"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.