History Textbooks in High Schools: what's the fave?

I recently got into a chat about the most popular history textbooks used in high schools. Does anyone have a sense of what these might be and why they're so commonly used? Are these textbooks generally liked because of their content or the way they present information?

The prevalence of certain textbooks in high schools can vary based on factors such as the curriculum structure, the district, and the budget allocated for resources. However, a few names do consistently come up when discussing widely-used history textbooks at the high school level.

One such textbook is "The Americans" by McDougal Littell (now Houghton Mifflin Harcourt). It is commonly used for U.S. History classes due to its comprehensive overview of American history, use of primary sources for firsthand historical perspectives, and an easy-to-follow chronological structure.

Another prominent textbook is "World History: Patterns of Interaction" by Holt McDougal. This book is often preferred because of how it maps out global historical events, cultures, and geopolitical changes, linking them together to emphasize the interconnectedness of world civilizations.

For AP courses, "The American Pageant" by David M. Kennedy and Lizabeth Cohen is a popular resource for AP U.S History (APUSH), while "Traditions & Encounters" by Jerry Bentley and Herbert Ziegler is frequently used in AP World History classrooms. The popularity of these books stems from their ability to delve into the depth and detail required for AP classes and effectively prepare students for AP exams.

Remember, the choice of textbooks often depends on alignment with curriculum standards and the personal preference of the educator or school district. The pedagogical approach of the book, its comprehensiveness, execution of historical events, incorporation of varied resources, and the cost are all factors in the ultimate choice. That said, the mentioned books tend to be commonly used and generally favored in many classrooms across the country.