The Vietnam War: A Graphic History written by Dwight Zimmerman and illustrated by Wayne Vansant.

From the photo-enhanced work of nonfiction "10,000 Days of Thunder: A History of the Vietnam War" to the collage illustrated picture book "Patrol: An American Soldier in Vietnam," a number of outstanding books for young people have recently focused on the Vietnam War. "The Vietnam War: A Graphic History" adds to this exciting trend in visually-rich literature for young people.

Nearly half a century after America's commitment to Vietnam began, people are just beginning to gain perspective on this complex time in American history. This comprehensive historical narrative sets the stage with a prologue at the Vietnam Veterans Memorial. The first part of the book focuses on the commitment to Vietnam, followed by the increased deployment of troops, the events of 1968, the policy of Vietnamization, and the War's aftermath. A postscript explores the Domino Theory, Antiwar Movement, Civil Rights Movement, U.S. Military, and the War Powers Act.

Zimmerman and Vansant have set a new standard for illustrated texts. As a Graphic History, their partnership provides an outstanding balance of concise text with rich visual elements that bring the Vietnam era to life for readers of all ages. Educators will be thrilled with the clarity of information presentation and the depth of historical content.

Vansant provides an effective balance of battlefield and home front images including close-ups of the key military and political figures. Young people new to the time period will enjoy comparing the line drawings with photographs of military weapons, planes, and ships, while experts will be impressed by the accuracy of the images. Maps woven throughout the narrative help the reader better understand the setting.

Although presented from an American viewpoint, the book provides effective glimpses of the North Vietnamese perspective along with the many perspectives of military and political leaders as well as everyday Americans. Zimmerman does an outstanding job making a long, complex war understandable to those unfamiliar with this era in American history. Although a basic glossary to military terms such as "DMZ" and "sorties" would be helpful, the book does an excellent job of defining important terms and events. Blocks of text are used to explain key ideas such as Johnson's Great Society plan, the draft, and student protest. Quotes by key players embedded throughout the book provide powerful statements about the people and times.

Although the primary focus is on the War itself, Zimmerman provides important context through his description of political and social events associated with the War. This broader examination of the historical setting will be particularly appealing to teachers and their students studying the 60s and 70s. For instance, the book discusses the long term impact of Agent Orange, the role of media reporting, the search for those missing in action, and the complex relationships between the political and military leaders.

Having grown up in the 60s and 70s, I experienced the war as a current event through newspapers, television, and school projects. However it wasn't until reading Zimmerman's compelling account that I really understood the complicated issues that continue to impact Americans today. Regardless of whether you're a military buff or a comic fan, you'll enjoy this outstanding new approach to history.

Annette Lamb, Ph.D., professor at Indiana University at Indianapolis and well-known educational consultant ( )

Contains a lot more text than other graphic novels I've read, but is a wonderful introduction to a lot of topics related to Vietnam, as well as an overview of the war itself. ( )