Celebrate Memorial Day
Honoring those who have given their lives for their country has a long history in every culture. Monuments, poetry, psalms, music, parks, bridges, buildings, and even highways have been created and named to honor the fallen. In the United States the history of a nationally observed Memorial Day has a variety of origins but is generally commemorated on the last Monday in May, having been changed from May 30th by an act of Congress to create a three day week-end. For many the holiday marks the beginning of the summer season and is a time of picnics and outings. There are many others who would like to see the date returned to the 30th to give more solemnity to the observance. The following information gives more background and history for Memorial Day as it has evolved in the U.S.
*Memorial Day, originally called Decoration Day, is a day of remembrance for those who have died in our nation's service. There are many stories as to its actual beginnings, with over two dozen cities and towns laying claim to being the birthplace of Memorial Day. There is also evidence that organized women's groups in the South were decorating graves before the end of the Civil War: a hymn published in 1867, "Kneel Where Our Loves are Sleeping" by Nella L. Sweet carried the dedication "To The Ladies of the South who are Decorating the Graves of the Confederate Dead" (Source: Duke University's Historic American Sheet Music, 1850-1920). While Waterloo N.Y. was officially declared the birthplace of Memorial Day by President Lyndon Johnson in May 1966, it's difficult to prove conclusively the origins of the day. It is more likely that it had many separate beginnings; each of those towns and every planned or spontaneous gathering of people to honor the war dead in the 1860's tapped into the general human need to honor our dead, each contributed honorably to the growing movement that culminated in Gen Logan giving his official proclamation in 1868. It is not important who was the very first, what is important is that Memorial Day was established. Memorial Day is not about division. It is about reconciliation; it is about coming together to honor those who gave their all.
Memorial Day was officially proclaimed on 5 May 1868 by General John Logan, national commander of the Grand Army of the Republic, in his General Order No. 11, and was first observed on 30 May 1868, when flowers were placed on the graves of Union and Confederate soldiers at Arlington National Cemetery. The first state to officially recognize the holiday was New York in 1873. By 1890 it was recognized by all of the northern states. The South refused to acknowledge the day, honoring their dead on separate days until after World War I (when the holiday changed from honoring just those who died fighting in the Civil War to honoring Americans who died fighting in any war).
Since the late 50's on the Thursday before Memorial Day, the 1,200 soldiers of the 3d U.S. Infantry place small American flags at each of the more than 260,000 gravestones at Arlington National Cemetery. They then patrol 24 hours a day during the weekend to ensure that each flag remains standing. In 1951, the Boy Scouts and Cub Scouts of St. Louis began placing flags on the 150,000 graves at Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery as an annual Good Turn, a practice that continues to this day. More recently, beginning in 1998, on the Saturday before the observed day for Memorial Day, the Boys Scouts and Girl Scouts place a candle at each of approximately 15,300 grave sites of soldiers buried at Fredericksburg and Spotsylvania National Military Park on Marye's Heights (the Luminaria Program).
* Material from: http://www.usmemorialday.org/backgrnd.html
The following web site has information about Memorial Day observances and the Washington DC Memorial Day parade:
http://dc.about.com/od/hoildaysseasonalevents/a/MemorialDay.htm
This site has many activities for students:
http://www.apples4theteacher.com/holidays/memorial-day/
Contributor: Sheilah Egan
Reviews
America at War
Poems selected by Lee Bennett Hopkins
Illustrated by Stephen Alcorn
American wars are viewed through poetry divided into sections covering the American Revolution through the current Iraq War. The poetry comes from well known poets such as Walt Whitman and Stephen Crane and reveals war's anguish and confusion. Other poems are written especially for this collection, such as Jane Yolen's "Alphabet" about concentration camps. Some poems are not specifically about war but fit the time period, as does Langston Hughes' poem "Youth." Each poem has a colorful, dramatic watercolor illustration that captures the poem's idea or theme. However, some illustrations appear a bit melodramatic or may not show enough diversity. Yet, the bright colors and grand strokes to convey wars' complexities outweigh the lack of diversity. A brief description about the wars and the United States' involvement introduces each section of poems. The lack of explanation about the current Iraq War is striking. One may argue about the selections and illustrations here, but this is a good beginning to discuss various American wars and the power of poetry and art to express difficult and complex subjects. Middle school and high school students can use this as a starting point to express their own ideas about war. 2008, Margaret K. McElderry Books, $21.99. Ages 10 to 15. Reviewer: Elizabeth Fronk (Children's Literature).
