The Vietnam War

School Library Journal

Gr 8 Up--Dudley presents primary-source readings that offer pro-and-con stances on various aspects of the conflict, including the decisions that led the United States into Vietnam, our support of the South Vietnamese government, the increased involvement and troop buildup during the Johnson administration, and Nixon's Vietnamization policy and the withdrawal of troops. A section is devoted to antiwar protests and the issue of amnesty for draft evaders. The final chapter looks at the role of the media in the U.S. defeat in Vietnam. Writers include world leaders, academics, government officials, and leaders of student-protest and veteran's groups. Occasional black-and-white photos and editorial cartoons illustrate the text, and sidebars provide additional information. The readings are well chosen and balanced. This title will be useful as a research companion to narrative histories such as Albert Marrin's well-written America in Vietnam (Viking, 1992), making it a good choice for libraries needing research and debate materials on the era.--Mary Mueller, Rolla Junior High School, MO