   | Full Text Reviews: Booklist - 01/01/2018 *Starred Review* This informative book introduces the Great Depression, explaining the free fall of the American economy following the 1929 stock market crash, as well as its result—the widespread poverty, homelessness, and hunger of the 1930s. Favreau gives many examples of how the Depression and the Dust Bowl affected the lives of ordinary people, and covers why President Hoover lost their confidence and what programs President Roosevelt created to spur economic growth. The book also underscores the contributions of others, from Eleanor Roosevelt to social reformer Frances Perkins. One chapter discusses the dire plight of African Americans; often the first workers to be laid off, many were already living in poverty and oppressed by Jim Crow laws. Other sections of the book tell of the deportation of Mexican people and the rise of anti-Semitism during the period. Following a generally chronological path, Favreau includes anecdotes and interesting details within the broader narrative, while using quotes effectively to offer different viewpoints. Well-chosen archival photos and documents appear throughout the book. The lucid text offers a good perspective on significant events, while the extensive back matter will be helpful to students motivated to research the topic further. An enlightening and very readable book on a complex historical period. - Copyright 2018 Booklist. School Library Journal - 02/01/2018 Gr 7 Up—In this engaging and comprehensive look at the Great Depression, the text is divided into four sections addressing the crash of the economy, President Franklin D. Roosevelt's New Deal policies, setbacks to progress, and the eventual end of the Depression. Moving beyond the typical analysis of the time period, Favreau carefully crafts an enjoyable narrative that vibrantly depicts individual experiences, including little-known stories within the context of national trends. Not only is it enjoyable to read, it is also a powerful research source. Each chapter is rife with primary sources, such as telegrams, photographs, posters, song lyrics, speech transcripts, and more. (Besides the extensive primary source section, there is other comprehensive back matter.) While President Herbert Hoover often bears the blame for the Federal government's initial response to the financial crisis, the author provides a very balanced portrayal of his presidency. This same balance, however, does not extend as much to Roosevelt. There is a section on societal setbacks, but there is no opposing perspective provided in response to Roosevelt's expansion of executive power, his constitutional challenges, or his attempt to pack the courts. Still, this impressive resource would be valuable, when used in tandem with other resources, for students conducting research. VERDICT An insightful addition to libraries and recommended even for those with a robust collection on the topic.—Paige Rowse, Needham High School, MA - Copyright 2018 Publishers Weekly, Library Journal and/or School Library Journal used with permission. Loading...
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