The Vietnam War

April 1, 2017
Gr 6-8-Each book is divided into 12 chapters. The first chapter highlights the ideological, political, and religious disputes that led to the war. Subsequent sections explain the war itself: battles, weaponry, and people. The final chapter describes the outcomes of the conflict, such as how the regions were affected socially and politically. Organization of content is pragmatic and attractive. A simple palette of two bold colors and their pastel counterparts keeps the look uncluttered, and the writing is succinct yet substantive. Related statistics and questions for readers to consider appear in sidebars. For instance, in American Revolution, students are asked: -Were the Sons of Liberty right to dump the tea into the Boston Harbor? Why, or why not? Was there another way they could have protested the taxes?- VERDICT Sound choices for most tween readers.

Copyright 2017 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

April 1, 2017
Grades 4-7 In 12 two-page chapters, this entry in the America at War series chronologically details U.S. involvement in the Vietnam War. Influenced by both WWII and the Cold War, the fight centered around tensions between Communist North Vietnam and non-Communist South Vietnam. Sherman details the efforts of American soldiers in South Vietnam against the rebel Vietcong. Several changes in the American presidency led to changing war policies as antiwar sentiment increased. U.S. soldiers used helicopters in combat, while the Vietcong relied on guerilla warfare. Later chapters explain the Tet Offensive, the fall of Saigon, and how Vietnamese refugees were forced to flee their homes. A time line ends the book, and most chapters contain war statistics, additional facts, and questions that prompt readers to think critically about the war, making this ideal for classroom use.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2017, American Library Association.)