The revised edition delves into children's experiences in war, incorporating recent research to broaden the discussion. It explores the role of comic books, evaluates fitness standards, and expands on the involvement of organizations like the Boy Scouts, providing a comprehensive look at how various factors impact children's lives during wartime.
"We have often ignored the wartime contributions of children. What were they expected to do? How did it contribute to the war? How did it affect their lives? This history attempts to respond to these questions, by examining activities of children in the United States during World Wars I and II. Modern propaganda helped to draw children into those wars. A variety of authorities participated, in the school, on the playground, at work or at home. They promoted military ideals and activities in hopes these might reduce fear, build character, prepare for service, and even tangibly help the war effort. In doing so, authorities brought war themes to children on a day to day basis, a militarization of American childhood. This research takes a look at how they did that"--Preface.