A Young People's History of the United States

by Howard Zinn, Rebecca Stefoff (Contribution by)

Overview

The classic bottom-up history of the US retold for young adults.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781583228692
Publisher:	Seven Stories Press
Publication date:	06/02/2009
Series:	For Young People Series
Edition description:	Combined volume
Pages:	464
Sales rank:	6,474
Product dimensions:	5.40(w) x 7.90(h) x 1.30(d)
Lexile:	1010L (what's this?)
Age Range:	10 - 15 Years

About the Author

The visionary historical work of professor and activist HOWARD ZINN (1922–2010) is widely considered one of the most important and influential of our era. After his experience as a bombardier in World War II, Zinn became convinced that there could no longer be such a thing as a “just war,” because the vast majority of victims in modern warfare are, increasingly, innocent civilians. In his books, including A People’s History of the United States, its companion volumeVoices of a People’s History of the United States, and countless other titles, Zinn affirms the power of the people to influence the course of events.

REBECCA STEFOFF is the author of more than 100 nonfiction books for children and young adults, and she has adapted several best-selling history books for younger readers.

Table of Contents

Part One

Introduction ix

Columbus and the Indians 1

Black and White 23

Who were the Colonists? 39

Tyranny is Tyranny 57

Revolutions 71

The Women of Early America 89

As Long as Grass Grows or Water Runs 105

War with Mexico 121

Slavery and Emancipation 135

The Other Civil War 153

Robber Barons and Rebels 169

The American Empire 185

Part Two

Class Struggle 201

World War I 219

Hard Times 235

World War II and the Cold War 257

Black Revolt and Civil Rights 275

Vietnam 297

Surprises 313

Under Control? 333

Politics as Usual 347

Resistance 361

The End of the Twentieth Century 375

The "War on Terrorism" 389

War in Iraq, Conflict at Home 403

"Rise Like Lions" 421

Glossary 427

Index 429

About the Authors 448

Editorial Reviews

This update of a classic is to some a controversial telling of American history. Books for youth rarely present American history that is not told from the politicians or, in some cases, the popular view, but from the viewpoints and of the impact on workers, slaves, immigrants, women, Native Americans, and others. Content here has been adapted from and is part of The People Speak, a soon to air History Channel series. The entire book is presented in sepia tones, from the many photos to the two-page short informative essays and the text. The layout uses white space well, and what could be a cold textbook becomes a welcoming, easy-to-read volume. The glossary allows readers to understand historical terms. The index enables researchers to narrow in on the areas of interest to them. Beginning with Christopher Columbus's arrival through the eyes of the Arawak Indians and then the struggles for workers' rights, women's rights, and civil rights during the nineteenth and twentieth centuries, before ending with the current protests against continued American imperialism, a different way of understanding America's history is offered. This well-written volume contains primary sources and an often overlooked view of history. Students are given the opportunity to see history through the eyes of the common people and to realize that dissent has always had a place in American history. It will be a useful addition to a middle and high school library. Reviewer: Susan Allen

VOYA - Susan Allen