The Century for Young People (by Peter Jennings)

This treasure trove of information is distinguished by its blend of first-hand accounts and objective reporting. It is an excellent, high-quality reference book that offers a lot to look at and pays excellent attention to detail. Room should be made for this book in the student's home library.

While the text from its predecessor, The Century, has been adapted here for young people, the writing style has not. The prose is direct and intelligent; it's easy to imagine coauthor Peter Jennings reciting these passages on the nightly news. Younger readers accustomed to bold, clipped phrasing may at first find it hard to grab onto the elegantly formed phrases. Still, small touches throughout the book will make the people and subjects come alive for young readers, such as a list of tabloid nicknames for Babe Ruth and unvarnished quotes such as this gem from Charles Lindbergh on his fame: "I was so filled up with this hero guff I was ready to shout murder."