#30: Street Gang

Street Gang by Michael Davis traces the development of "Sesame Street" from its origins at a dinner party discussion to the institution it has become. It focuses on the creator, Joan Ganz Cooney, but also delves into the lives of others who made the show possible.

"Sesame Street" originated from an experience of a man named Lloyd Morrisett, who noticed how his 3-year-old daughter was enthralled by television. He wondered whether it would be possible to use the medium for a good purpose - to teach children, as well as to entertain them. This set the wheels spinning, and a group formed, led by Cooney, to explore this possibility.

The goal was to provide a show directed at low-income urban pre-schoolers, who were seen as entering school at a disadvantage to their more affluent counterparts. Still, they wanted a show that all kids could enjoy. Cooney began assembling a team of experts in television, education, government, community outreach and other necessary fields. Davis looks at the stories of many of the important players, especially focusing on how many of them got their starts at "Captain Kangaroo." He also goes into the background of Jim Henson and the development of various Muppets.

Davis tells an interesting story about the formation of "Sesame Street." While there are many interesting tales to be told, the broad focus hurts the book in a way, as it sometimes tries to say too much. The result is a long book that is slow at times. At some points, I would have liked a little more depth, such as the development of specific characters. However, the book is filled with information for anyone who wants a deeper understanding of "Sesame Street."