The Reagan way

School Library Journal

Gr 6-9-Morris offers readers an even-handed look at Reagan's strengths and weaknesses by examining his major presidential decisions. The book opens with a biographical overview and a discussion of the subject's career and qualifications. The author praises Reagan's ability to adhere to a few strong principles and to concentrate his efforts on advancing them, and criticizes his lax work habits and isolation from much of what was occurring in his administration. The rest of the volume is devoted to his decisions to cut taxes and increase defense spending, send troops to Lebanon, work for tax reform, trade arms for hostages in the Iran-Contra affair, and pursue arms-reductions talks with the Soviets. Morris concludes by summing up the many contradictions in Reagan's legacy, but refuses to rate him, explaining that it is too soon for historians to render an adequate judgment. The layout is attractive, and well-chosen, black-and-white and full-color photographs, maps, and explanatory boxes provide additional information on various topics. There is no bibliography, which is a serious weakness. Nevertheless, the objectivity and format of Morris's presentation make it much more useful than Rebecca Larsen's often critical Ronald Reagan (Watts, 1995) and George Sullivan's older Ronald Reagan (Messner, 1985).Mary Mueller, Rolla Junior High School, MO