ends with the beginning of the Industrial Age just after the Civil War. 

From the Libraries of Hope website