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Crash: The Great Depression and the Fall and Rise of America in the 1930s
The true story of how Americans from all walks of life weathered one of the most turbulent periods in our nation's history--the Great Depression--and emerged triumphant.
Crash tells the story of the Great Depression, from the sweeping fallout of the market collapse to the more personal stories of those caught up in the aftermath. Packed with photographs, primary documents, and firsthand accounts, Crash shines a spotlight on pivotal moments and figures across ethnic, gender, racial, social, and geographic divides, reflecting many different experiences of one of the most turbulent decades in American history.
Crash tells the story of the Great Depression, from the sweeping fallout of the market collapse to the more personal stories of those caught up in the aftermath. Packed with photographs, primary documents, and firsthand accounts, Crash shines a spotlight on pivotal moments and figures across ethnic, gender, racial, social, and geographic divides, reflecting many different experiences of one of the most turbulent decades in American history.
240 pages, Hardcover
First published March 1, 2018
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280 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 62 reviews
September 23, 2019
Crash by Marc Favreau I would say is the best Nonfiction book about the Great Depression. I find this book vastly fascinating and extremely interesting because of how professionally Marc weaves the events altogether. It is full of primary sources and the photos further enhance my understanding. This book covers all the main aspects of economic and social ideas with detailed examples of many problems and solutions.
Another point I find great about this read is that Marc tells America's past with many perspectives but most importantly narrates with an informative neutral voice of his own.
In conclusion, this author informs us of the incredible true story of how America rose from the ashes and shined in World War 2. I recommend this to anyone who wants a brief overview of what life was like in America from the 1920s to the 1940s and a bit of insight to characters like FDR and Hoover.
Another point I find great about this read is that Marc tells America's past with many perspectives but most importantly narrates with an informative neutral voice of his own.
In conclusion, this author informs us of the incredible true story of how America rose from the ashes and shined in World War 2. I recommend this to anyone who wants a brief overview of what life was like in America from the 1920s to the 1940s and a bit of insight to characters like FDR and Hoover.
February 19, 2018
Holy abrupt ending! Aside from an ending that just ENDED, it was a phenomenally easy book to read and understand detailing the major points of the United States during the 1930s after the stock market crash. Showcasing the presidencies during this time period, the significant contributions of Eleanor Roosevelt, and flush with images from The Library of Congress and other archives, it's detailed but not dense.
It covers all of the things social studies teachers would want to cover, but adds a few unique elements or biographies of individuals who played a role. I was most blown away by Walter White (who ironically I just discovered was the name of a civil rights activist this past week BUT learned much more about in this book).
The chapter layout is uncomplicated and the many images, text boxes, and primary source materials make it much shorter reading, but a feast for the eyes.
It covers all of the things social studies teachers would want to cover, but adds a few unique elements or biographies of individuals who played a role. I was most blown away by Walter White (who ironically I just discovered was the name of a civil rights activist this past week BUT learned much more about in this book).
The chapter layout is uncomplicated and the many images, text boxes, and primary source materials make it much shorter reading, but a feast for the eyes.
January 4, 2020
Marc Favreau’s Crash was a great non-fiction book in a lot of different ways. He brings the Great Depression to life with stunning photographs, letters, quotes and posters from the time period. His writing is unique and incredible. Favreau tells different time periods of the depression using perspectives of many people who personally experienced them. That part is what made the book more touching as it explained detailed struggles of one single character, instead of America as a whole. He also gives a lot of information on the major characters involved such as FDR and many others. This book smoothly captures America’s state from the late 1920s to the mid 1940s. Explaining many things such as women’s rights and racial segregation. The author definitely did well at the end of the book as he talked about WW2. It was concise because it is the main topic of the book yet still very informative. I would recommend this book to anyone who is interested in history and wants an enjoyable and informative book.
May 26, 2020
I decided to read this book a result of our current economic situation that stems from the pandemic. I wanted to see if I could identify parallels or potential solicitors, even though the cause of the Great Depression is not at all like our current situation. The photographs and historical documents throughout this book help to portray insights, but the book really centers on FDR and his programs. I feel like there may be more than was provided by this particular historical perspective, hence the 4 star rating, but I did enjoy the opportunity to meet new Americans I had not yet heard of and learn more about the plight of those impacted by the Great Depression.
