Conspiracy: Nixon, Watergate, and Democracy’s Defenders

Pearson (Fighting for the Forest) offers a compelling introduction to the Watergate scandal and the constitutional crisis it created. Though President Richard M. Nixon entered his second term in 1972 with a 49-state majority victory and a mandate to end the Vietnam War, investigations into the interrupted burglary five months prior—of the Democratic National Committee headquarters at the Watergate complex in Washington, D.C.—threatened his tenure. The tautly drawn account effectively sketches Nixon’s “very dark side,” detailing his list of enemies and his plans to “destroy them.” Pearson also features the strong characters who unearthed the truth behind the burglary and the widespread corruption surrounding it, including Washington Post reporters Bob Woodward and Carl Bernstein, and Senator Sam Ervin, who led the Senate Watergate Committee hearings. Contextual primers intersperse the narrative, introduced by colloquially phrased questions, such as “What’s this about a grand jury?” Black-and-white photographs and documents further illustrate events. This rousing, accessible historical narrative offers opportune cautionary lessons about voting, civic involvement, and the importance of a free press. Back matter includes a comprehensive bibliography, timeline, and cast of characters. Ages 10–up. Agent: Susan Hawk, Upstart Crow Literary. (Oct.)