Blumenthal, Karen.  Hilary Rodham Clinton.  Macmillan/Feiwel & Friends  2016  433p  $18.99  ISBN 978-1-250-06014-3        ms/hs  Biography  VG-BN

Hillary Rodham Clinton is a complex political figure who is admired by some and despised by others. This biography covers her childhood through the beginning of the 2016 election cycle and her second attempt at a presidential bid, with the highs of her professional success as well as the scandals that have plagued the political careers of Clinton and her husband, former president Bill Clinton. Each scandal could be a book in and of itself; but the reader is given enough information to understand each situation and the impact it has had on Clinton’s career. Throughout her career she has been and advocate for children and women, and she used the platforms available to her as first lady, senator, and cabinet member to champion those causes. Regardless of one’s personal opinion of Clinton, this book is a good source of information on her life and the moments that have shaped her 2016 presidential candidacy. The narrative is smooth and engaging from beginning to end. It is a highly recommended addition for any high school collection.    

Summary: This is a biography of the Hilary Clinton, the presidential candidate from her childhood through the start of the 2016 election cycle.

Hilary Rodham Clinton, American Politics, Current events

--Stephanie Pennucci

Blumenthal, Karen. Tommy: The Gun That Changed America.

Blumenthal, Karen.  Tommy: The Gun That Changed America.    Macmillan/Roaring Brook Press  2015  232p  $19.99  ISBN 978-1-62672-084-8  ms/hs  Nonfiction  E-BN

The history of the Thompson submachine gun, which was conceived during World War I but did not see the light of day until the war ended, is detailed in this well-written, entertaining and informative book.  Blumenthal begins by discussing the Gatling gun, the antecedent of the Tommy, and, using a zippy, upbeat writing style, she continues to discuss the creation and manufacture of the Thompson, gun-running to the Irish Republican Army, prohibition and the history of the bootleggers, Al Capone and 1920s and 1930s gangsterism, the FBI, and the legacy of gun violence in America today.  Except for the prologue, the chapters follow a strict chronological order and each chapter is fascinating.  It is incredibly interesting to read American history as told from the point of view of a piece of technology, and it should make the history that much more interesting for the reluctant reader.  There are also plenty of black-and-white photographs illustrating every aspect of the history along the way, from the factories where the first Tommys were produced to stills of James Cagney playing Al Capone in the movies.  The author also provides numerous references, notes, acknowledgements, picture credits, and a good index.  Altogether a very satisfying read. 

Summary:  The history of the Thompson submachine gun, which was conceived during World War I but did not see the light of day until the day the war ended, is detailed in this well-written, entertaining and informative book.      

Guns, Firearms                                              --Carol Kennedy

Blumenthal. Murder, Moonshine, & the Lawless Years of Prohibition

Blumenthal, Karen Bootleg, Murder, Moonshine, & the Lawless Years of Prohibition    Roaring Brook Press see macmillan children's pub    2011  154p  18.99 978-1-59643-449-3 

 ms/hs E-BN        

     Text examines the rise and fall of Prohibition.        

     This is a well-rounded look at the colorful Prohibition era. It takes into account both negative and positive aspects of the law that resulted in unintended consequences (Prohibition was initiated to decrease lawlessness and drunkenness, but instead increased both).  Karen Blumenthal, a longtime writer for the “Wall Street Journal,”  creates a highly readable nonfiction text that instantly engages the reader by opening with the 1929 Valentines Day massacre in Chicago and then highlighting the political and social turmoil that led to that event.     Blumenthal skillfully weaves fascinating biographies of key players into the text, from temperance crusader Morris Sheppard to legendary gangster Al Capone. I found the passages devoted to Carrie Nation, particularly engaging.

The entertaining narrative is packed with photos, drawings, advertisements, and images that complement and enhance the text.  The glossary, bibliography, and source notes, are valuable additions and attest to the author’s in-depth research.  History buffs may be pleasantly surprised by the layers of detail that this slim volume contains. Readers will be prompted to share interesting facts gleaned from the text.  For instance, did you know that Al Capone’s brother was a federal enforcement agent?  or that several charter NASCAR drivers got their start running moonshine during this era? Teens looking for a research tool will find this volume an important resource.

                  1. Prohibition -- United States -- Juvenile literature. 2. Temperance -- United States --History -- 20th century -- Juvenile literature.     Hilary Welliver