The Great Depression

Children's Literature

The "Roaring Twenties" seemed like a great time to be an American. Productivity was booming and jobs were plentiful. There seemed to be not a care in the world for the citizens. If they didn't have the money at the time to buy what they wanted, the banks made it easy to get. The stock market was hot, and people borrowed money to try to get rich with stocks. All of that came to a head in the early 1930's. More merchandise was made than sold. Taxes on imports to promote American goods led to taxes on exports to other countries as retribution. Jobs were lost. Homes were gone. The farmlands became a dustbowl from over-farming and droughts. Indeed, America was at a loss. It was not until Franklin Delano Roosevelt was elected into office with his "New Deal" program that things seemed to change. At first, due to a lack of new ideas, Roosevelt found it tough to jumpstart the economy. Earlier presidents believed that the government was a business, not a welfare program. Roosevelt began the changes of that thinking. With his continued urgency for help and the beginning or World War II, the economy recovered. This text has a great way of giving detailed information in a summarized method. Teachers will find it useful for an insight into what many believe were the greatest lessons we could teach ourselves about adversity. It is part of the "We the People" series. 2002, Compass Point Books, Floyd

School Library Journal

Gr 4-6-These titles have large-print texts and generous white space, and are illustrated with archival photos, paintings, maps, and documents. The Bill of Rights focuses on the political and historical development of the document. The Great Depression has an extensive explanation of its causes as well as the varied perspectives and programs offered to counteract its devastating effects. The Battle of the Little Bighorn portrays the needs and emotions on both sides of this battle with Custer's downfall as the primary focus. Teachers and students studying these subjects will find these titles useful for basic information.-Janie Schomberg, Leal Elementary School, Urbana, IL Copyright 2001 Cahners Business Information.