The James Daugherty book is a very nice one aimed at children but not dumbed down. It is an older book and we enjoyed it very much. The Ambrose book is a history intended for adults; it is much longer. I like it too, but would only attempt it with older high school kids as it is much longer. It is from just a few years ago. OK, it seems like just a few years ago. LOL I read it when it came out. Bought one for my mom.