1919 The Year That Changed America

Can see why this was nominated for the YA NBA, but very surprised it won over the others (Pet was my pick). I did learn about some historical events I wasn't familiar with - the molasses flood - and gained some more details on others like Red Summer. I liked the that each chapter had a look how a particular chapter's events still reverberate 100 years later. I liked the theory of selective timelines by theme for each chapter, but in practice it felt too limiting. I was surprised that there weren't footnotes used, but there is an index and works consulted. I'm not sure what kid I'd get take read this or use for research, as it's cut to such a large format. I do think it's valuable, so we'll see if I can get it to gain any traction with my students and teachers.

This was interesting and engaging! I'm still a little surprised at its National Book Award win, but, sure? It does a great job of connecting present-day America back to specific events in 1919 that were landmarks for labor, civil rights, racial justice, etc.

I do wish publishers would stop making nonfiction books aimed at teens so physically large; they're bulky and feel like a textbook, it's hard to convince teens to check them out for pleasure reading. It also could have used more specific endnotes for my tastes but overall, a solid read.