Bootleg: Murder, Moonshine, And The Lawless Years Of Prohibition

Blumenthal, Karen. 2011. BOOTLEG: MURDER, MOONSHINE, AND THE LAWLESS YEARS OF PROHIBITION. Somerville, MA: Candlewick. ISBN 978-1596434493 [Suggested Grade Levels 6-12]

REVIEW

This award winning nonfiction author gives readers another well-researched and lively look at a fascinating topic: the role of alcohol in our society, particularly during the Prohibition years in the 1920’s. Her balanced writing offers insight into the motivations behind the movement to ban public drinking and the ramifications of the Constitutional amendment to do so. How could good intentions go so wrong? What is the role of government in socializing behavior? She offers lively anecdotes and archival images in a well-organized presentation of a multi-layered issue. BOOTLEG was named a Kirkus Best Teen Book of the Year and School Library Journal Best Nonfiction Book of 2011

CONNECTIONS

In her final chapter, Blumenthal raises questions about how other illegal substances (such as marijuana) affect society. There are excellent discussion points for older readers to consider in a pro/con debate. In addition, she provides extensive source notes and bibliographic references which tweens/teens can pursue for more photos, stories, and details. Check out Ken Burns’s documentary on Prohibition for more background building.

RELATED BOOKS

Other nonfiction books by Karen Blumenthal:

STEVE JOBS; THE MAN WHO THOUGHT DIFFERENT. ISBN 978-1250014450

LET ME PLAY: THE STORY OF TITLE IX. ISBN 978-0689859571

SIX DAYS IN OCTOBER: THE STOCK MARKET CRASH OF 1929. ISBN 978-0689842764

By Sylvia M. Vardell