ISBN: 978-1-4169-1832-5
ISBN: 1-4169-1832-9
Annie's War
Jacqueline Levering Sullivan
It is 1946, and Annie Leigh Howard is spending some time with her grandmother and nineteen-year-old uncle in Walla Walla, Washington. Her father is missing in action, and her mother is far away trying to make a new life for the both of them. Everyone has accepted that Annie's father is never coming back, but not Annie. There is another trouble to be faced when Annie's grandmother takes in a new tenant. Her name is Miss Gloria Jean Washington, and Annie thinks she is the most wonderful person she has ever met. She is wonderful, but this young, black woman soon faces the very discrimination and racism in Walla Walla similar to what she knew in the South. This is a lovely book with many touching elements. It is a beautifully rendered picture of a chapter of the American experience as seen through the eyes of a brave and captivating child. The book offers the opportunity to have open discussion, at home or at school, over the issues of racism and discrimination. The only thing that I found difficult about the book is its ending. I found it too good to be true. Perhaps because we live in a cynical world it is difficult to accept that everything can turn out all right in the end. But sometimes it may be necessary to read a book with such a joyous ending to remind us that there is much hope. 2007, Eerdmans Books, $15.00. Ages 8 to 12. Reviewer: Monserrat Urena (Children's Literature).
Jacqueline Levering Sullivan draws on events from her post-World War II childhood in her powerful debut novel Annie's War. Eleven-year-old Annie has a lot on her mind: a father missing in action, threats against her grandmother's black tenant and a young uncle grown mean from the war. And then President Harry S. Truman starts appearing to her! Although told that he's merely a "figment" of her imagination, the President is a comforting presence in the girl's tumultuous life. Sometimes he offers advice but mostly he helps her think things through. Through the candid eyes of this first-person narrator, middle graders can experience small-town life in Washington state 65 years ago and get a better sense of the emotional wounds inflicted by war. 2007, Eerdmans, $15.00. Ages 8 to 12. Reviewer: Mary Quattlebaum (Children's Literature).
ISBN: 978-0-8028-5325-7
ISBN: 0-8028-5325-0
The Attack on Pearl Harbor: The United States Enters World War II
John C. Davenport
One of books in the "Milestones in American History" series produced by Chelsea House, this book begins with a narrative description of the events of December 7, 1941. Davenport pulls readers in by placing them with the sailors stationed at Pearl Harbor as the Japanese attacked. After this chilling chapter, Davenport backtracks to tell readers the history that led up to this day, providing an overview of relations between the United States and Japan since the 1800s, and focusing on the friction between the two countries which "increased during the 1920s." A full chapter is dedicated to Admiral Yamamoto, the "Architect of the Attack," and then the roles of American commanders Kimmel and Short are also described. Although blame was placed on these commanders after the attack, this book clearly shows the reader how they were in fact scapegoats, and their names were later cleared. The book ends by pulling the reader back into the fateful day and on to the legacy left after the harbor lay in ruins. This book is an excellent overview of the event which led the United States to enter World War II. The only thing that seemed a bit lacking were photographs and maps. Although some are included, it seemed like there could have been more. 2009, Chelsea House Publishers, $35.00. Ages 9 to 12. Reviewer: Kip Wilson (Children's Literature).
