In a nutshell, TruthQuest History offers literature-based history curriculum that follows the big ideas that God initiates, people respond, and history happens. The result is a rich and rewarding environment for you and your children to enjoy learning about history and applying it to your lives now. The conversational-styled preface eases the homeschool parent's fears about and sparks an enthusiasm for a different kind of history curriculum. It reassures the parent that not all activities must be finished and not all recommended books must be written. They are merely suggestions, and the Lord must direct each homeschool classroom. It also addresses the common issue of teaching different grade levels simultaneously and highlights the flexibility and adaptability of the curriculum.

Each chapter begins with a brief introduction of the era, the recommended reading list (with a handy grade-level appropriateness notation next to each book), and a number of complementary activities, projects, games, etc. As the chapter progresses, each section offers additional enrichment resources and a neat wrap-up at the end before heading into the next section.

Age of Revolution III is the final book in the World History series for grades 5-12. It starts with Queen Victoria, ends with a discussion on postmodernism, and is flavored with varied and interesting topics and people--from Darwin to Mussolini, the Wild West to the Cold War, technology to "progress," art and literature to the Great Depression, and Freud to Rosa Parks.

In all other TruthQuest History volumes, "ThinkWrite!" tasks are assigned periodically throughout the book. These give the student an opportunity to sum up and apply what he or she has learned thus far. In Age of Revolution III, there is only one "super-duper-ultra-mega-ThinkWrite!" assignment to be completed as the answers become clear. It challenges the student to track "The Truth! vs. The Modern Lie!" on real-life topics such as God, the Value of Human Life, Education, and more. It is an impressive example of what the student will retain once the class is over.

Pros: No longer is history a flat, non-relevant subject. The variety of recommended resources and activities will make history come alive, and the ThinkQuest challenges will encourage students to realize how and why history matters to them now.

Cons: For people who need a definite structure and day-by-day plan or for those who prefer traditional textbooks, the TruthQuest approach may seem overwhelming. For those who prefer a pre-packaged curriculum with answer keys, this may not be the best fit.

However, for those who want to roll up their sleeves and dive into the fascinating world of history with their kids and revel in the lessons to be learned from our past, this is a great option. I can't wait to get started with my four kids!

Product review by Krystin Corneilson, The Old Schoolhouse® Magazine, LLC, February 2010