Module 11: Bootleg: Murder, Moonshine, and the Lawless Years of Prohibition

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

A.    Bootleg is about the days of prohibition as well as the early days of the temperance movement which heralded the advent of that legislation.  The book takes a broad approach to the information, detailing proponents of the law, their rise to power, and the people who subverted it which would lead to the downfall of the 18^th amendment.  Many famous personalities are discussed but many of the quieter players in the prohibition struggle get a moment in the limelight as well.  The book ends with the repeal of the 18^th amendment and a discussion of the overall impact of prohibition on the modern United States as well as what victories were earned that last to this day.

B.     Blumenthal, K. (2011). Bootleg: Murder, moonshine, and the lawless years of prohibition. New York,    New York: Roaring Brook Press.

C.     This book has an overall neutral tone which is always valued in informative non-fiction.  Facts inside of the book are presented in an easy to digest format and the author does a good job of presenting both sides of the prohibition argument.  Blumenthal points out the foibles and correct points in both sides and many of the key figures are painted sympathetically, with the exception of Al Capone and other criminals.  The illustrations in the book are well planned and don’t generally interrupt the flow of the narrative which remains gripping throughout.  The author also goes out of the way to detail the lives of ordinary people whenever possible to illustrate the impact of the 18^th amendment on everyday American citizens.

D.    “This is a thoughtful look at two sides of an important issue. Neither could compromise on any level and it led to a loss for both movements. I wish this book could be required reading in all contemporary affairs classes. At the very least, it should be included in every secondary library.” –S. Lay

Bootleg: Murder, Moonshine, and the Lawless Years of Prohibition. (2011). Library

Media Connection, 30(2), 56.

E.     While the subject matter is a difficult one to encapsulate, the best strategy may be to create a mock senate debate where the kids must argue for or against prohibition.  Using the book as a guide in addition to any other resources they can obtain, the kids will be assigned to argue for one side or the other using the rules of the U.S. senate, or simplified versions if the time frame for this activity is short.  This would allow the kids to prepare a case and present it, ultimately voting on whether or not prohibition will pass.  It would give kids insight into the democratic process and possibly allow them to see the debate on both sides, even if it is one they themselves may not take.