The Great Depression: An Interactive History Adventure

Children's Literature - Jennifer Lehmann

A former soldier wanting the money the government owes him, a teenager riding the rails and looking for work, or a young man working hard for the Civilian Conservation Corps: you choose who you want to be as you learn about the Great Depression. With forty-three choices, readers will be easily engaged in a story they create. The path of the soldier shows the life of the bonus Army, World War I veterans who camped in or near Washington, D.C. to persuade Congress to give them the bonus they were promised. The teenage girl thinking about becoming a hobo traces the dangers and complications of making that choice. The life of the young man in the Civilian Conservation Corps involves two different work sites and a demanding military schedule. The "You Choose" format works well to put the reader into the life of a realistic person from a specific event and time in history, and the clear point of view is an interesting way to learn and give meaning to history. However, the three story paths offered here all present characters who are significantly older than the intended middle grade interest level. One of the three options is a girl, though this is not clear from the introduction of the choices. Two possible endings are horrific, without warning, and are probably not appropriate for the younger end of the intended audience. The format and intention might have been better served by providing younger characters. The photographs that illustrate the book are well-placed and bring life both to the history and these tales. Those readers who take interest in the book will glean many details of life during the Great Depression. Part of the "You Choose: Historical Eras" series. Reviewer: Jennifer Lehmann