The Century for Young People
A must for serious and casual history students.
Kids say
Based on 1 review
Common Sense is a nonprofit organization. Your purchase helps us remain independent and ad-free.
Did we miss something on diversity?
Research shows a connection between kids' healthy self-esteem and positive portrayals in media. That's why we've added a new "Diverse Representations" section to our reviews that will be rolling out on an ongoing basis. You can help us help kids by suggesting a diversity update.
Suggest an Update
A Lot or a Little?
The parents' guide to what's in this book.
What Parents Need to Know
Parents need to know that this book focuses on many of the darker chapters in history, but many of these events can lead to stimulating conversations with children.
Community Reviews
There aren't any reviews yet. Be the first to review this title.
What's the Story?
This is history through the eyes of ordinary people who lived through extraordinary times. Premier journalist Peter Jennings has woven together top-notch reporting and compelling first-hand accounts to form an incomparable world history. A profusion of photographs helps bring to life the events that shaped this century. A must-read for both serious and casual history students.
Is It Any Good?
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."
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about some of the major topics in the book, including the civil rights movement, assisted suicide, and war.
Book Details
- Author: Peter Jennings
- Genre: History
- Book type: Non-Fiction
- Publication date: September 28, 1999
- Publisher's recommended age(s): 9 - 12
- Number of pages: 256
- Last updated: July 12, 2017
Common Sense Media's unbiased ratings are created by expert reviewers and aren't influenced by the product's creators or by any of our funders, affiliates, or partners.
See how we rate