The Rise and Fall of Senator Joe McCarthy

Gr 7 Up—James Cross Giblin's book (Clarion, 2009) traces the life of Joe McCarthy through his early years as a chicken farmer to his eventual turn to law and politics. Giblin looks at Senator McCarthy through the lens of a gambler, showing that he was always willing to take risks and use any means to gain power. McCarthy was a controversial character, both applauded and condemned for his ruthless attacks against communism and those he suspected of being communists -from common workers to entertainers to an Army general. Through the use of quotes from friends, colleagues, and enemies, minutes from his hearings, and private correspondence from various people, Giblin recreates McCarthy's life. The biography concludes with information about the lives of those mentioned in connection with McCarthy and also warns in an epilogue how labels like socialist and terrorist could be compared to the communist designations given during the McCarthy era. Elizabeth Rodgers narrates in a straightforward manner, adding emotion to the many quotes used in the book. This is a gripping illustration of the Red Scare and a way to introduce teens to that era.—Sarah Flood, Breckinridge County Public Library, Hardinsburg, KY