Pick of the Day: The Dustbowl (DVD)

SLJ — Thu, 03 Jan 2013 14:00:20 +0000

The Dustbowl. 2 DVDs. 4 hrs. Prod. by The Dust Bowl Film Project. Dist. by PBS Dist. 2012. ISBN 978-1-608883-718-2. $24.99.
Gr 9 Up–Ken Burns, whose name is synonymous with the highest quality of documentary filmmaking, has turned his camera’s eye to the environmental and economic catastrophe that struck America’s heartland in the 1930s. After detailing the calamity’s prelude involving the easy credit available to farmers and the general lack of respect for the ecology of the land, the production methodically retraces the stages which led to the devastation of the agriculture-based society of our nation’s midsection and our glacially paced recovery during the already disastrous Great Depression. Highlighted are the effects on the everyday lives of a cross-section of people as well as how the turndown distressed our country on a broader level. As is typical of Burns’s other masterpieces (including Civil War, Prohibition, and Baseball), he utilizes a rich variety of stunning vintage photographs, black-and-white film footage, commentary by historians, and—most moving of all—the personal reminiscences of those who actually witnessed the events. The angst and frustration felt by the people of the Plains was as intense as their determination to persevere, even to the point of relocating their families; it was this strength of spirit that led them to become what has been called the “Greatest Generation” as the threat of a future war loomed. The program has a number of viewer-friendly options: scene selection, English and/or Spanish subtitles, video description for the visually impaired, and a full Spanish narration. Bonus sections include an expansion of the personal narratives as well as a short behind-the scenes review. (An accompanying book is also available, although it is was not previewed.) A must-have for all libraries.–Dwain Thomas, formerly Lake Park High School, Roselle, IL

Pick of the Day: The First Ladies (DVD)

SLJ — Tue, 06 Nov 2012 13:54:16 +0000

The First Ladies. 2 DVDs. 7 hrs. PBS Dist. 2012. ISBN 978-1-60883-724-3. $34.99.
Gr 7 Up–Five of the most influential and controversial First Ladies are profiled in this production. The segments on Dolley Madison and Eleanor Roosevelt feature narration accompanied by photographs and re-enactments of historic events. The biographies of Lady Bird Johnson, Betty Ford, and Nancy Reagan are principally first person narratives that also incorporate commentary by historians, relatives, and friends with video footage of the time. Dolley Madison is considered our nation’s first First Lady because she was the first of the presidents’ wives to play a role in the politics of the time and formed alliances to help her husband’s political agenda. Eleanor Roosevelt, both admired and controversial, was considered the most powerful woman in America. She advocated for the disadvantaged and influenced America’s social policies. Lady Bird Johnson called her husband’s attention to the marginalized in our country and was influential in advocating for civil rights. Betty Ford was always honest, especially when it came to sharing her battles with breast cancer and substance abuse. Nancy Reagan added strength to the role of First Lady and was a gatekeeper for her husband and his closest confident. Students will learn about the events, attitudes, and politics of the times through the lives of women who made a difference. An excellent choice for American history classes.–Ann Weber, Bellarmine College Prep., San Jose, CA

School Library Journal» PBS

Pick of the Day: The Dustbowl (DVD)

Pick of the Day: The First Ladies (DVD)