The new Americana series explores the background and developmentof iconic facets of American culture. Each title unearths the fascinatinghistory, controversies, and growth of a legendary influence in America.Amusement Parks explains that as technology increased, people hadmore time for leisurely activities. People went to trolley parks andworld fairs, which were early versions of amusement parks. The famousamusement parks of today are highlighted, such as Disneyland and theWizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal Studios. Baseball delvesinto the rich history of how the sport developed. It also highlightsimportant events that changed the history of baseball, such as integration and the development of the first women’s baseball league in 1943.Rock ’n’ Roll informs readers that the musical style has been influencedby many types of music, in particular that of Black musicians of earlyR&B. Many famous American and British artists are discussed, including Elvis, the Beatles, the Supremes, and Buddy Holly. State Fairsfocuses on the development and immense popularity of these events.It shares many curious facts, including the different types of rides,contests, exhibits, entertainment, and even foods like the WisconsinState Fair’s original cream puff. The vibrant photos and art will engageyoung readers. The end of each book explains current or anticipatedtechnological innovations. Also included are “Make Americana” craftideas and a time line showcasing the invention and growth of eachpiece of Americana. These titles would be perfect for readers wishingto investigate some of the essential parts of culture that make Americaunique.

Connecting the past with the present, this series covers a variety of subjects such as baseball, muscle cars, amusement parks, and more. The opening of each title describes a significant moment or place in history, like the 600 million people who watched the moon landing (Television). Each volume has approximately seven sections that start with the history of each topic and move through time to the present day, and presents a broad overview of the topic. At the end of each book is a “Make Americana” section that encourages readers to get creative, such as decorating a square of an old shirt to make a rock ‘n’ roll themed patch (Rock ‘n’ Roll). The back matter includes a timeline, a glossary, a resource page, and index. Vocabulary words found in the glossary are not marked within the text. While the text might be overwhelming for younger readers, those enthusiastic about the subject matter will enjoy the amount of detail provided in each title. ­VERDICT Good for students or classrooms needing an overview of the subjects…. Dedicated to connecting readers with art and history.