Death at Kent State

Starred review from December 15, 2016
Grades 5-8 *Starred Review* Iconic photographs capturing key historical moments litter textbooks, but sometimes the historical circumstances surrounding those photos get lost in the shuffle. Titles in the Captured History series aim to clarify that context by zeroing in on recognizable photos and outlining some of the events leading up to the moment as well as analyzing the photograph and its ultimate impact. In lucid, evenhanded text, Death at Kent State movingly explains the frustrations of protesters over U.S. involvement in Vietnam and the escalating panic that led to the National Guard opening fire on a crowd of college studentsthe aftermath of which occupies this volume's central photo. Burgan also addresses the effects the photo had on national policy, and legal battles that followed the shooting. The approachable text, appealing layout, and fascinating lens through which to explore history are all bolstered by extensive source notes and additional resources.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2016, American Library Association.)