American War Library - Life of an American Soldier in Vietnam [Hardcover]

Diane Yancey (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: September 1, 2000 | Series: American War Library

Unprepared to fight the most unpopular war in their country's history, thousands of young Americans struggled with fear, loneliness, anger, and disillusionment in the jungles of Vietnam. On their return home, those who survived had to deal with the aftereffects of their war experience in virtual isolation. (20010801)

Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal

Grade 6-9-In six chapters, Roberts covers the principal civilian and military leaders who were involved in the Vietnam War: Ho Chi Minh, Ngo Dinh Diem, Lyndon B. Johnson, William Westmoreland, Richard Nixon, and Henry Kissinger. Personal and political details combine to give insight into the personality, successes, and failures of each man. Yancey begins with an essay on the futility of the war. The chapters that follow deal with the trained but ill-informed soldiers, living conditions, dangers, uncontrolled behaviors, postwar personal problems, closure, and lessons learned. An epilogue talks about The Wall, the national monument. Little mention is made of POWs and MIAs. The texts are organized in double-column pages with detailed sidebars in tinted boxes. Many primary sources are quoted. Both volumes are liberally illustrated with good-quality, black-and-white captioned photos. Vocabulary is appropriate while at the same time describing the situation without softening the impact or tempering the language in the soldiers' statements. These are definitely titles that should be considered for purchase.
Eldon Younce, Harper Elementary School, KS
Copyright 2001 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Review

"The text is supplemented by quotes from primary-source materials such as letters, diaries, and published accounts written by soldiers, nurses, and civilians."
-- School Library Journal (September 2001) (School Library Journal 20010601)

"A forward explains why it is important to look at America as a country defined by the wars it chose to wage while an introduction seeks to explain why the United States chose to wage this particular war. The epilogue details what happened to many of those involved. Black-and-white photographs show men, women, and materiel. (It) will appeal to a wide range of ages; clear, concise, and user-friendly, it is tailor-made for reports but will still attract browsers."
-- School Library Journal (August 2001) (School Library Journal 20010401)

"The chapters that follow deal with the trained but ill-informed soldiers, living conditions, dangers, uncontrolled behaviors, postwar personal problems, closure, and lessons learned. The texts are organized in double-column pages with detailed sidebars in tinted boxes. Many primary sources are quoted...volumes are liberally illustrated with good-quality, black-and-white captioned photos. Vocabulary is appropriate while at the same time describing the situation without softening the impact or tempering the language in the soldier's statements. These are definitely titles that should be considered for purchase."
-- School Library Journal (June 2001) (School Library Journal )

"An introduction presents a brief background history...The text is then divided into five chronological chapters...The epilogue concluded with a balanced discussion of the period. Well-captioned, black-and-white photos, supplement the main presentation. Documentation is thorough, with detailed notes. This informative presentation will be a good source for reports and for general interest."
-- School Library Journal (April 2001) (School Library Journal )

Product Details

• Hardcover: 128 pages
• Publisher: Lucent Books; 1 edition (September 1, 2000)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1560066768
• ISBN-13: 978-1560066767
• Product Dimensions: 9.3 x 7.7 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 15 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #4,178,189 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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