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Sunny Days
Book

Sunny Days

The Children's Television Revolution That Changed America

Simon & Schuster, 2020
First Edition: 2020 more...


Editorial Rating

9

Qualities

  • Eye Opening
  • Concrete Examples
  • Engaging

Recommendation

David Kamp’s nostalgic, thought-provoking romp through 1970s kids’ TV programs will remind you that American television once served the public good. Creators such as Joan Ganz Cooney, Jim Henson, Fred Rogers and David McCall channeled their 1970s activism into TV shows that sought to enlighten, entertain, motivate and educate young children. Sesame Street shifted paradigms by emphasizing diversity and exposing inequality. The Electric Company, Zoom, Free to Be…You and Me and Schoolhouse Rock! reflect the era’s exuberance, audacity and belief that children are the future.

Take-Aways

  • In the 1950s and 60s, television transformed America – and not always in good ways.
  • Fred Rogers’ Mr. Rogers’ Neighborhood brought out children’s feelings and explained society’s problems.
  • Sesame Street’s creators were diverse, idealistic geniuses who researched and improvised their way to breaking old paradigms.

About the Author

Author of The United States of Arugula, David Kamp is a charter member of the Sesame Street audience. His writing has appeared in Vanity Fair, GQ and The New York Times.