March 16, 2019
After finishing Marc Favreau’s first nonfiction book for young readers, I really hope he writes more. This book gives background about the bubble of prosperity America experienced in the 1920s and the sheer panic that the stock market crash of 1929 caused. It goes on to detail the economic depression, Hoover’s presidency, FDR’s election, the New Deal, droughts in the Dust Bowl, and the rise of labor unions. There are also chapters called “The Blind Spot,” explaining how African Americans were largely excluded from benefits of the New Deal, and how lynchings in the South increased in the 1930s, causing many Black families to move north, and “Enemies,” which discusses how struggling Americans looked for someone to blame, causing rises in anti-Semitism and racism toward immigrants, especially those from from Mexico. This book was informative with plenty of relevant ties to America today, while still being accessible for young readers.
August 17, 2018
An interesting read that expertly weaves the expanse of events during this time in US history.
November 21, 2020
3.5 stars
June 9, 2022
On the one hand, I think this book is very engaging, memorable, has great photos, etc. It's an easy read and although it was probably written for middle grades/early high school (grades 6/7 and up), even an adult will learn a bit from it.
Another thing I liked - it had quite a few little tidbits I hadn't read about before (and I've read tons of books about the depression). I liked how different communities of people were represented as well.
BUT... here's what I didn't like: In my opinion, Crash is VERY one-sided with a super liberal slant. You are going to get the FDR was a godsend perspective from this book... and one of the ideas that is promoted throughout is that the big loveable government rescued the U.S. with socialist style policies. The book is going to make a very good case for this, and if you aren't well-versed in history and economics (and so on), it's going to seem like it totally makes sense. I really hate that so many history books nowadays are slanted and don't present BOTH sides of a story and the consequences of policies that may have seemed very good and helpful at the time. If this book had a more balanced perspective, it would have been perfect. I don't mind telling the FDR is wonderful side of the story - just tell the other, as well. ;-)
Sadly, a lot of students will read this book and walk away with a somewhat distorted view of that time in history, and will likely walk away thinking big government socialist policies are THE answer. I can see why a lot of people like this book (I do, too...some of it, anyway), but I think we are all better served when history is told as a set of facts instead via a promoted political ideology and agenda. There are lots of great facts in this book, and a lot (imo) that were left out. Because of that, I don't recommend it unless you can balance it out with something else (discussion, some videos, another book from a different viewpoint of the time, etc.).
Another thing I liked - it had quite a few little tidbits I hadn't read about before (and I've read tons of books about the depression). I liked how different communities of people were represented as well.
BUT... here's what I didn't like: In my opinion, Crash is VERY one-sided with a super liberal slant. You are going to get the FDR was a godsend perspective from this book... and one of the ideas that is promoted throughout is that the big loveable government rescued the U.S. with socialist style policies. The book is going to make a very good case for this, and if you aren't well-versed in history and economics (and so on), it's going to seem like it totally makes sense. I really hate that so many history books nowadays are slanted and don't present BOTH sides of a story and the consequences of policies that may have seemed very good and helpful at the time. If this book had a more balanced perspective, it would have been perfect. I don't mind telling the FDR is wonderful side of the story - just tell the other, as well. ;-)
Sadly, a lot of students will read this book and walk away with a somewhat distorted view of that time in history, and will likely walk away thinking big government socialist policies are THE answer. I can see why a lot of people like this book (I do, too...some of it, anyway), but I think we are all better served when history is told as a set of facts instead via a promoted political ideology and agenda. There are lots of great facts in this book, and a lot (imo) that were left out. Because of that, I don't recommend it unless you can balance it out with something else (discussion, some videos, another book from a different viewpoint of the time, etc.).
November 20, 2017
This is a history book for young adults. I am not a young adult, but I found Crash fascinating and sometimes shocking. Marc Favreau expertly mines oral histories and contemporary newspaper accounts to make the Great Depression come alive.
The pages are filled with remarkable photos, some classics, but also many I'd never seen before, like Eleanor Roosevelt dining on a "Five Cent Meal" with the Daughters of The Great Depression. Besides the documentary photos, the pages are peppered with compelling visuals including WPA posters, presidential memos, and political cartoons.
I learned about Frances Perkins, the first woman U.S. cabinet member, who spearheaded the creation of Social Security in 1935. I was taken aback to read Social Security originally excluded domestic help and farm laborers from coverage. This meant 65% of working African-Americans were denied the benefits of Social Security.
The book is well organized, filled with telling details, and written with clarity. The back matter will appeal to aspiring historians and journalists. It includes links to sources including online photo archives and some of the original recordings quoted in the text.
