The Chicago Black Sox Trial: A Primary Source Account

VOYA

Judicial history can tell a great deal about a particular period, and these primary source accounts take great advantage of that ability. Using original photos from historical archives and some original quotes, thie "Great Trials of the Twentieth Century" series attempts to help students understand the historical period and the workings of the judicial system of the time of each trial. The Trial of Leopold and Loeb and The Chicago Black Sox Trial both deal with the 1920s. Students will find the photographs and captions informational and good supplements to the text. The writers in both volumes discuss the judicial questions that each trial raised, often comparing the issues with those with which students might be more familiar. Both middle grade researchers and reluctant readers will find this series, deemed an "at level resource" by the publisher, appealing because of its eye-catching format and solid, concise information. For Internet resources, readers are directed to the publisher's Web site to receive current links, keeping things up-to-date. Although this reviewer was unable to access the Web site at one point, the glitch was eliminated by the time of publication. These books can be used for reports or to hook reluctant readers who might be interested in sports or true crime. Among other series titles are books on the trials of Julius and Ethel Rosenberg and the Scottsboro Boys. VOYA Codes: 3Q 2P M J (Readable without serious defects; For the YA with a special interest in the subject; Middle School, defined as grades 6 to 8; Junior High, defined as grades 7 to 9). 2004, Rosen, 64p.; Glossary. Index. Photos. Biblio. Further Reading., PLB. Ages 11 to 15.
—LynnEvarts

School Library Journal

Gr 6-8-In these three books, the authors present background information, followed by a description of the proceedings and conclude with some facts about the influence of the trials on the lives of the participants and on the greater American culture. All three books are written in a choppy, journalistic manner that conveys facts adequately, but lack those engaging qualities that draw children to good nonfiction and occasionally cause confusion by an oversimplified presentation of a complex subject. In addition, sidebars and photos in places unrelated to the text break the flow of the narrative. The series subtitle is misleading since it implies provision of some primary-source text materials, but it refers primarily to the archival photos. Large print, wide margins, and attractively framed archival photographs are enhanced by good-quality paper. However, the captions are overly long and merely repeat information. Students can obtain better organized and written information on all three trials from authoritative Internet Web sites and from general reference sources.-Ellen Loughran, Library Consultant, Brooklyn, NY Copyright 2004 Reed Business Information.