The Fall of the Bastille

School Library Journal

Gr 7-10 On July 14, 1789, the people of Paris stormed and took the prison of the Bastille, effectively marking the beginning of the French Revolution. In the first sec tion of this book, Harris plunges readers headlong into the revolutionary milieu. You are there, all right, but where exactly are you? A number of groups and people are mentioned whose roles become clear only after reading the second section, ``The Investigation.'' While this may sim ulate the confusion of the French Revolu tion, it may also discourage report writers before they reach later sections of the book, which give a lucid, sequential de scription of the events leading to the fall of the Bastille. For pleasure reading, Corne lia Spencer's The Song in the Streets (John Day, 1960; o.p.) is superior. It is decorated with similar contemporary drawings and gives a more in-depth treat ment. For reports, however, this is clearly the better offering. There is a brief reading list and an even briefer index. Ann Wel ton, Lake Dollof Elem . School, Auburn, Wash.