My copy was an advance reader's copy given to me at the AASL school librarians conference. Pub Date of Crash: March 2018
The pages are filled with remarkable photos, some classics, but also many I'd never seen before, like Eleanor Roosevelt dining on a "Five Cent Meal" with the Daughters of The Great Depression. Besides the documentary photos, the pages are peppered with compelling visuals including WPA posters, presidential memos, and political cartoons.
I learned about Frances Perkins, the first woman U.S. cabinet member, who spearheaded the creation of Social Security in 1935. I was taken aback to read Social Security originally excluded domestic help and farm laborers from coverage. This meant 65% of working African-Americans were denied the benefits of Social Security.
The book is well organized, filled with telling details, and written with clarity. The back matter will appeal to aspiring historians and journalists. It includes links to sources including online photo archives and some of the original recordings quoted in the text.
My copy was an advance reader's copy given to me at the AASL school librarians conference. Pub Date of Crash: March 2018
January 8, 2021
What would one do when governing the United States during a huge crisis causing economic, and financial struggles? In the book "Crash the Great Depression and The Fall and Rise of America" published on April 10, 2018 by Little, Brown Books for Young Readers this was found out. According to Herbert Hoover, and the author, Marc Favreau, doing nothing was the best option. Found in the text, Hoover says, "Our measures and policies have demonstrated their effectiveness," (Favreau 3). These ideas were greatly looked down upon, and the citizens felt unheard. They were poor, in need of help, and nothing was being done to aid them. Favreau tends to emphasize this. Continuing onward, the Great Depression was a long 10 years for America, and at one point it didn't seem like pulling through was possible. Yet, there was still hope when Roosevelt became president. He made new policies that helped the country, or so displayed by the writer. Then another issue arises, the Dust Bowl which leaves America's heart land incapable of growing crops. America's economy, people, and food supply were largely affected by the Great Depression with mostly negative, but some positive, which is very well represented in the text.
Firstly, the United States economy took a huge hit during the Depression. There was no positive from this occurring, neither during or after. The author explains that there repairing to do. As stated, "With so little real cash in circulation, some towns created different kinds of 'script', a fake currency…" (Favreau 19). This quote expresses the shortage in money, how it affected the people, and how they had to adapt. Roosevelt handled repairing America well, not considering the Dustbowl. For example, "By the end of that week, Americans returned $600 million into their accounts" (Favreau 62). This was a big step for the country. Previously one-quarter of workers in America had lost their jobs. All in all, America was going through rough patches for a while, but eventually change occurred slowly but surely.
Secondly, people during the Depression had many obstacles to overcome. To illustrate, "Without rain, the soil turned to dust, and powerful windstorms picked up the dust and carried it over the plains" (Favreau 118). This event took place right when things were seemingly getting better. Citizens were already low on money, but for the ones in the Great Plains, money was at it's all time low. This made it even harder than before, due to the weather conditions. Also stated in Crash, "… there were reports of people eating wild berries and dandelions scavenged from fields, just to stay alive" (Favreau 6). The text is explaining how hungry, and desperate people were. The author likes emphasizing their daily struggles, and continues to do so throughout. In conclusion, for a normal person living in America everyday was lived barely surviving.
Thirdly, food was extremely hard to afford, and to find. To show this, "Farming now became impossible on land that had been stripped of top soil" (Favreau 117). This proves the hardness of finding food because this was happening in the Great Plains. This was important since it had great farmland, which was useful for food supply. Also explained in the text, a woman explains how she was eating an egg salad sandwich, and a girl next to her said she "must be rich" (Favreau 6) since she could not afford eggs. All of this shows the lack, and need of food for Americans.
As talked about, Favreau does a great job sharing the hardship during the Depression speaking about the crashing economy, food supply, and people's everyday struggles. This informative book was useful, and intriguing. Marc Favreau uses good word choice to explain the events, and follows a timeline, but does not make each chapter coincide with the last. Excellent for keeping someone interested, coming from someone that struggles with such. His work is similar to the book "What was the Great Depression?", but his is more in depth. With all being considered, I would rank this book a 7/10 only because there is always more information to be learned about such big events.
`
Firstly, the United States economy took a huge hit during the Depression. There was no positive from this occurring, neither during or after. The author explains that there repairing to do. As stated, "With so little real cash in circulation, some towns created different kinds of 'script', a fake currency…" (Favreau 19). This quote expresses the shortage in money, how it affected the people, and how they had to adapt. Roosevelt handled repairing America well, not considering the Dustbowl. For example, "By the end of that week, Americans returned $600 million into their accounts" (Favreau 62). This was a big step for the country. Previously one-quarter of workers in America had lost their jobs. All in all, America was going through rough patches for a while, but eventually change occurred slowly but surely.
