I think the spine book (Stories of America, v. 2 and Stories of the Nations, v.2) are soooo appropiate in how they deal with wars and things. Things are dealt with matter-of-factly, but with such gentleness. I just love these spines. They are so different from Story of the World spines in their tone. I sometimes thought SoTW was a little graphic, and I had to provide the “comfort” and the “well, sometimes this happens….” explanations for SoTW. SoA and SotN provide all that comfort right within the story.
As for having the guide or not. I have it. I felt like $16 was so little to pay to have it to refer to. I noticed (we’re at Lesson 70-something) that the spines aren’t used every week. I think while we did George Mueller, we didn’t use the SoN spine at all. I think the SoA we used every week.
I don’t really know how to explain what I love about the SoA and SoN spines – I just enjoy them so much. I appreciate all the focus on people – people usually worthy of our respect. I should mention that my girls are 9, 8, 6, and 4.
I think when we do Mod. 6 again, I’ll plan to have my oldest read more than the guide reccomends as far as supplemental books. Right now, she’s just reading what the guide says to.