ALA Booklist (Thu Oct 01 00:00:00 CDT 2009)

Condensing 10 years into 144 pages poses a steep challenge, but this volume in the Decades in Twentieth-Century America series accomplishes the goal with a tightly constructed, smoothly phrased overview of the tumultuous 1970s. A short prologue summarizing key moments from the 1960s provides context for the following chapters, which move through political milestones in each 1970s presidential administration before tackling the decade's seismic social and cultural shifts. The serviceable text is bolstered by skillful connections between events and movements, well-chosen representative quotes (sourced in appended notes), and occasional snappy headlines ("Can You Dig It?"), while sidebars profiling individuals and historical turning points, such as the killings at Kent State, and a well-edited selection of photos add more interest. Students seeking a basic introduction to the "Me Decade" will find this an excellent starting point, and readers fascinated by the specifics of how "many ideas still considered extreme in 1970 became mainstream by 1980" will want to move on to the thoughtful lists of recommended books, Web sites, and films, including Jaws and Star Wars.

Horn Book (Thu Apr 01 00:00:00 CDT 2010)

Supported by a variety of primary sources, these histories highlight the political events that shaped each decade in addition to the social and cultural accomplishments and influences of the times. Because so much is covered, the text makes occasional generalizations. However, the presentation is clear, with many archival photographs and sidebars providing additional historical context. Reading list, timeline, websites. Bib., ind.

Voice of Youth Advocates

What do Theodore Roosevelt, Booker T. Washington, Frank Lloyd Wright, and "Jim Crow" have in common? All were emergent forces in the explosive change that shaped the first decade of the twentieth century. Immigration fed cheap labor, which in turn gave birth to the union movement. The first affordable automobiles inspired the growth of suburbs. Telephones and home labor-saving devices became common. All this and more is described in the first volume of this attractive new series. Likewise the 1970s witnessed the advent of home computers, the end of the Viet Nam War, the rise of the environmental movement, and Woodstock. The feminist movement solidified gains, including the widespread effects of Title IX. Richard Nixon became the first president to resign his office. Social change outpaced even technological innovation. Each decade receives a similar treatment, outlining politics, science and technology, economy, and society. More attention is given than in most young adult nonfiction series to topics such as media, music, and sports. The text is clear but not condescending, with unfamiliar terms defined in parentheses. Frequent, mostly black-and-white photographs punctuate pages with clear print and lots of white space. Time lines recap major events, while "To Learn More" suggests not only books but also Web sites and films. Indexes and "Source Notes" (footnotes) are superficial and sometimes confusing. Nonetheless even libraries owning EnslowÆs Decades of the American Century and Facts On FileÆs Decades of American History will find this new offering a worthwhile addition for browsers and report writers.ùKathleen Beck.