ISBN: 978-1-6041-3010-2
ISBN: 1-6041-3010-5
Battling in the Pacific: Soldiering in World War II
Susan Provost Beller
The United States' entrance into World War II resulted in one of the most unique situations to occur in US history: Every day, average people rushed to enter a conflict that was forced upon them by outside forces and did not shy away from difficult tasks or situations. The war in the Pacific was an altogether different war from the one fought in Europe. Spread over thousands of miles, fought on sea and tiny islands dotted throughout the ocean, the battle for the Pacific faced unique obstacles and resulted in some of the fiercest battles of World War II. Beller presents arguably the best basic overview of the war in the Pacific. The author offers glimpses of women and minorities serving in the armed forces and the challenges they faced serving in a segregated military. The text does not focus on any particular battle, though several important battles are mentioned. It offers interesting insight into innovations developed for the war, from ready-to-eat meals to the atomic bomb. Photos and interesting asides are presented throughout the text, which is part of the "Soldiers on the Battlefront" series. 2008, Twenty-First Century Books/Lerner Publishing Group, $33.26. Ages 9 to 12. Reviewer: Danielle Williams (Children's Literature).
ISBN: 978-0-8225-6381-5
ISBN: 0-8225-6381-9
Black and White Airmen: Their True History
John Fleischman
John Leahr and Herb Heilbrun both served as American airmen during World War II. Separated by racial lines, many years would pass before these two gentlemen would be able to meet. When they did, a friendship grew from their shared history. This is a beautiful and carefully-rendered story, from beginning to end. It blends social and cultural histories to make a strong impact, but above all, this book is about the human experience. John Leahr's and Herb Heilbrun's stories are treated with the utmost respect. The men are portrayed earnestly, and their message of friendship and fraternity is clear even in the face of racial and ethnic tensions. Sadly, these barriers still ring all too true today. But love and understanding ring true too, and it is on these positive elements that the book reaches out to readers. This book is an admirable work of extraordinary value that belongs at home, in libraries, and in people's hands. The author is to be commended. 2007, Houghton Mifflin Company, $20.00. Ages 11 to 17. Reviewer: Monserrat Urena (Children's Literature).
ISBN: 978-0-618-56297-8
ISBN: 0-618-56297-4
ISBN: 978-1-42873953-6
ISBN: 1-42873953-X
Children of War: Voices of Iraqi Refugees
Deborah Ellis
This book is a collection of essays based on interviews conducted by Deborah Ellis. Ellis interviews Iraqi children living in Jordan. The children are between the ages 8 and 19. They, and their families, have been displaced by the political instability and violence in Iraq. The book begins with a short introduction that gives concise, direct, and easy to understand background information about the political climate of Iraq. There is also a simple map of Iraq and surrounding nations. The book is then divided by interview. Each section begins with a one to two page preface that gives key information pertaining to the interviewee. The factual preface is followed by a four to six page long, first-person essay written by Ellis in the voice of the child who has been affected by war. This technique of giving concise factual information, followed by children's accounts of how the violence of war has affected their everyday lives is powerful in that it makes the information more accessible. It makes war relevant and real. The essays typically end with the child suggesting ways they'd like to make this a better world and/or telling the reader what they wished people knew about them. 2009, Groundwood Books, Ages 12 to 18, $15.95. Reviewer: Lorrie-Ann Melnick (Children's Literature).
ISBN: 978-0-88899-907-8
ISBN: 978-0-88899-908-5
Clues in the Shadows
Kathleen Ernst
While American troops are away fighting in World War II, Americans at home are busy with war effort activities. Molly McIntire's family is no exception. Her father treats the wounded at the Veteran's Hospital and her mother volunteers for the Red Cross. Molly and her brother do what they can to help. When General Eisenhower's Waste Paper Collection program is announced, Molly is determined to collect the necessary one thousand pounds of paper so that she can receive the special medal. She stores the collected paper in a shed in her backyard and is distressed to find that someone has been going through the piles. She suspects that her brother or the neighbor boy are stealing it for their own collections. Or could the scary stranger she saw in town be responsible? While solving the mystery, Molly learns the effects war can have on the soldiers and on those waiting at home. When she discovers the person responsible for her missing paper, she also learns how past secrets can haunt people and cause them to be fearful. Young readers will enjoy Molly's adventures and will also learn valuable lessons about the effect of World War II on average Americans at home. 2009, American Girl, Ages 8 to 12, $6.95. Reviewer: Shirley Nelson (Children's Literature).
