Ellington’s Guide to AP US History Review Books
Recommended: Each of these books have excellent review sections, several sample tests, and
could serve as a student’s core review guide for the APUSH exam.
Kaplan’s AP US History ISBN 9781419552489 ($18)— This book provides a clear overview of
the AP exam and has excellent advice on how to study for it and approach essay (though not
multiple choice) questions successfully. Contains 30 review chapters and two sample tests,
though the multiple choice test questions do not seem as well written as in other review books.
REA’s AP United States History, 8th Edition ISBN 9780738606248 ($30)—A 370 page review
of U.S. history and six full sample tests with detailed answer explanations make this one of the
thickest review books available. Some versions come with a CD-ROM containing three of the
six sample tests in the book. Parts of the review section seem a little choppy. Contains a good
explanation of the AP test, but has no advice on writing essays or answering multiple choice
questions. New edition includes 2008 election update.
AP Achiever for AP US History ISBN 9780073256603 ($20)— In addition to a well written
review section, this book is the only one that explains how relevant AP themes from the course
description relate to the content of each chapter. Each of this book’s 34 review chapters contain
12 multiple choice questions, 2 free response and 1 document based question (all with thorough
commentary). Unfortunately, the book is formatted as if it was written in Microsoft Word. This
book is loosely correlated to McGraw-Hill’s American History: A Survey. Available online only.
Fair: These books are decent choices for test review but are not as strong as the above. Each is
flawed in at least one area. There is a significant difference between the best and worst books in
the section so try to avoid books that are farther down the list.
AP U.S. History for Dummies ISBN 9780470247587 ($17)—This book is written in the breezy,
popular style of the “dummies” series. Yet, it is a serious review book with over 200 pages of
review, good study techniques, decent multiple choice and essay advice, and a solid overview of
the exam. One significant flaw is that each of its two “review” tests only cover ½ of American
history.
Fast Track To A Five: Preparing Students For AP US History Examination, ISBN
9780618250516 ($28)—This book has a review section that follows the College Board’s suggested
outline. Each of its 19 chapters also include 10 multiple choice and 2 free response questions.
Three full-length sample tests are also provided. Good multiple choice test-taking advice, but
sample DBQs contain too many picture documents. This book is loosely correlated to Holt
McDougal’s The American Pageant textbook. It is only available online.
5 Steps to a 5: AP US History ISBN 9780071476317 ($19)—This book contains three sample tests
and 250 pages of review. Each review chapter has a 8-15 page summary (of mostly political
history), a timeline, a bulleted list of things to know, and 5 multiple choice questions. A 30 page
glossary of identifications is also included. The sample essay questions and the detailed answers to
the essay and multiple choice questions are better than most, though the multiple choice and essay
advice is limited. The 2nd edition includes new sections on Bill Clinton and George W. Bush. Also
appears as if was written and formatted in Microsoft Word rather than a true publishing program.
Spark Notes Guide to AP US History ISBN 9781411405172 ($15)—This book contains almost
300 pages of review and two sample tests. Each review chapter ends with a timeline and a
identifications of major historical figures. However, there is very little information about the AP
exam itself and virtually no test-taking advice or strategies for multiple choice or essay questions.
Do not confuse this book with the woefully indequate Spark Notes AP US History Power Pack.
The Princeton’s Review’s Cracking the AP US History ISBN 9780375765339 ($18)—This book
focuses on test taking strategies and includes very good advice for both essay and multiple choice
questions, though some of the multiple choice tips are no longer accurate. Its 100 page review is
relatively short and easy to read. Two sample tests with well written multiple choice questions are
included. This is a decent option for those wanting a small review book. However, this book has
not been significantly revised in several years and does contain some inaccurate test information.
Barron’s How to Prepare for AP US History, 8th Edition ISBN 9780764193347 ($30)—This
book has two sample tests and is written with a strong emphasis on the essay portion of the
exam. Its essay preparation is excellent but comes at the cost of its review section. Can be a good
choice if supplemented with additional review materials. Some versions include a CD-ROM.
Peterson’s Master the AP US History, 2nd Edition ISBN 9780768924695 ($18)—This 300 page
review book contains 2 full sample tests, a diagnostic test, a review section and a quick reference
chart about university acceptance of AP scores. Review section is weaker than it appears.
Inadequate: These have very poor review sections and should not be used.
Spark Notes AP US History Power Pack, Revised Edition ISBN 9781411415904 ($15)—This
weak package contains two laminated timelines, 300 flash cards, two sample tests, a glossary,
and a link to an online diagnostic test. The box it’s sold is mostly filled with cardboard.
Prentice-Hall AP Review Guide ($15) Prentice Hall publishes AP exam review guides that
correlate with their three main AP US textbooks: Out of Many, America Past and Present, and
Created Equal. Each review book includes at least 2 sample exams and a bulleted 2-3 page list of
key terms for each chapter. These review books must be purchased directly from the publisher.
Cliff’s AP United States History, 3rd Edition ISBN 9780764586903 ($30)—Four full length
sample exams and multiple choice and essay advice are included in this book. The brief 30 page
review section consists of lists of terms, concepts, and bibliographies is quite inadequate for most.
Some versions include a CD-ROM.
Non-Traditional Review Books: These “review” are shorter and less comprehensive than the
typical review book but may be a good choice for students who plan to study heavily from their
notes, homework, and the released tests.
Threads of History ISBN 9781413813449 ($25)—This thin book primarily consists of 30 charts
and graphic organizers covering main events and themes in American history. Each chart is
accompanied by a brief introduction and three multiple choice questions. It also contains two
sample tests with a detailed multiple choice answer key but no sample essays. There is no
overview of the test, test taking advice or strategies provided.
REA’s AP US History Crash Course ISBN 9780738605609 ($12)—This thin, paperback sized
book bills itself as containing only the essentials needed for success on the AP exam rather than
as a mini-textbook. It is divided into three main parts: key terms, a chronological review, and key
themes that the author believes are critical for success. There really is no fluff in this small book.
It even lacks a practice test though a link for a free online test is provided.
Flash Cards: These can supplement but should never replace a review book.
Kaplan’s AP US History in a Box Flash Cards ISBN 9781427796837 ($20)—This is a set of
600 flash cards organized into five categories: The New World to the American Revolution,
The New Nation to the Civil War, Reconstruction to the Great War, The 1920s to World War II,
and The Cold War to the New Millennium. Terms are sorted and coded by historical era.
Barron’s AP US History Flash Cards ISBN 9780764178375 ($19)—This set of 500 flash cards
are numbered for easy chronological ordering and also labeled so that they can be divided into
the following seven categories: arts and sciences, domestic policies, presidential matters, wars
and foreign relations, economy and business, legal issues, society and culture. Students may find
flashcards helpful, but should only use them in conjunction with a good review book.
REA’s AP US History Flashcards ISBN 9780738605036 ($17)—This book of 1000 flashcards
is designed so that students can write their answers into the book. In reality, most students will
find this book much less satisfying than real flashcards. Some versions come with a CD that
contains quizzes. Not recommended.
Non-AP Materials: May be used (ask first) as long as they are college-level and supplemented.