This history book traces the experiences of Native Americans from the time of their arrival from Asia to the end of the 16th century. The book includes readings on such communities as the cliff dewllers of the west, the Plains Indians, and the Mound Builders. There also are details of the Native Americans' early contacts with such European explorers as Christopher Columbus, Balboa, and Magellan. Descriptions of the Spanish colonization, as well as the French and English experiences in the New World also appear. The book contains maps and illustrations. Designed to support the upper elementary and secondary social studies curriculum, the education and school library communities will find this volume's extensive index, in-depth bibliography of young adult literature, and descriptive chronology of historical events especially useful instructional aids. (SG)