(3) YA This detailed and devastating account of the House Un-American Activities Committee and "The Hollywood Ten" explores the HUAC's attack on First Amendment rights. This proved to be a precursor to the rise of McCarthyism in the 1950s, which destroyed the lives of many innocent Americans. Brimner effectively utilizes transcripts from the hearings, archival photos, and secondary sources to document the events. An author's note makes the connection between "then and now." Websites. Bib., ind.

Reviewer: Jack Forman

(3) YA In 1953 Washington, DC, thirteen-year-old Richard is torn between the worldviews of his FBI-agent father and his new friend Vlad, a Czech immigrant with thrillingly bold ideas about literature, art, and politics. Influenced by the McCarthy hearings, Richard starts to question the veracity of those closest to him. Photographs and news summaries from the era add authenticity to this tale of would-be intrigue. Author's note appended.

Reviewer: Kristy Pasquariello

(4) YA Perspectives on Modern World History series. These series entries present collections of essays that explore perspectives on the title subjects. Multiple viewpoints are examined, including those of people who participated in the events or played key roles (including the title men themselves). Essays cover background, controversies, and personal narratives. The volumes are text heavy, with some pictures, sidebars, and pull-quotes providing supplementary information. Reading list, timeline, websites. Glos., ind. Review covers these Perspectives on Modern World History titles: The Assassination of Martin Luther King, Jr. and The McCarthy Era.

Reviewer: Antonio Trujillo

(2) YA Giblin describes how, from an early age, McCarthy displayed admirable qualities--hard work, dedication, and ambition. But as he tasted political power, he used his gifts to undermine the public good rather than serve it. This biography, liberally illustrated with photographs, meticulously covers the details of McCarthy's life. Additionally, Giblin does an excellent job of limning the 1950s political and cultural landscape. Bib., ind.

Reviewer: Jonathan Hunt | Horn Book Magazine Issue: November, 2009

(4) 4-6 In American History series. Five dramatic episodes in U.S. history are surveyed in volumes that ably place the events in the context of their times. The clear prose includes occasional boxed passages from source documents which, strangely, are only identified in the endnotes. The accompanying historical reproductions and black-and-white photos are often too dark. Time lines are included. Bib., ind.

Reviewer: Peter D. Sieruta