6What a difference 100 years has made Back at the turn of the century there were no televisions, airplanes, computers, plastics, movies with sound, or space travel; there were only about 8,000 automobiles in the whole country. Just turning on a light switch was a new experience.
In 58 tantalizing questions and answers, author Ann McGovern gives readers a fascinating look at life in New York City at the end of the 19th century-where the rich and poor lived, how they dressed, traveled, dined, and entertained themselves, what kind of work they did.
Readers may be surprised to learn that many children had to work for a living in horrendous conditions, that school were often inadequate and overcrowded (there could be 100 or more students in a single classroom), and that bicycling was the most popular sport in the country. (Baseball, cowling, tennis, football, boxing, golf, archery, and skating were also popular. Basketball and volleyball were new.)
Together, the text and art are filled with details that bring the era to life for young readers.