A Young People's History of the United States: Class Struggle to the War On Terror (Volume 2) (Hardcover)

~ Rebecca Stefoff (Adapter), (Author)
Key Phrases: United States, White House, Supreme Court (more...)

Editorial Reviews

Product Description

In volume two, Howard Zinn’s lively, clear prose guides the reader through the wars and revolutions of the twentieth century. Zinn continues his retelling up to the policies and resistances that have characterized the war on terror and that shape the United States of America today. Includes a final chapter updating our country’s history to the present moment.

Howard Zinn is the author of numerous books, including his epic masterpiece, A People’s History of the United States, as well as many recent books published by Seven Stories Press: Voices of a People’s History of the United States and Terrorism and War, both written with Anthony Arnove, and The Zinn Reader. He is professor emeritus of political science at Boston University.

Young People's History of the US

About the Author

Howard Zinn is the author of numerous books, including his epic masterpiece, A People's History of the United States, as well as many recent books published by Seven Stories Press: Voices of a People's History of the United States and Terrorism and War, and The Zinn Reader. He is a professor emeritus of political science at Boston University.

Rebecca Stefoff is the author of many books for children and young adults, including a biography of the Shawnee chieftain Tecumseh and her adaptation of Ronald Takaki's award-winning history of Asian Americans, Strangers from a Different Shore.

Product Details

• Reading level: Young Adult
  
• Hardcover: 240 pages
• Publisher: Seven Stories Press; Seven Stories Press 1st Ed edition (May 1, 2007)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1583227601
• ISBN-13: 978-1583227602
• Product Dimensions: 8.2 x 5.7 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 12 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 3.4 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (5 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #161,188 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A Good Supplemental Reader for Young People., August 23, 2009

By	Twitch (Far West Texas) - See all my reviews

I feel compelled to respond to some misinformation propagated by another reviewer regarding the book where it is stated that "...[the author] claims on page 209 that "The beginning of the Declaration of Independence says that 'We the people'..." 'We the people'? In the Declaration of Independence?"

The reviewer places the quote entirely out of context. The quote is from the last chapter, which is a prologue or summation of the book by the author. Thus, an opinion by the author is valid, and not some distortion of the historical record as implied. The author is not quoting the Declaration of Independence, he is making a point about it; which would be clear if you read it in context.

This is not a complete history but an overview of The history of the United States. It assumes that you already have a basic outline of historical events. It makes a good supplementary reader for a fifth grade level classroom, and provides an alternative perspective that can lead to healthy discussion. Is it opinionated? Yes. But why would anyone ever think that ANY book would be referred to as gospel? Let students know that there are many ways of presenting information and let them know how to approach the errors and biases that are in every text critically.

Volume One begins with Columbus, which, if we are talking about American History(obviously we are not)is a little late in my opinion, and it runs through the Spanish-american War(shouldn't that be the Cuban-Spanish-American-Filipino-Guam War?). Volume Two begins with "Class Struggle" and runs through the "War on Terror." That sequence itself reflects a distinct perspective. I think that perspective is healthy. To find yourself looking for and questioning the opinions expressed in this reader is a good thing. It is always good to know the difference between an opinion and a fact, and to know when the record reflects a strong bias. Perhaps a sense of cognitive dissonance is a positive step toward thinking through the historical record more critically, and not being too smug in your own opinions. The democratic process requires an informed society. Mr. Zinn doesn't appear to think that our children are very well informed, and I applaud his attempt to do something about it. Whether you agree with him or not, at least we should be talking about it proactively with our kids.

9 of 13 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars A people's history of the US since WW II., January 27, 2008

By	C. Otten (ohio, USA) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

For an older adult who can remember the fifties, this is a history that informs me of historical currents that were not obvious at the time. For young people, this is a very readable supplement to the twentieth century US history that is taught in schools.
I highly recommend this. Further similar reading might include Loewen's Lies My Teachers Taught Me.

25 of 41 people found the following review helpful:

2.0 out of 5 stars History?, July 25, 2008

By	Nicolas Dale (Cary, NC United States) - See all my reviews

While at times Howard Zinn puts forth interesting theories, facts occasionally get in the way. For example, he claims on page 209 that "The beginning of the Declaration of Independence says that 'We the people'..." 'We the people'? In the Declaration of Independence?

I'm not sure if this is just an issue with Rebecca Stefoff's adaptation, or Zinn's facts, but it's clearly an issue. This isn't a history book, but more a political opinion book which happens to use history to support the author's arguments.

--13 year old history buff