cover image A Wall of Names: The Story of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial

A Wall of Names: The Story of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial

Judy Donnelly. Random House Books for Young Readers, $3.99 (48pp) ISBN 978-0-679-80169-6

This Step into Reading book is a moving, appropriately simple introduction to a major monument. Donnelly's concise text--illustrated with well-chosen file photos--skillfully places the Vietnam War within a continuum of American history. Her steady, sturdy exposition is just right for her audience, as she compassionately answers such difficult questions as ``What was it like to fight in Vietnam?'' and ``Why did Americans disagree so bitterly?'' She also introduces Jan Scruggs, the committed Vietnam vet who conceived the idea of a memorial that would include the names of all American soldiers who died in Vietnam, and Maya Lin, the young architectural student who created the controversial, award-winning design. The message of this ``healing'' wall is an important one: ``It says pain, sorrow, loss--that is the price of war.'' Ages 7-9. (May)