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Powell's Books: You'll Want to Bookmark This Page: 37 of Our Most Anticipated Books for Spring and Summer 2021 (1 comment)
The Powell’s purchasing team is here to share their most anticipated new releases for Spring and Summer 2021...
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Street Gang The Complete History of Sesame Street

by Michael Justi Davis
Street Gang The Complete History of Sesame Street

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  • Synopses & Reviews
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ISBN13: 9780670019960
ISBN10: 0670019968



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Synopses & Reviews

Publisher Comments

The story of one of the most important and beloved shows on television — how it got started, nearly failed, and was saved by Elmo.

When the first episode aired on November 10, 1969, Sesame Street revolutionized the way education was presented to children on television. It has since become the longest-running children's show in history, and today reaches 8 million preschoolers on 350 PBS stations and airs in 120 countries.

Street Gang is the compelling and often comical story of the creation and history of this media masterpiece and pop culture landmark, told with the cooperation of one of the show's cofounders, Joan Ganz Cooney. Sesame Street was born as the result of a discussion at a dinner party at Cooney's home about the poor quality of children’s programming and hit the air as a big bang of creative fusion from Jim Henson and company, quickly rocketing to success.

Street Gang traces the evolution of the show from its inspiration in the civil rights movement through its many ups and downs — from Nixon's trying to cut off its funding to the rise of Elmo — via the remarkable personalities who have contributed to it. Davis reveals how Sesame Street has taught millions of children not only their letters and numbers, but also cooperation and fair play, tolerance and self-respect, conflict resolution, and the importance of listening. This is the unforgettable story of five decades of social and cultural change and the miraculous creative efforts, passion, and commitment of the writers, producers, directors, animators, and puppeteers who created one of the most influential programs in the history of television.

Review

"Davis tracks down every Sesame anecdote and every Sesame personality in his book....Finally, we get to touch Big Bird's feathers." James Panero, New York Times Book Review

Review

"Davis culls insights from the show's creators and cast to serve up this painstakingly detailed history of television's most famous address." Time.com

Review

"The author's swift narrative — the product of hundreds of interviews — is essentially a Dumpster dive into Oscar's trash can of cast stories...a sensitive, honest account that could jog fond memories even from the amnesiac Street denizen Forgetful Jones." Drew Toal, Time Out New York

Review

"Anyone who has ever seen Sesame Street as parent or child — or both — will love the detail and exuberance of this book." Booklist

Synopsis

"Davis tracks down every Sesame anecdote and every Sesame personality in his book...Finally, we get to touch Big Bird's feathers."—The New York Times Book Review

Sesame Street is the longest-running-and arguably most beloved- children's television program ever created. Today, it reaches some six million preschoolers weekly in the United States and countless others in 140 countries around the world.

Street Gang is the compelling, comical, and inspiring story of a media masterpiece and pop- culture landmark. Television reporter and columnist Michael Davis-with the complete participation of Joan Ganz Cooney, one of the show's founders-unveils the idealistic personalities, decades of social and cultural change, stories of compassion and personal sacrifice, and miraculous efforts of writers, producers, directors, and puppeteers that together transformed an empty soundstage into the most recognizable block of real estate in television history.


About the Author

Michael Davis was a senior editor and family television columnist for TV Guide from 1998 to 2007. A Neiman Fellow, he has also worked for The Baltimore Sun and Chicago Sun-Times.

5 3

What Our Readers Are Saying

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Average customer rating 5 (3 comments)

`
euberwriter , February 20, 2009
This book is great. I found out about it in the People magazine book section. I e-mailed the author on his site and he even sent me a signed plate for the book. I watch a two and a half year old everyday and her favorite TV Show is Sesame Street, I figured if I had to watch it everyday with her I minus well read all about the history behind it. I waited for my book and when it came in I read it cover to cover right away. This is a great book with lots of information on the history and the amazing people behind Sesame Street. I would recommend everyone to read this and after I read it I gave it to some other people who have to watch Sesame Street like I do and they loved it as well. For people who have been fans for many years like I have this is a great book, and for those who haven't it is still a great book!

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`
daleinbach , February 09, 2009
I didn't know quite to expect when I purchased this, but I am so glad I did. The reporting and storytelling are exceptional. You don't need to love the show to appreciate the sweeping narrative. It says so much about who we once were as Americans and where we are now. If it were possible, I'd give this book -- and its entertaining author -- six stars.

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`
Cathy from Olympia, Washington , February 03, 2009 (view all comments by Cathy from Olympia, Washington)
Brought to you by numbers 1, 6, and 9... My earliest "television memories" are of Sesame Street, so I for one was very excited to discover a detailed history of "The Street" and the people behind it. On a related note (the book opens with the 1990 funeral of Jim Henson), though I am too young to remember the death of JFK, I certainly remember Jim Henson's death and still mourn his loss (I am a huge Muppet fan!). The book is a fascinating mix of history and biographical tidbits. Just in time for the 40th anniversary!

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Product Details

ISBN:
9780670019960
Binding:
Hardcover
Publication date:
01/01/2009
Publisher:
PENGUIN PUTNAM TRADE
Pages:
379
Height:
9.53 in.
Width:
6.48 in.
Thickness:
1.24 in.
Age Range:
18-17 and up
Grade Range:
from 12
Number of Units:
1
Copyright Year:
2009
UPC Code:
2800670019962
Author:
Michael Justi Davis
Subject:
Television programs for children

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