The textbook (458 pgs, pb with a few illustrations, maps, additional reading list, and index) is written with a premise that no culture is void of influences. The text fleshes out main themes such as the American ideas of self-rule, the “common man,” the lingering effects of reconstruction, and more. While no writing is devoid of the author’s perspective, this text conveys events and movements with a focus on historical significance, maintaining that a nation’s condition and values are the aggregate of all that’s come before. In addition, rather than promoting religious influences or completely ignoring them, McClay discusses, when appropriate, how religions have shaped our country’s development. Although leaning more conservative, the text assumes a fairly balanced political presentation (particularly evident in chapter 25, which elaborates on both political parties’ strengths and failings). Printed just before the 2020 national elections, the text ends with cautions about current national divisiveness. While an engaging read, don’t worry if you’re not able to read along with your student.
Land of Hope: An Invitation to the Great American Story - Text
Description
For too long we’ve lacked a compact, inexpensive, authoritative, and compulsively readable book that offers American readers a clear, informative, and inspiring narrative account of their country. Such a fresh retelling of the American story is especially needed today, to shape and deepen young Americans’ sense of the land they inhabit, help them to understand its roots and share in its memories, all the while equipping them for the privileges and responsibilities of citizenship in American society.
The existing texts simply fail to tell that story with energy and conviction. Too often they reflect a fragmented outlook that fails to convey to American readers the grand trajectory of their own history.
This state of affairs cannot continue for long without producing serious consequences. A great nation needs and deserves a great and coherent narrative, as an expression of its own self-understanding and its aspirations; and it needs to be able to convey that narrative to its young effectively. Of course, it goes without saying that such a narrative cannot be a fairy tale of the past. It will not be convincing if it is not truthful. But as Land of Hope brilliantly shows, there is no contradiction between a truthful account of the American past and an inspiring one. Readers of Land of Hope will find both in its pages.
Land of Hope is a thoughtful, theme-driven American History curriculum from Hillsdale College that presents the full sweep of U.S. history, including its triumphs, struggles, and enduring ideas. Written by award-winning historian Wilfred McClay, this course invites students to engage with the “great American story” through historical patterns, primary sources, and big ideas rather than dry memorization of dates and facts.
Perfect for high school students, Land of Hope can be used flexibly:
- As a standalone textbook for an informative read
- As a complete 1-credit high school course when paired with the Student Workbook and Teacher’s Guide
- With the optional free Hillsdale College online video lectures for enhanced depth and an engaging “classroom” experience
Key Curriculum Features:
- Focuses on America’s founding principles, self-government, and national development
- Emphasizes critical thinking, discussion, and responsible citizenship
- Integrates primary source documents throughout
- Balanced yet honest perspective that acknowledges both successes and failures
- Strong emphasis on the influence of ideas, culture, and religion on American life
Program Components:
- Student Textbook: Engaging narrative written directly to the student
- Student Workbook: Study questions, primary source analysis, and activities
- Teacher’s Guide: Chapter summaries, answer key, and discussion helps
- Young Reader’s Editions: Simplified versions available for middle school students
Whether used independently or with the excellent free Hillsdale video lectures, Land of Hope provides a rich, meaningful high school American History course that goes beyond surface-level facts to explore the ideas and events that shaped our nation.
This curriculum is an excellent choice for families seeking a high-quality, narrative-driven U.S. History program with strong critical thinking and worldview elements.
| Product Format: | Paperback |
|---|---|
| Grades: | 9-AD |
| Brand: | Encounter Books |
| ISBN: | 9781641771399 |
| Length in Inches: | 10 |
| Width in Inches: | 7.5 |
| Height in Inches: | 1 |
| Weight in Pounds: | 2.05 |