Alta California contained most of the land that makes up what is now the Southwest. In 1821, the land was controlled by Mexico. Its leaders made many changes including ending the Spanish mission system. Alta California became more diverse as its economy grew and changed. Explore the history of Alta California with this primary source title that builds students’ reading skills and promotes civics and social studies content literacy. The dynamic primary source maps, letters, and images provide authentic nonfiction reading materials and keep students interested in learning. Text features include a glossary, index, captions, sidebars, and table of contents. This book connects to California state studies standards and the NCSS/C3 Framework and features appropriately leveled text to accommodate different reading levels. Additional features include Read and Respond and a culminating activity that prompt students to dive deeper into the text for additional reading and learning.

Junípero Serra was an influential Franciscan missionary who created missions that stretched from San Francisco to San Diego. His impact on California is still felt-and debated-today. Introduce students to his life with this nonfiction biography that builds students' reading skills and promotes social studies content literacy. The dynamic primary source maps, letters, and images provide authentic nonfiction reading materials and keep students interested in learning. Text features include a glossary, index, captions, sidebars, and table of contents. This book connects to California state studies standards and the NCSS/C3 Framework and features appropriately leveled text to accommodate different reading levels. Additional features include Read and Respond and a culminating activity that prompt students to dive deeper into the text for additional reading and learning.

With the discovery of the New World, the countries of Europe raced to claim the new land and its riches. The Spanish built missions in California to bring Christianity to the Native Americans living there, and to protect the land from being taken by other countries. California's Spanish Missions tells the story of the missions, the people who built them, and the way the missions changed the lives of Native Americans. Build literacy and social studies content knowledge with this Interactiv-eBook that features dynamic primary sources. The full-color maps, images, letters, paintings, and photographs will engage students and develop their curiosity about the people and the world around them. Text features include a glossary, index, captions, sidebars, and table of contents to increase understanding and build academic vocabulary. The Your Turn! activity challenges students to connect to a primary source through a writing activity. Aligned to the National Council for Social Studies (NCSS) and other national and state standards, the book is leveled to support above-, below-, and on-level learners. The Track It! culminating activity provides an opportunity for assessment that challenges students to apply what they have learned in an engaging and interactive way. Learn how the missions helped define the state of California with this high-interest grade 4 book!

California was ruled by Spain, then Mexico, before the United States claimed it in 1848. Learn about California’s bumpy road to statehood with this primary source text that builds students’ reading skills and social studies content knowledge. The dynamic primary source maps, letters, and images provide authentic nonfiction reading materials and keep students interested in learning. Text features include a glossary, index, captions, sidebars, and table of contents. This book connects to California state studies standards and the NCSS/C3 Framework and features appropriately leveled text to accommodate different reading levels. Additional features include Read and Respond and a culminating activity that prompt students to dive deeper into the text for additional reading and learning.

California has a long, storied past. There was a myth that it was an island. Spanish explorers thought they would find cities paved in gold there. When they did not, they left for over 100 years. It’s hard to imagine that California’s early explorers did not see its value. Explore California’s rich past with this nonfiction book that builds students’ reading skills and promotes social studies content literacy. The dynamic primary source maps and images provide authentic nonfiction reading materials and keep students interested in learning. Text features include a glossary, index, captions, sidebars, and table of contents. This book connects to California state studies standards and the NCSS/C3 Framework and features appropriately leveled text to accommodate different reading levels. Additional features include Read and Respond and a culminating activity that prompt students to dive deeper into the text for additional reading and learning.

Explore the beautiful landscapes of the West! This social studies book details the rich history, diverse cultures, and striking geography of the western United States. Take a trip to the western deserts, farmlands, beaches, and volcanos. This teacher-approved book offers students the chance to dive into the lives of people from the western United States, including the history of native peoples in the region. The book covers the geography, history, economics, and civics of the West in an easy-to-follow way. With a glossary and index, key discussion questions, and other useful features, this book gives students a meaningful inside look at the West.

Introduce students to the history behind California’s iconic Spanish missions with this nonfiction book that builds students’ reading skills and promotes social studies content literacy. The dynamic primary source maps, letters, and images provide authentic nonfiction reading materials and keep students interested in learning. Text features include a glossary, index, captions, sidebars, and table of contents. This book connects to California state studies standards and the NCSS/C3 Framework and features appropriately leveled text to accommodate different reading levels. Additional features include Read and Respond and a culminating activity that prompt students to dive deeper into the text for additional reading and learning.