I'm concerned about giving "The Complete Idiot's Guide to 20th Century History" to my newly Dialectic (6th grade) son. Besides the title, the numerous warnings in The Glance make me hesitate ... so I'm looking at the alternate book "Heritage of Freedom." However, I see that A Beka lists that as an 11th grade History textbook. Does anyone have experience with that book - could a strong 6th grade reader work with it?

The Bob Jones Heritage Studies 4 and Heritage Studies 5 seem to cover TOG Year 4 time periods. Does anyone have experience with those? I'm wondering if they would make a good substitute for the Dialectic "Core" - we'd still use the usual "In-Depth" recommendations.

Beth Ann

Hi Beth Ann,
Yes, I personally think a strong 6th grader could read the ABeka book.

Blessings,

Dear Dana,

Thank you for the reply.

A related question: If I use that Heritage of Freedom book as scheduled in the Alternate Resources pages, (and don't use the Complete Idiot's book at all), but do use all the other Primary - Core and In-Depth books, will the alternate completely cover the topics addressed by the similar Core book in the regular Reading Assignment Charts? If I just substitute the Heritage of Freedom readings for the Complete Idiots readings, and keep everything else the same, would a student still be able to answer most of the Student Activity Pages questions?

(In the past, I've only used the Alternate as supplements or enrichment, I've never used it as a complete substitute for a book on the RAC.)

I appreciate your helpfulness,

Beth Ann

Hi,
No, it will not completely take the place of the Idiot's Guide. See, the Idiot's Guide covers *world* history, whereas the Heritage of Freedom is just U.S. history.

Blessings,

Dear Dana,

Thank you for your reply. That is very helpful information in making a purchasing decision.

Beth Ann