Secondly, people during the Depression had many obstacles to overcome. To illustrate, "Without rain, the soil turned to dust, and powerful windstorms picked up the dust and carried it over the plains" (Favreau 118). This event took place right when things were seemingly getting better. Citizens were already low on money, but for the ones in the Great Plains, money was at it's all time low. This made it even harder than before, due to the weather conditions. Also stated in Crash, "… there were reports of people eating wild berries and dandelions scavenged from fields, just to stay alive" (Favreau 6). The text is explaining how hungry, and desperate people were. The author likes emphasizing their daily struggles, and continues to do so throughout. In conclusion, for a normal person living in America everyday was lived barely surviving.
Thirdly, food was extremely hard to afford, and to find. To show this, "Farming now became impossible on land that had been stripped of top soil" (Favreau 117). This proves the hardness of finding food because this was happening in the Great Plains. This was important since it had great farmland, which was useful for food supply. Also explained in the text, a woman explains how she was eating an egg salad sandwich, and a girl next to her said she "must be rich" (Favreau 6) since she could not afford eggs. All of this shows the lack, and need of food for Americans.
As talked about, Favreau does a great job sharing the hardship during the Depression speaking about the crashing economy, food supply, and people's everyday struggles. This informative book was useful, and intriguing. Marc Favreau uses good word choice to explain the events, and follows a timeline, but does not make each chapter coincide with the last. Excellent for keeping someone interested, coming from someone that struggles with such. His work is similar to the book "What was the Great Depression?", but his is more in depth. With all being considered, I would rank this book a 7/10 only because there is always more information to be learned about such big events.
`
February 15, 2019
I would say this is the best informational book about that Great Depression that is not a narrative telling. It covers U.S. economic history under the leadership of presidents Herbert Hoover and Franklin Roosevelt. Initially enamored with Hoover, America quickly became disillusioned with his idea that the economy would self-correct if given enough time. Voters eagerly ushered in FDR in 1932.
The book covers all the economic and social issues of the 30s and early 40s. New Deal legislation, Civil Conservation Corps, Eleanor's contribution, women's rights, civil rights, the dust bowl and western migration, immigration, and the economic boom during World War II. Jam packed with information and photographs. It's a must for every school library, but my guess is it would only be checked out for research. I can't see too many kids choosing this book for pleasure reading.
My only gripe is that it doesn't really explain what caused the Stock Market Crash of 1929 or how that event could have caused such an economic disaster. Without this explanation, I'm not sure the two are related and based on everything else the author talked about, not even sure he knows how/if they are related.
The book covers all the economic and social issues of the 30s and early 40s. New Deal legislation, Civil Conservation Corps, Eleanor's contribution, women's rights, civil rights, the dust bowl and western migration, immigration, and the economic boom during World War II. Jam packed with information and photographs. It's a must for every school library, but my guess is it would only be checked out for research. I can't see too many kids choosing this book for pleasure reading.
My only gripe is that it doesn't really explain what caused the Stock Market Crash of 1929 or how that event could have caused such an economic disaster. Without this explanation, I'm not sure the two are related and based on everything else the author talked about, not even sure he knows how/if they are related.
June 15, 2018
Thanks to the @kidlitexchange network for the review copy of this book - all opinions are my own.
“America didn’t see it coming” the opening line of Crash: The Great Depression and the Fall and Rise of America in the 1930s by Marc Favreau grabs the reader’s attention and proceeds to provide a glimpse into life during the Stock Market Crash, The Great Depression and the two Presidents who tried to make policy to change the lives of Americans during this difficult time. The book is perfect for middle school or high school students -very readable and great pictures to to help the reader learn more about this time in history. As an adult I learned more about the contributions that Eleanor Roosevelt made as her time as first lady. @TheMarcFavreau #kidlitexchange #ilovereading #fortheloveofreading #librarian #bookworm @kidlitexchange
“America didn’t see it coming” the opening line of Crash: The Great Depression and the Fall and Rise of America in the 1930s by Marc Favreau grabs the reader’s attention and proceeds to provide a glimpse into life during the Stock Market Crash, The Great Depression and the two Presidents who tried to make policy to change the lives of Americans during this difficult time. The book is perfect for middle school or high school students -very readable and great pictures to to help the reader learn more about this time in history. As an adult I learned more about the contributions that Eleanor Roosevelt made as her time as first lady. @TheMarcFavreau #kidlitexchange #ilovereading #fortheloveofreading #librarian #bookworm @kidlitexchange
November 3, 2020
"You couldn't point to it, see it, or touch it." This book does a terrific job offering an overview of The Great Depression. It is thorough, well-researched and plainly explained. When I purchased this book, I did not realize it was written for young readers. It is short and direct with loads of photos, and although it was written for youth, I definitely learned from it. I found it completely relevant to those who don't know a great deal about the machinations of America's hardest times. This book also spurred my interest in purchasing and reading additional books about Eleanor Roosevelt, Francis Perkins, and other tales from Americans who shared their account of life during the 1930s. This book was a wonderful foundation to build upon if one is interested in learning more about how America survived during an economic collapse. That, alone, makes it invaluable.
