Quiz Kids: The Radio Program With the Smartest Children in America, 1940-1953

Quiz Kids was a network radio program that aired from 1940 to 1953 featuring smart children answering difficult questions submitted by listeners. Part of radio history during its "golden age," Quiz Kids thrived during a period of dramatic change in America.

Audiences marveled at the speed with which the Kids answered the most difficult questions, vaulting the show beyond the producers' wildest expectations. Eleanor Roosevelt invited the Kids to the White House to meet with them. Their appearance at the Senate is discussed in the Congressional Record. During World War II, they toured America and raised $120 million in war bonds. They were guests on Jack Benny's radio show for three consecutive weeks. Walt Disney, Bob Hope, Fred Allen, the Lone Ranger, Gene Autry and other famous people were on their program. This thorough history describes the creation of the program, its national popularity and the children who made it such good listening.

Martin A. Gardner has worked in advertising and as a writer for The Village Voice, House Beautiful, and Art Business News, among other periodicals. He lives in New York.