From Jazz Babies to Generation Next

Gr 6—8—Edge's nonjudgmental history of American teenagers, from factory laborers to present-day, billion-dollar consumers, scores in both scope and level of detail. Readers will feel a swell of pride upon learning about their predecessors' roles in the Civil Rights crusade, the antiwar movement, and other seminal events. Also fascinating is the author's coverage of each generation's music, clothing, entertainment, and technology, which may give today's teen some insight into the pop-culture phenomena romanticized by parents, grandparents, and other older people. Captioned black-and-white period photos appear throughout. Extras include a (disappointingly brief) spread of Hollywood teen flicks through the years and a short but insightful list of movies and TV shows reflecting teenagers' lives. While Jazz Babies is a quick, interesting read about "society's trendsetters," it will need heavy marketing.—Rebecca Dash Donsky, New York Public Library