Incorporating social studies into elementary education helps shape well-rounded individuals who are not only academically prepared but also socially aware, culturally sensitive, and responsible members of their communities and the world. The Academy of the Arts utilizes ΓÇ£The Story of UsΓÇ¥ by Joy Hakim. This groundbreaking and award-winning History tells the story of America in 10 user-friendly small, illustrated books. Narrative non-fictions keep students completely engaged and inspired and include: The First Americans (prehistory-1600), Making Thirteen Colonies (1600-1740), From Colonies to Countries (1735-1791), The New Nation (1789-1850), Liberty for All? (1820-1850), War, Terrible War (1855-1865), Reconstructing America (1865-1890), An Age of Extremes, War, Peace and All That Jazz, (1918-1945), All The People (since 1945).