Children of the Great Depression

Children of the Great Depression

Author: Russell Freedman

ISBN: 0618446303

Publisher: Clarion Books, 2005

Age: 9-12

Genre: Non-fiction

Summary: “It was my sister’s turn to eat.”  This statement and many others illustrate just what it was like growing up in America during the Great Depression.  Using photos taken by well known photographers this photo essay, by award winning author Russell Freedman, takes you on a journey from pre-Depression era through Black Tuesday, the Dust Bowl, and more.  Stirring descriptions of children not able to attend school because of lack of fund, proper clothing or because children could work for less wages than an adult.  Each real life account is full of emotion and gives an intimate glimpse into life behind the history.  

Read A-likes: Children of the Dust Bowl; The Great Depression; Kids At Work: Lewis Hine and the Crusade Against Child Labor; and Potato: A Tale From the Great Depression.

Personal Thoughts: With many personal descriptions from children that grew up during the Great Depression this book is heart wrenching and thought provoking.  Reading this book made me profoundly grateful for everything I have, my family, my job, my home and more.  This period of time has had such a long lasting effect on our country and this book is a marvelous illustration of just what those years entailed, and would make a fabulous addition to any study of the Great Depression or World War II.  It’s no wonder why we call the World War II generation the greatest generation of our time.  Not only did most of them grow up and live through the Great Depression, they also lived through World War II and all that entailed.  Russell Freedman is truly a gifted author!  Inspiring from the very beginning.