Napoleon to Lady Liberty: The World of the 1800s is the fifth book in the Draw and Write Through History series. Focusing on increasing learning and retention, each book contains step-by-step drawing instructions, copywork examples, and historical facts (in chronological order). Each section begins with drawing and ends with a cursive copywork page in Zaner Bloser font. A paragraph of historical information is included with each picture.

The book is divided into five segments: 1804-1806, 1807-1838, 1849-1859, 1861-1869, and 1858-1877. Each segment contains two to five drawings and one full page of copywork (an average of 16 lines per copywork page). Children will learn to draw historical figures (such as Napoleon Bonaparte, Sacajawea, and Queen Victoria), historical settings and icons (such as the White House, the Alamo, and the Statue of Liberty), and animals (a Grizzly Bear, American Bison, and Tortoise). There are 16 drawing lessons in all.

Drawing instructions are fairly simple. A little "how-to" information is included, but nothing extremely exhaustive. Each step is illustrated, with new instruction drawn in red (making it easy to identify). Following along with these step-by-step illustrations is the key to producing a good looking picture. Since this book is non-consumable, it can be used over and over again. Children will need paper or notebooks to complete their drawings and copywork.

Napoleon to Lady Liberty: The World of the 1800s is not intended to be a stand-alone curriculum. It is best used as a supplement to in-depth history studies. This book will fit with any homeschool approach (textbook, Charlotte Mason, Classical, and so on). Aimed at ages eight and up, it provides a challenge for upper elementary grades while remaining useful to those in high school and beyond.

Draw and Write Through History, Napoleon to Lady Liberty: The World of the 1800s could effectively enhance any homeschool curriculum by providing interesting and applicable art and copywork practice.

Product review by Stacy Kalisz, The Old Schoolhouse^® Magazine, LLC, October 2010