ISBN: 978-1-59369-4768-4
Code Talkers and Warriors: Native Americans and World War II
Tom Holm
Native Americans contributed in some manner during all of American Wars but were especially effective during World War II. The book begins with a brief history of Native American involvement in early wars against the British, French, and Spanish. It also highlights Native American involvement in the Civil War. Native Americans were looked at for service in these early wars due to their knowledge of the land and fighting tactics. The book then provides a more extensive look at Native Americans during World War II. Interestingly, Native Americans enlisted in far greater proportionate numbers than any other ethnic group. Some tribes gave land to the war effort to be utilized by the military, and other tribes even declared war on the Axis powers long before the U.S. Each chapter focuses on a few select Native Americans and their records of service in all branches of the military. There are chapters about the code talkers in the Pacific and in Europe, and there are excellent battle maps as well as sidebars containing some of the words used in the codes. This book is an excellent resource for any social studies, history, or multi-cultural class. The breadth of coverage of Native American involvement, in particular during World War II, really expands the scope of the world of Native Americans beyond the "wild west." Part of the "Landmark Events in Native American History" series. 2007, Chelsea House, $35.00. Ages 12 up. Reviewer: Patrick Hunter (Children's Literature).
ISBN: 978-0-7910-9340-5
ISBN: 0-7910-9340-9
The First Gulf War
Steve Crawford
One of titles in the "Wars Day by Day" series produced by Brown Bear Books, this book engages readers with authentic photographs and eyewitness reports. Images in this book include colorful photographs of people, places, and battles of the First Gulf War. Each spread is built around facts based on a time line, which becomes increasingly granular as the war progresses. Glossary terms are highlighted and defined both on the specific page and in the back of the book for reference. The time line format places the events of the war in context, but many young readers will ignore the date headers, and some of the events, such as "Two Iraqi Scuds hit Israel," might be distracting. Some of the text in the time lines is a little dry, but the eyewitness accounts are especially appealing. They are set off as images which look like scraps of notebook paper, and include authentic text from soldiers to journalists to Saddam Hussein. The sidebars with information on Key People, Key Weapons, and Turning Points contain well-written, interesting summaries on such weapons as the Abrams tank. Overall, this book includes a lot of interesting facts and should be a great springboard for readers looking for an overview of the most important events of the First Gulf War. 2008, Brown Bear Books/The Brown Reference Group, Ages 10 up, $31.35. Reviewer: Kip Wilson (Children's Literature).
ISBN: 978-1-9338-3442-9
GI Joe in World War II
Sharon Cromwell
One of the books in the "We the People" series produced by Compass Point Books, this book presents the American soldiers who went to fight in World War II by their nickname: GI Joe. Cromwell shares the story behind the generic name used to describe foot soldiers from the U.S., while providing interesting details about the lives of GIs. The reader then learns about the training the soldiers underwent after signing up or being drafted, their uniforms and equipment, as well as their lives in the field in North Africa, Italy, and France. Other interesting information is presented about the role of African American soldiers and female volunteers during World War II, including those working in factories back on the home front. Many authentic pictures--both in black-and-white and color--and a short glossary complete the picture. However, there is very little information about the role of GI Joe in the Pacific theater, just a brief mention of the Battle of Midway, the use of the atomic bombs, and Japan's surrender. Instead, several pages are dedicated to "GI Joe in U.S. Culture," a section which could have probably been shortened. 2009, Compass Point Books, $26.60. Ages 9 to 12. Reviewer: Kip Wilson (Children's Literature).
