It began with the best of intentions. Worried about the effects of alcohol on American families, mothers and civic leaders started a movement to outlaw drinking in public places. Over time, their protests, petitions, and activism paid off—when a Constitional Amendment banning the sale and consumption of alcohol was ratified, it was hailed as the end of public drunkenness, alcoholism, and a host of other social ills related to booze. Instead, it began a decade of lawlessness, when children smuggled (and drank) illegal alcohol, the most upright citizens casually broke the law, and a host of notorious gangsters entered the public eye. Filled with period art and photographs, anecdotes, and portraits of unique characters from the era, this fascinating book looks at the rise and fall of the disastrous social experiment known as Prohibition.

book extensions
Discussion and Activity Guide for Bootleg

awards and honors
YALSA Excellence in Nonfiction Award, 2012 finalist
American Library Association ALSC Children's Notable List
Booklist Editor’s Choice Award, 2011
Capitol Choices, 2011
CCBC Choices, 2011
Junior Library Guild selection
Kirkus Reviews Best Books for Teens 2011
School Library Journal Best Books of 2011
Texas TAYSHAS list

reviews
 “A fast-paced, gripping narrative … An informative, insightful account of a fascinating period of American history.” —Kirkus Reviews, starred review

“Gangsters, guns, and political battles—this book has them all—and presents them in compelling prose . . . a lively read.” —School Library Journal, starred review

“Lively anecdotes and personal stories keep the reading brisk and often quite jovial.” —Bulletin of the Center for Children’s Books, starred review

“…a highly readable, well-shaped look at the Eighteenth Amendment….a top-notch resource.” —Booklist, starred review  

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