This "Third Edition" updates the decades of the 1980s and 1990s and moves into the events and issues of the 21st century. Designed as a teaching supplement for any U.S. history course of study, it can be used in its entirety or selectively to fill in gaps left by traditional textbooks and curricula. The authors seek to bring U.S. history to life for students by providing them with skills to analyze the past and to make history a part of their lives. "Breaking Away from the Textbook: A Creative Approach to Teaching American History" includes: (1) Sections for projects and research work; (2) Homework assignments; and (3) Classroom activities. The chapters, organized chronologically, are devoted to: (1) Current events; (2) Debates; (3) Term papers; and (4) Creating a Special Classroom. The book is designed for library teachers, professors, administrators, and staff developers. After a foreword and introductions to the second and third editions, this book is divided into the following chapters: (1) Exploration of the New World; (2) The Colonists; (3) The American Revolution and the Declaration of Independence; (4) The Constitution and the Bill of Rights; (5) Establishing the New Nation; (6) Expansion and the Frontier; (7) The Civil War; (8) Reconstruction; (9) Life across the United States: 1865-1900; (10) The Industrial Revolution; (11) Immigration; (12) The United States Becomes a World Power; (13) The Twenties; (14) The Great Depression; (15) World War II; (16) The Post-War Years: 1945-1959; (17) The Sixties; (18) The Seventies; (19) The Eighties and Nineties-Ending the 20th Century; (20) Facing the 21st Century; (21) Current Events; (22) Term Papers; (23) A Special Classroom Library--Beyond Reference; and (24) Debates.