Young Reds in the Big Apple - by Jack Hodgson

About the Book

"Young Reds in the Big Apple is an innovative from-below history of children's Communist activism as part of the Young Pioneers of America in New York City during the 1920s and 1930s. This in-depth analysis of an often-ignored part of the Empire State's radical history highlights children's abilities to think, organize, and act politically. The Young Pioneers put forward a new vision for American childhood as it aimed to become an organization serving all the children of the American proletariat. Young Reds in the Big Apple examines these radical youths' efforts to organize in neighborhoods and schools, challenge what they saw as capitalistic evils like child labor and corporal punishment, to provide radical recreations, and their political endeavors from local issues to international diplomacy - the latter of which culminated in successfully coordinating popular Pioneer Harry Eisman's release from a New York reformatory to the Soviet Union. This history of the Young Pioneers in New York shows that the First Red Scare did not truly end. Radicalism and an intense fear of Communism were in fact constant in the early twentieth century political milieu"--

Book Synopsis

The tale of New York's Young Reds--a riveting journey through the YPA's rise and influence

Young Reds in the Big Apple: The New York YPA, 1923-1934 by Jack Hodgson is a compelling historical account that delves into the heart of American communism through the lens of New York City's Young Pioneers of America (YPA). This meticulously researched book sheds light on a neglected aspect of American history, revealing the intricate details of the YPA's formation, ideologies, and activities from 1923 to 1934.

Hodgson illustrates the YPA's journey, from its early days as a branch of the Communist Party USA, intended for youth aged 8-16, to its eventual disbandment. The book explores the organization's unique structure, ethos, and activities, showcasing how it became a formidable force in New York's political landscape. He vividly portrays the YPA members' involvement in public protests, education reform, and their bold stance against prevailing social norms, including racial and gender issues.

The narrative goes beyond mere historical recounting, offering deep insights into the internal dynamics of the YPA, its relationship with the adult Communist Party, and its interactions with other political entities. Hodgson's analysis of the YPA's impact on its young members and the broader community is both insightful and thought-provoking.

Young Reds in the Big Apple stands out for its rigorous approach to a controversial subject, avoiding partisanship to provide a balanced view of the YPA's legacy. This book is not just a histori-cal account; it's an exploration of youthful activism, political movements, and the complexities of American communism during a pivotal era.

Review Quotes

Jack Hodgson narrates a significant aspect of the history of the American left that no scholar has revealed before. Young Reds in the Big Apple is also a delight to read.---Michael Kazin, author of What It Took to Win: A History of the Democratic Party

This book is a welcome contribution to the research on the relationship between radical, left-wing movements and children. What Hodgson has done is to focus on one of the unique aspects of the Young Pioneers in the US, sponsored by the CPUSA during the 1920s: their belief in the importance of children. Much of the previous work in this area has looked at the relations between red parents and their children. Hodgson takes the Young Pioneers own focus on the autonomous activity and development of the children themselves. He has found very important new sources and has brought to light childrens' stories of their own activism.---Paul C. Mishler, author of Raising Reds: The Young Pioneers, Radical Summer Camps, and Communist Political Culture in the United States

A compelling analysis of interwar radicalism and the continuation of the Red Scare state. Hodgson offers new insights into young people's radical beliefs and activism and how these were shaped by a period of continued radical thought and consequent Red Scare state.---Britt Haas, Siena College

About the Author

Jack Hodgson, Lecturer in History at the University of Roehampton, London, specializes in American communism and youth movements. His work has been featured in Qualitative Inquiry, New York History, Rethinking History, and the Journal of American Studies. Hodgson is also a recipi-ent of the Ellen Craft Prize from the Scottish Association for the Study of America.