School Library Journal Review

Gr 6-8-This series explains the before, during, and after of seminal events of the 20th century in a clear, unbiased manner. The authors walk the fine line between certainty and moral ambiguity, knowing when to pass judgment and when to leave topics open for debate. Side boxes provide retrospective critiques of crucial decisions, with liberal and conservative opinions represented, and offer historical and economic commentary, especially in Hiroshima and Great Depression. Other sidebars include meticulously cited eyewitness quotes or extra insight on particularly important events. Even more information is contained in the maps, period photographs, and well-placed captions that grace every page. Some events are excluded, such as Neville Chamberlain signing the Munich Agreement. Though there is no shortage of books on these topics, the combination of information and readability makes these titles good choices.-Rebecca Dash Donsky, New York Public Library (c) Copyright 2010. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.