50 things you should know about the Vietnam war

This visual guide to the Vietnam War (part of the 50 Things You Should Know About series) outlines key ideas relating to the lead-up to, events of, and aftermath of the conflict. Set within an overarching chronological structure, the topics include central figures such as Ho Chi Minh, leader of the Communist forces in Vietnam; campaigns like the Tet Offensive and the bombings of Cambodia and Laos; the role that television and other outlets served in showing Americans "the horror of war as they had never seen it before"; the withdrawal of American troops; and the state of Vietnam following the conflict. Photographs, charts, and sidebars provide a broad range of details to help readers better understand the war and its lasting impact. It's an accessible crash course on a pertinent topic. Ages 8-12. (June) © Copyright PWxyz, LLC. All rights reserved.

Gr 4-8-In colorful spreads, McNab provides basic content on 50 different aspects of the Vietnam War. Key events are covered in chronological order, with other topics interspersed. It begins with "1946-1963: A Region in Turmoil" and ends with "Legacy." Other chapters cover battles, U.S. troop buildup, the antiwar movement in the United States, weapons like Agent Orange, and more. Nothing is covered in depth, but the work is inclusive and does reference the prisoner of war experience and My Lai. A time line is featured throughout on the bottom of several pages, and a "Who's Who" list of important figures is included in the back. While the pages are brightly colored and there are numerous photographs, the book is strictly informative and the prose is unadorned. Those seeking a more compelling read will be much better served by Philip Caputo's 10,000 Days of Thunder: A History of the Vietnam War. VERDICT Though the uninspiring narrative will be of little appeal to enthusiasts, the time line, index, and glossary make this an attractive enough offering to those needing material for reports.-Margaret Nunes, Gwinnett County Public Library, GA © Copyright 2016. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.