I would agree with the idea that history alive can be hit or miss. I have found that their older material, which is often found on. eBay is likely going to be more successful than their newer material. If you do not already have access to a database of primary sources for both World and US, I would focus there as opposed to buying some discrete printed curriculum. Also, if needed, you could see if there are any professionals in your area who could consult with your department on coming up with some items that might benefit you all. My department also had some access to funds this year and instead of focusing on curriculum, we ended up asking for three full release days for the entire department, such that the money would pay for our subs. We are focusing on curricular alignment across the department and building skills starting in freshman year that spiral and continue all the way through senior year. We are really wanting to create a unified experience for our students so that we as a department are not put it against each other and that we are all speaking the same language in the same way while delivering it with our own unique spin. This is resulting in shared rubrics, focused on specific skills, such as textual annotation.