Oklahoma’s past unfolds from the prehistoric residency of Clovis man and Folsom man and the Spanish and French explorations in the early historic period through the removal of many tribes to Indian Territory, the Civil War period, and the progress of the Territory toward statehood. In this book for young readers, Gibson writes with refreshing candor. Betrayal of the Indians, racism, and political corruption are honestly told. At the same time, the achievements of the state and its people are related with pride as the story advances through the early years of statehood and the hardships of opening pioneer farms, building new towns, and coping with drought, the Great Depression, two world wars, and the early oil boom.