Fifteen grade 8 and 16 grade 10 U.S. history textbooks, all published in 1986, are reviewed. Eight criteria were used in evaluating the texts: (1) authority; (2) interpretation; (3) significance; (4) context; (5) representativeness; (6) perspective; (7) engagement; and (8) appropriateness. The results of the review show that most of the texts are very good; some are judged to be excellent. Despite the positive general conclusions, a number of serious concerns are put forth concerning the group of texts. It is pointed out, for example, that too great a use of "readability" formulas that emphasize using commonly recognized words and short sentences result in poor writing quality; that efforts to reduce attention to violence and conflict in some history textbooks risk a bloodless narrative; and that the treatment of religion as a force in U.S. history continues to receive short shrift. (DB)