Highly recommend!!
Highly recommend!!
July 20, 2018
Full of primary sources, photographs, and personal accounts, this book chronicles the crash of the US economy in 1929, the effects of the Great Depression, and the resurgence of the economy with the advent of World War II. Readers will learn more about the effects of the Great Depression on people around the country. Favreau is inclusive of many groups such as children, the elderly, immigrants, African Americans, women, unionists, and Jews. While FDR is clearly viewed as the hero, many other men and women were instrumental in the policies and events of the period, and Favreau introduces the reader to some of them.
January 3, 2019
3.5 stars
With many black and white primary source photographs and other primary sources, this tells briefly what led up to the great depression. Mainly the focus is the great depression, what it was, what life was like for the regular people, and how the government responded. It also relates how the Dust Bowl affected life after the stock market crash. Then relates how FDR and his programs brought things back to life. Easy to read and understand. Pictures are clear and relatable, poignant. A topic that our kids may hear about but definitely do not understand or relate to. Well-written, well-researched. (but not exciting)
With many black and white primary source photographs and other primary sources, this tells briefly what led up to the great depression. Mainly the focus is the great depression, what it was, what life was like for the regular people, and how the government responded. It also relates how the Dust Bowl affected life after the stock market crash. Then relates how FDR and his programs brought things back to life. Easy to read and understand. Pictures are clear and relatable, poignant. A topic that our kids may hear about but definitely do not understand or relate to. Well-written, well-researched. (but not exciting)
June 26, 2020
Crash tells the story of the Great Depression. Separated into four sections, Fall, Rise, Setback, and Victory. Readers will learn about the stock market crash, the country's unemployment dropping to 25 percent, much homelessness in the country and the unluckiest president during the fall section. in the rise section readers will learn about the lives of President Franklin Roosevelt and his wife Eleanor, the creation of the New Deal and Social Security. The setback section covers the Dust Bowl, America's blind spot when it came to the rights of African Americans and immigrants. the final section, victory, shows how America entering World War 2 brought the country back to work.
March 29, 2023
I found this to be a fantastic, non-fiction account of the great depression. I felt like it wasn’t bias. It told I know the pros and cons of our American history. It did not sugarcoat FDR. It told about his good side and things that were not desirable about him. I loved the information it gave about Eleanor Roosevelt. It gave lots of information about our country the good and the bad. I recommend this to all people who want to know more about the great depression timeframe. I also think this would be a big enhancement to middle school high school classes that are learning about this topic or homeschool parents.
September 29, 2023
This book,”Crash” by Marc Favreu is a book all about the stock market crash and the Great Depression of 1929. This book is a two star primarily because there is not main character and the book is just a timeline of the Great Depression. It is not hard to read meaning that it does not have any words that were out of my vocabulary and the book has easy to read wording. This book is not for those looking for action but rather for those looking for those trying to learn the history of the U.S depression. In conclusion, I give this book a two star rating because it is boring and I would not just give it to a person and say its a very engaging book without lying.
December 12, 2018
4.25 Stars This makes my short list! It is appetizers to dessert complete! It starts out at the roaring 1920's, and ends at World War II. It touches everything in that time period. War, racism, poverty, immigration/emigration !
Sometimes I think I am poor and according to some standards I live below the poverty line, but I have a car,I have a job, I have food, I have clothes and a roof over my head. I can cover most of my bills and expenses, I have clean water that comes into my house, I have heat, hot showers etc ! I really shouldn't feel sorry for myself!
Sometimes I think I am poor and according to some standards I live below the poverty line, but I have a car,I have a job, I have food, I have clothes and a roof over my head. I can cover most of my bills and expenses, I have clean water that comes into my house, I have heat, hot showers etc ! I really shouldn't feel sorry for myself!
