Credit, Then and Now

Reviews

 Booklist
"Looking at the 1920s through the lens of modernity gives readers pause to consider the impact of that wild-and-woolly decade.  Lusted dissects the decade into related chunks to make it approachable from many angles: economics, politics, science, culture, poverty, the stock market crash, and the beginnings of the Great Depression. Two aspects of the book stand out. First, the QR code links to primary source documents, photos, and film clips; and second, the Inquire & Investigate section of each chapter, which challenges students to compare and contrast events of that era with events that have occurred since that time. This has a place in classrooms and school libraries, as it offers an overview (with some depth) of sticky topics, making it a good starting point for class discussions or individual projects."

 Children's Literature
"This well-constructed resource book for students and teachers alike provides an excellent overview of the Roaring Twenties and then offers teen readers opportunities to analyze and synthesize their understanding events, inventions, and opportunities during the era through end of chapter sections called Inquire and investigate. For example, chapter 2, which in titled "We're in the Money' and discusses everything from the Stock Market to the concept of credit, has inquiry sections that ask students to use math/graphs to better understand consumer credit, encourages them to look at $100 and consider myriad ways to invest it, then provides background on radio advertising as a means to consider the importance of words and products. An excellent timeline at the beginning of the book, a complete vocabulary of the time period, and an extensive glossary provide additional help for anyone interested in learning more about this time period in American history. I would consider this an excellent resource for any history/social studies teacher."

 Library Media Connection
"This engaging and insightful read into the 1920s can be used as a supplementary textbook in an American History class. Lusted's writing captures the decade, offering all its vitality with an encompassing overview of the era. As the narration gains its footing, the text flows seamlessly . . . a valuable addition to a library looking to update its history collection." Recommended

 Bookloons.com
"One of the most fascinating periods in American history, the Roaring Twenties was a time of turmoil and change. This interactive book with lots of hands on activities immerses the younger reader (age ten and up) in different aspects of this decade. There's material here on politics, economics, and crime as well as literature, music, and fashion. Scan the helpful timeline at the beginning of this book and then delve into the sections that discuss the events leading up to the Great Depression, the effects of Prohibition, advancements in technology, and changes to America's urban landscape . . . This is an excellent resource for teachers and parents who are home schooling. Use this book to introduce the era and then expand the topic with more focused study on areas of interest. The resource section at the back of the book will be very helpful."

 Jennifer Schulze, MSEd, Reading Specialist Instructor, Western Oregon University
"The further I read, the more I wanted to know and the more questions I had. The Inquire & Investigate sections gave me space to consider those questions and I really appreciate that as a teacher. Telling the other side of the Roaring Twenties story opens the door to conversations about the stark differences between the haves and the have-nots of both the 1920s and today. An excellent text about the Roaring Twenties."

Lorcan Otway, Director, Museum of the American Gangster
"The Roaring Twenties is a wonderful invitation to young students to delve into a time that helped to form modernity in the United States. This book is not a collection of facts and dates—Lusted entices the young reader to go deeper and seek out greater understanding by searching out original sources and experimenting with commonly available materials."

Michael M. Yell, National Board Certified middle school social studies teacher, former president National Council for the Social Studies (NCSS)
"The Roaring Twenties belongs in your classroom library, student bookshelf, or media center. From the questions the book continually poses for readers to its treatment of major trends and issues, The Roaring Twenties is history done well for the students of today."

Anne Shaw, Director, 21st Century Schools
"The author has provided astounding connections between the 1920s and the 21st century. Nomad Press is one of the very best resources available to teachers for creating truly spectacular learning experiences for their students."