Flashback to the ... fly '90s

Gr 1--3--Young readers are introduced to the culture and trends of the 1990s. They will learn about flip phones, layered hairstyles, the grunge look, Lunchables, and CDs--all things that were exciting and new to the youth of the 1990s. The simple, straightforward prose is accompanied by photographs and colorful cartoon drawings. A necessary glossary appears at the front of the book and pronunciations for some of the words are provided. Readers will be amused at the low-tech ways of the old days, but will no doubt glean a greater appreciation for current technology at the same time. VERDICT The fun facts and appealing illustrations will attract readers; this title should definitely be considered for purchase by public and school librarians.--Margaret Nunes

A quick survey of "majorly cool things that helped define the decade." Trying for period language as well as trends in fashion, music, fads, and gadgets, Michaels opens with "off the hook" tallies of yesteryear's toys, from Beanie Babies to the Nintendo 64, and goes on to record "dopest" trends in kids' TV viewing (Teletubbies, Barney & Friends, The Powerpuff Girls) and snack food (Funyuns to Dunkaroos) on the way to the rise of the world wide web and AOL. Specific dates are rare, and the focus stays resolutely on North American and Western European culture. Specific historical or cultural events go unmentioned, but young readers will come away with a taste of the era's pop culture. Fashion trends such as cargo pants, bucket hats, choker necklaces, and butterfly clips and popular hairstyles including pixie cuts, cornrows, and bobs are covered, too. A closing invitation to ask grown-ups what they remember from the decade should also have amusing results. In the mix of stock period photos and Rebar's cartoon illustrations, characters are diverse. (This book was reviewed digitally.) A superfly overview. (Informational early reader. 6-8) Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.