Bootleg: Murder, Moonshine, and the Lawless Years of Prohibition

General Young Adult Non-Fiction

VG/A Blumenthal, Karen. Bootleg: Murder, Moonshine, and the Lawless Years of Prohibition. Roaring Book Press, 2011. 154p. 978-1-59643-449-3. 18.99.

This interesting book covers the history of Prohibition in the United States, from the time it was conceived until it was repealed. In what was ideally meant to help curb crime and strengthen the nation, the Eighteenth Amendment actually created a period of lawlessness, where gangsters and bootleggers prevailed. There aren’t many books that focus on this particular time period, especially for younger readers, and this one is a great start. It includes lots of archival photographs, a handy glossary and an extensive bibliography. It may require book talking to get it into the hands of teens, but the subject matter and style of writing should appeal to them (and adults too). Loren Spector, LAPL, Felipe de Neve