The incredible true story of how real people weathered one of the most turbulent periods in American history—the Great Depression—and emerged triumphant. From the sweeping consequences of the stock market crash to the riveting stories of individuals and communities caught up in a real American dystopia, discover how the country we live in today was built in response to a time when people from all walks of life fell victim to poverty, insecurity, and fear.   Meet fascinating historical characters like Herbert Hoover, Franklin Delano and Eleanor Roosevelt, Frances Perkins, Dorothea Lange, Walter White, and Mary McLeod Bethune. See what life was like for regular Americans as the country went from the highs of the Roaring Twenties to the lows of the Great Depression, before bouncing back again during World War II. Explore pivotal scenes such as the creation of the New Deal, life in the Dust Bowl, the sit-down strikes in Michigan, the Scottsboro case, and the rise of Father Coughlin.   Packed with photographs and firsthand accounts, and written with a keen understanding of the upheaval of the 1930s, Crash shares the incredible story of how America survived—and, ultimately, thrived. Gr 7 Up—In this engaging and comprehensive look at the Great Depression, the text is divided into four sections addressing the crash of the economy, President Franklin D. Roosevelt's New Deal policies, setbacks to progress, and the eventual end of the Depression. Moving beyond the typical analysis of the time period, Favreau carefully crafts an enjoyable narrative that vibrantly depicts individual experiences, including little-known stories within the context of national trends. Not only is it enjoyable to read, it is also a powerful research source. Each chapter is rife with primary sources, such as telegrams, photographs, posters, song lyrics, speech transcripts, and more. (Besides the extensive primary source section, there is other comprehensive back matter.) While President Herbert Hoover often bears the blame for the Federal government's initial response to the financial crisis, the author provides a very balanced portrayal of his presidency. This same balance, however, does not extend as much to Roosevelt. There is a section on societal setbacks, but there is no opposing perspective provided in response to Roosevelt's expansion of executive power, his constitutional challenges, or his attempt to pack the courts. Still, this impressive resource would be valuable, when used in tandem with other resources, for students conducting research. VERDICT An insightful addition to libraries and recommended even for those with a robust collection on the topic.—Paige Rowse, Needham High School, MA Praise for Crash : A New York Public Library Best Book of 2018 A Chicago Public Library Best Book of 2018 A 2018 Booklist Editors' Choice title A 2019 Notable Social Studies Trade Book for Young People An ALA Notable Children's Book of 2019 A Bank Street College Best Children's Book   " Crash does a great job of mixing personal stories with big-picture history, delivering a compelling narrative about the Great Depression—and about how Americans' reaction to it changed our country forever."― Steve Sheinkin, National Book Award Finalist and Newbery Honor author of Bomb and Most Dangerous "In a forceful, fast-paced, and well-informed narrative, Marc Favreau lets readers experience-no, live!-the worst economic collapse in US history, introducing us to the individuals who suffered through and labored to overcome the financial and social upheaval that was the Great Depression and the remarkable visionaries who rallied a nation against fear, hatred, and divisiveness until a new and stronger America finally emerged. An impressive and important work."― Jim Murphy, two-time Newbery Honor- and Robert F. Sibert Award-winning author of An American Plague * "Much like Steve Sheinkin did in Bomb , Favreau writes in a clear and relatable way...this story is far from a slow-moving history book. For readers who think of themselves as history buffs as well as those who just love a thought-provoking story, Crash will deliver on all levels."― VOYA (starred review) * "Favreau gives readers incisive, penetrating, at times heartbreaking prose. A dynamic read deserving of a wide audience."― Kirkus Reviews (starred review) * "An enlightening and very readable book on a complex historical period."― Booklist (starred review) "Crash is smart, thorough, visually engaging--and incredibly relevant. It may be aimed at ages "10 and up" but I was riveted--I think people of any age who are interested in understanding American history, especially in order to understand where we are today, will be too. It's a clear, concise narrative that makes a complicated history accessible without dumbing down or glossing over the nuances of race, class, and gender."― Kate Schatz, NYT bestselling author of Rad American Women A-Z, Rad Women Worldwide,