January 4, 2019
What happened after the stock market crash? This book will tell you (even though the title makes you want to learn what happened leading up to it). It's easier to read than one might expect, when reading about starving people and union disputes, lynching and war. It does address the issues of African Americans and immigrants during the Great Depression quite clearly. It also weaves in FDR and Eleanor very nicely, with some personal information but not too much. A really great overview of the Great Depression and how we got out of it.
January 20, 2019
This book was amazing! It's a little too much for my students (4th grade), but is ideal for middle school. It's so readable as a narrative, and is packed with incredible information about this time period without glossing over the less-than-admirable parts. I'd recommend it to any pre-teen/ teen reader, and admit that I delighted in each page as an adult as well.
A recent indicator I've noticed of whether or not I'm really loving a book - I took pictures of a few sections/images/insets. That's generally a sign that I loved it a lot :)
A recent indicator I've noticed of whether or not I'm really loving a book - I took pictures of a few sections/images/insets. That's generally a sign that I loved it a lot :)
October 7, 2018
What is sad is that Americans are not taught the real American history. Had that been done, most Americans would have realized that they are reliving the worst of the Great Depression Era-hatred, division, intolerance, coercion. What was present then is present now, almost at the same level of presentation and acceptance by the public. I hope war is not the solution out of this current round of depression.
January 30, 2019
This book was incredible, a book talking about the history of the United States. It talks about the Great Depression, the time where the stock market crashed. It also talks about World War II, where the Japanese attacked Pearl Harbor. It also talks about some famous figures such as Herbert Hoover, FDR, Eleanor Roosevelt, etc. Basically, it talked about how life was back then, and how people survived through the Great Depression and World War II.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 12, 2020
What a great informational read on a dark period of America. And relevant too as we're going through a challenging period currently with similar topics.
Favreau makes understanding the Depression and the ramifications that went along with it very easy and captivating. Race issues, immigrations, joblessness, freedoms, restrictions.... that's what was going on and that's what's happening today.
Never too late to learn about history so we don't repeat our mistakes.
Favreau makes understanding the Depression and the ramifications that went along with it very easy and captivating. Race issues, immigrations, joblessness, freedoms, restrictions.... that's what was going on and that's what's happening today.
Never too late to learn about history so we don't repeat our mistakes.
July 12, 2021
Really loved this book. Had a lot of good information about the great depression. I learned about it in school so it was nice to be refreshed on the topic and learn new things. I also like how the author also talked about African-Americans during the depression a well. It wasn't something that was really taught to me at school.
Also, the way the author frames and writes out the information, it makes you really understand how bad and hopeless the depression was for many.
Also, the way the author frames and writes out the information, it makes you really understand how bad and hopeless the depression was for many.
January 25, 2022
It was a fairly quick read. I’ve always wondered how did the Great Depression start? This book laid it all out for me and gave me a lot of info I didn’t know about US history. From the very beginning of the depression into presidents Hoover and FDR, to the dust bowl, and the start of unions. I found every bit quite fascinating and really enjoyed this book and all of the pictures that associated with the times.
May 24, 2023
Loved the narrative structure of this book, super loved the stunning photography, quotes from survivors of this tremulous time period, and the hand edits on FDR’s speeches and missives. Had no idea about repatriation or Father Coughlin. Didn’t know anything about Hoover’s pre-presidential legacy either. What a sad end to what started as such a promising humanitarian advocate’s career. Definitely ordering Favreau’s book on Spies in the Cold War next.
November 30, 2025
Although the book was comprehensive by covering conditions prior to the crash and the early ineffective efforts by Pres. Hoover, it focused mostly on job loss, starvation, and the Dust Bowl. When FDR was elected, things started to improve. However, the main engine of economic recovery was WWII and the war industries. I think this may have been aimed at a younger audience, though it was not labeled for teens. It had great photos to illustrate the main points of the book.
May 15, 2018
This book is the perfect combination of primary sources and text. The author covers the time period completely. The differences between President Hoover and President Roosevelt are explained. I enjoyed the photographs, union posters, telegrams, political posters, etc. It is over 200 pages - an engaging read.
March 6, 2020
I listened to the audiobook so I missed out on the pictures everyone is talking about. This is a decent read for younger readers—it’s only about 3 hours and covers the 1920s to 1940s briefly. It’s a good overview and I still learned some new things. The author also did well explaining how this era affected people that were just not white— I appreciated the diversity in narrative.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 62 reviews