The Vietnam War

Reviews

School Library Connections
The author does not shy from describing the deception and dishonesty prevalent among these central players, and the key events of the war are explained, complete with their importance. Readers are given glimpses of the war itself, from the use of defoliants such as Agent Orange, to the Cu Chi Tunnels used so effectively by the Viet Cong, to the protests of Buddhist monks, and the devastating effects of the war on the Vietnamese countryside. The book also recounts the growing disenchantment of the American public as the war dragged on. The role of the media, especially television, domestic/student protests, and the Pentagon Papers episode are all explained. The highlight of the book is its interactive aspect. Numerous sidebars ask students to consider critical questions, “Vocab Lab” invites readers to compile and practice vocabulary, and codes can be scanned to lead students to additional information such as Ho’s Declaration of Independence, propaganda cartoons, and relevant speeches. Bibliography. Glossary. Recommended

School Library Journal
"A well-organized and succinct work to accompany U.S. history units. The book follows the trajectory of the Vietnam War and includes vocabulary labs at the end of each chapter, project ideas (writing a song or poem about a current political/social concern), investigative questions and points to ponder or debate. (“How was guerilla warfare different from traditional warfare?”). Content includes the Chinese occupation, French imperialism, and U.S. sentiment following the fall of Saigon. The writing is concise with relevant sources and differing points of view. Tech enthusiasts will like the inclusion of QR codes with primary source videos and documents. VERDICT: This text could be used as a supplemental study guide for dedicated students."

Tom Heneghan, Reuters bureau chief in Bangkok for Thailand and Indochina in the late1980s
“The Vietnam War was the nightmare of my high school and college years, and I later covered post-war Vietnam as a foreign correspondent. This fine history gives today’s students both a clear overview of the conflict and the historical context to understand how it began and what its legacy has been.”

Matthew Masur, Associate Professor of History, St. Anselm College, co-editor of Understanding and Teaching the Vietnam War
“A great introduction to the Vietnam War for young readers. Diggs’ book is clear, readable, and engaging. She takes an important but challenging topic and treats it with fairness and sensitivity.”