Code Red

This series provides an overview of important historical events… The text is informative and will interest pleasure readers and browsers. Each two page spread focuses on the chronology of the event, including causes and consequences, and color photos and captions are used to good effect. Includes profiles of people involved, a glossary and additional information, and an index.

This series provides an overview of important historical events… The text is informative and will interest pleasure readers and browsers. Each two page spread focuses on the chronology of the event, including causes and consequences, and color photos and captions are used to good effect. Includes profiles of people involved, a glossary and additional information, and an index.

Nine of the worst disasters in U.S. history are represented in this series. These are well written, presenting factual information using historic photographs and quotes from people who were directly involved. With limited text, the information is presented in an enjoyable narrative style that is easily accessible to more reluctant readers. Each book includes an online resource. The online listings lead students to quality sources such as the Smithsonian, National Geographic, and the Chicago Historical Society. The subject matter of these books makes them more applicable for slightly older students. Although written at a third grade level, the content of these books would hold the interest of older students. The series would be of particular value for struggling readers at middle and even high school level. Bibliography. Glossary. Table of Contents. Index. Recommended.

[In The Hindenburg Disaster] Feigenbaum describes the 1937 catastrophe that occurred when the hydrogen-powered airship burst into flames and crashed, killing 36 people. High-quality, historical photographs add drama and perspective. One might argue whether the picture of the partially burned survivor is necessary, but it does make the tragedy seem real. [In The Great Chicago Fire] McHugh discusses the raging fire that spread over the city in 1871, leaving a wide trail of death, destruction, and homelessness. Illustrations are mostly drawings because no photographs exist. Providing insight into the disasters, the probable causes, and the future outcomes, these well-written books stick to the facts and avoid sensationalism. They include a couple of large-print paragraphs per spread, helpful features such as eye-witness quotes, sidebars with additional information, profiles of important people, a glossary, and references to print and online materials. These titles should prove popular.

Twelve double-page spreads introduce each disaster, give some background, and describe reactions and changes in public policy in response to the events. While the writing never completely conveys the enormity of these catastrophes, the photographs show some of the drama. A final spread briefly profiles three or four people with roles in the events. Reading list. Bib., glos., ind.

All three books have the same format: two-page chapters with a full-color photo on each page, a few paragraphs of large-print text and quotes from eyewitnesses. They conclude with profiles of people involved in these events. [In The Exxon Valdez’s Deadly Oil Spill] Beech examines the harmful rippling effect on wildlife, water, and the environment caused by the disastrous Exxon oil spill in Prince William Sound in 1989. Powerful colorful photographs tell the story just as well as the text. This is a very basic account of what happened and how challenging the rescue and cleanup was for the thousands of people involved. [In The Challenger Space Shuttle Explosion] Caper tells the story of the excitement that surrounded this shuttle mission and touches on what went wrong with it. There is also a brief history of the space age. [In The 2001 World Trade Center Attack] Greene gives a barebones description of what happened on September 11, 2001, mostly in terms of the Twin Towers. She describes the harrowing catastrophe for those working in and around the towers and the experiences of the rescue workers.

Titanic describes the 1912 collision of this “unsinkable” ship with an iceberg, and the resulting horror. Three Mile Island discusses the 1979 malfunction of a nuclear reactor that could have cost thousands of lives and devastated the area but, fortunately, did not. A 1911 fire in a New York City sweatshop where 146 people died because of dangerous conditions is the subject of Triangle, which also describes resulting changes in workers’ rights. Texas covers the 1947 explosion of a ship loading fertilizer that set off a chain reaction in which 550 people died. The disaster might have been prevented by warning labels on the fertilizer. In each of these titles, the writing is clear and concise, and nothing is described purely for shock value; the facts are allowed to speak for themselves. The books are liberally laced with pertinent period photographs and numerous quotes from people who played significant roles in the events. Brief profiles of these figures are also provided. While none of the books actively seeks to place blame, there is also no attempt to gloss over failings. Emphasis is on the laws and policies that have been adopted to ensure that such tragedies do not reoccur. Useful additions to explain painful but important pieces of history.

This offering [The Triangle Shirtwaist Factory Fire] from the Code Red series recounts the March 25, 1911, fire that destroyed a New York City clothing manufacturer, killing 146 people, most of them young female garment workers. Using a narrative style, Greene explains how the fire started, why so many workers had trouble getting out of the building, and how the blaze was finally brought under control. She also touches on the protests that followed and changes in legislation intended to prevent a repeat of this tragedy. Each double-page spread contains a brief section of text, several captioned illustrations, and a fact box; most also include a primary source quote. Potentially unfamiliar vocabulary words appear in bold print and are defined in the glossary. Other appendixes include profiles of key individuals, bibliographies, and Web links, making this book useful for report writers as well as an enticing pick for browsers drawn by the dramatic subject.