Prom: The Big Night Out

"Prom is more than just a night out, as revealed in this work of nonfiction. Although prom began as a middle-class version of the upper class's debutante balls and cotillions, it has become a classic rite of passage for all teens, whether they grew up in the Great Depression, in the 1950s or '60s, or in the latter half of the 20th century. There have been struggles: for teens who wish to wear formalwear that does not conform to their gender, teens who are part of same-sex couples, or teens who wish to hold an integrated prom after decades of whites-only and blacks-only events (in rural Georgia in 2013!). Yet times are changing to allow all teens to have an enjoyable, safe time together, when their biggest worry is what to wear. In peppy yet sympathetic prose, the author details the history of prom and how it has reflected society. Stories about making your own prom attire or finding inexpensive options are welcome, as is a chapter of young 20-somethings reflecting on their own prom experiences. The design is eye-catching, and text, graphics, and white space are attractively balanced. The advice and history in this volume complements and enhances the prom magazines available each year."--Kirkus Reviews

"Prom has come a long way from its inception as an alternative to debutante balls. Now, proms are being used as vehicles for social change, whether it's lobbying for gay students to bring their partners, a transgender prom queen, or an integrated prom. This exploration of the high-school milestone is broken up into five short chapters, starting with the history of prom and moving to what prom is now, including fashion tips and reminiscences from interviews conducted by the author. While there are many heartfelt stories here, there are enough tales of caution that the ultimate tone is more realistic about what is often painted as a magical night. Though this could have benefited from more photos and a decrease in some problematic wording (one contributor says of kids who aren't asked to prom, 'you're probably more beautiful than most girls who did get asked'), for readers who are new to the idea of prom or are looking for an overview that reads like a teen magazine, this should be an easy sell."--Booklist

"A brief but thorough overview of the history of the prom and how the event has evolved over the years. The book starts off with the first cotillions and debutante balls of the 20th century and progresses toward the more casual and diverse proms of the present day. The history-related text is alleviated by candid photos of teens, which keeps the tone conversational and amusing. A plethora of prom-related tips and tricks are provided, including how to make an outfit, how to be safe and have fun, and what exactly a 'promposal' is. VERDICT: An entertaining and helpful bit of pop culture for students who crave prom all year round."--School Library Journal