The Changing Face of American Society: 1945–2000

April 1, 2002
Gr 6-10-These titles discuss political and institutional history. Changing Face focuses on two phenomena: post-World War II prosperity and the change in attitudes toward behavior. Civil rights and segregation are covered, as are the counterculture, advances in science and technology, immigration, and an aging nation. In Middle Road, the terms democrat, republican, liberal, and conservative are defined. Readers learn how these philosophies dominated and shifted during the years covered in this volume. World War II provides background on American sentiments prior to U.S. involvement in the war. The authors contend that it may have played out differently if some countries, including the U.S., had been prepared and/or willing to become involved sooner. Fascist ideology is defined. Although there is no new information in these titles, the 55-year perspective on American politics and society will interest some readers. However, occasionally the information is too brief; for example, in Changing Face, it is noted that, "today drug use is commonplace," destroying "millions of American lives." Doc Gooden and Darryl Strawberry are named as examples, but the circumstances of the damage are not mentioned, which may confuse some readers. More important, there are no footnotes for quoted matter. Clear, full-color and black-and-white photographs and drawings are well captioned. Each volume can stand alone, but readers are sometimes referred to other titles in the series for additional information. Because of this and other issues mentioned, consider these additional purchases where the need exists.-Kathleen Simonetta, Indian Trails Public Library District, Wheeling, IL

Copyright 2002 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

July 1, 2002
Illustrated with period photographs, paintings, and useful maps that effectively break up the heavy blocks of text, each book in this series focuses on the major political and social themes of a specific period. The prose is clear and concise, albeit with a somewhat advanced vocabulary. The books include separate bibliographies for students and teachers. Ind. [Review covers these Drama of America History titles: "The Changing Face of American Society, 19452000; The Middle Road; The United States in the Cold War, 19451989; The United States in World War II, 19411945 ".]

(Copyright 2002 by The Horn Book, Incorporated, Boston. All rights reserved.)