America in the 1900s

Children's Literature - Heather N. Kolich

In magazine-style chapters, Brill provides a general overview and a few close examinations of topics such as politics; environmental concerns; the rapid advance of science, technology and communications; economics; how immigrants, minorities and women changed or challenged the norms; and the struggle of America to divorce herself from European customs in art, fashion, music, sports and entertainment. Any of the chapters in this beefy book could be expanded into a book on that topic alone. Throughout all the topics examined, Brill strives to emphasize the roles that women and African Americans played in defining that particular decade. Many of the activities and passions of the time are resurgent in the current decade, a century later, proving that those who do not learn from history are destined to repeat it. There are many interesting characters profiled in the pages, as well as some underreported stories that pique a desire to seek more information. Numerous sources for further learning are sandwiched between a timeline of greater events of the decade and an activity page in the extensive end material. This title of "The Decades of Twentieth-Century America" explores the trends, attitudes and accomplishments of America at the dawn of the twentieth Century. Reviewer: Heather N. Kolich

VOYA - Kathleen Beck

What do Theodore Roosevelt, Booker T. Washington, Frank Lloyd Wright, and "Jim Crow" have in common? All were emergent forces in the explosive change that shaped the first decade of the twentieth century. Immigration fed cheap labor, which in turn gave birth to the union movement. The first affordable automobiles inspired the growth of suburbs. Telephones and home labor-saving devices became common. All this and more is described in the first volume of this attractive new series. Likewise the 1970s witnessed the advent of home computers, the end of the Viet Nam War, the rise of the environmental movement, and Woodstock. The feminist movement solidified gains, including the widespread effects of Title IX. Richard Nixon became the first president to resign his office. Social change outpaced even technological innovation. Each decade receives a similar treatment, outlining politics, science and technology, economy, and society. More attention is given than in most young adult nonfiction series to topics such as media, music, and sports. The text is clear but not condescending, with unfamiliar terms defined in parentheses. Frequent, mostly black-and-white photographs punctuate pages with clear print and lots of white space. Time lines recap major events, while "To Learn More" suggests not only books but also Web sites and films. Indexes and "Source Notes" (footnotes) are superficial and sometimes confusing. Nonetheless even libraries owning Enslow's Decades of the American Century and Facts On File's Decades of American History will find this new offering a worthwhile addition for browsers and report writers. Reviewer: Kathleen Beck

School Library Journal

Gr 7-10–This well-written, appealing series provides glimpses into life in the United States during the 20th century. Chapters discuss the politics, science and technology, economy, social issues, literature and entertainment, sports, and music of the time and analyze how those factors affected this country's history. The texts are enlivened with quotes and excerpts from primary sources, period photos, and two sets of sidebars. “Profiles” provides biographical sketches of important people and “Turning Points” explains the significance of important events. Both the main texts and the sidebars offer extensive coverage of women and minority groups. A solid choice for readers and researchers.