I.O.U.S.A

This informative and accessible chronicle of America's exploding national debt sounds a wake-up call about looming economic disaster. (LJ online 6/18/09) (c) Copyright 2010. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.

Gr 10 Up-This timely documentary entertains viewers while educating them about the history and present conditions of the nation's national debt. While the producers are clearly biased against the accumulation of this debt (referring to it as a "fiscal cancer"), the film does an outstanding job of explaining economic concepts such as trade deficits, inflation, and interest rates. It focuses on a cross-country awareness campaign to familiarize Americans with our alarming financial status. Clips from The Daily Show, The Colbert Report, and Saturday Night Live add some pop culture levity to the proceedings. There are interviews with experts such as Alan Greenspan, Warren Buffet, and Paul Volcker about the economy. Stock footage of presidential speeches dating back to Dwight Eisenhower frame the issue in its historic context, while interviews with people on the street (including numerous young people) show how little most citizens know about the government's spending. The production values are excellent. Extensive use of computer graphics and animation bring economic concepts to life. While some of the data are dated, a bonus feature updates the facts to January 2009 in an interview with David Walker of the Peter G. Peterson Foundation. The concepts behind this documentary likely will remain valid for years to come. A segment featuring a group of college-age students taking an interest in this issue may inspire young viewers. An excellent introduction to the current economic conditions of the country and a fantastic springboard for classroom discussions.-Ryan Henry, Daviess County Public Library, Owensboro, KY (c) Copyright 2010. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.