ISBN: 978-0-7565-3842-2
ISBN: 0-7565-3842-4
I'll Pass for Your Comrade: Women Soldiers in the Civil War
Anita Silvey
While most of us have probably heard of Clara Barton, the names of many other women involved in the Civil War would be entirely unfamiliar. Anita Silvey shines a light on a much-ignored part of history with this book about women soldiers in the Civil War. Women could not legally vote, own property, or serve in the military in this era, so those who wanted to join the fight had to disguise themselves to join and stay disguised to avoid being discharged. Silvey explains clearly the details of the era and the differences between military service then and now. The stories of these women are interesting and accessible, no matter what background knowledge the reader brings to the book. The vocabulary of the first paragraph led me to believe the book was at a higher reading level than it actually is. The inclusion of photographs, drawings, maps, and advertisements from the time enhance the historic atmosphere of the text. The first chapter was uneven, but the rest of the text flows smoothly from story to story and fact to fact. Most will find someone among these women from diverse backgrounds with whom they can identify. These soldiers also returned to lives stretching from that of the traditional wife and mother to those who lived the rest of their lives as men. The strength and courage of all is inspiring. While this book would make a valuable addition to any unit on the Civil War, its appeal reaches beyond the classroom. 2008, Clarion Books/Houghton Mifflin Harcourt, Ages 10 to 15, $17.00. Reviewer: Jennifer Lehmann (Children's Literature).
ISBN: 978-0-618-57491-9
Jimmy's Stars
Mary Ann Rodman
This beautifully written and poignant historical novel takes place in 1943 Pittsburgh. Eleven-year-old Ellie's older brother, Jimmy, is the only one who makes her feel special. He calls her Movie Star, and she is absolutely devoted to him. When he is drafted into the war, he promises he will be home by Christmas, and makes her promise to leave the Christmas tree up for him. Ellie is a scrappy little heroine who will fight all comers over her brother's honor. She especially is at odds with the girl next door, who has four brothers serving in the war and therefore feels superior to Ellie. When Ellie's brother is killed, and one of her friend's brothers comes home with battle fatigue that makes him do crazy things, the girls finally have compassion for the trials of each other. In hanging the gold stars that show their brothers have been lost to the war, the girls begin to forge a friendship. Told in the believable voice of Ellie, this book is realistic and sad, but offers the hopefulness necessary in children's books by having Ellie decide to take her dead brother's frequent advice to "Let the joy out." An excellent book. 2008, Farrar Straus Giroux, $16.95. Ages 8 to 12. Reviewer: Sheryl O'Sullivan (Children's Literature).
ISBN: 978-0-374-33703-2
ISBN: 0-374-33703-9
The Korean War
Andrew Santella
Author Santella has written an easy-to-understand picture book about the Korean War. Seven chapters explain how, when, and why the nation of Korea was divided in two. In 1950 North Korea marched into South Korea. By noon, the capital city of Seoul was under attack. At one time North Korea and South Korea were one country. However, Japan took control of Korea and when Japan was defeated in World War II, the United States and the Soviet Union took over the lands Japan controlled. The United States had control of the South and the Soviet Union of the North. Under Soviet rule, the North became a communist country. The United States withdrew most of their troops but in 1950, the large North Korean Army invaded the South and took control. The United States under President Truman went to the United Nations seeking support for South Korea. The U.S was involved in a war that lasted for three years. Thousands of Koreans were without homes and more than one million South Koreans died. The Korean War is known as the Forgotten War, overshadowed by World War II and the Vietnam War. Today Korea still remains divided. A military-controlled border runs between the two countries to keep the two armies of the South and North apart. Today South Korea is a democracy while North Korea remains a communist country under a dictator's control. Often there is not enough food and many of the poorest people have little freedom. Color and black-and-white photographs are included, as well as a glossary, facts, important dates and people, plus internet sites. 2007, Compass Point Books, $25.26. Ages 10 to 12. Reviewer: Della A. Yannuzzi (Children's Literature).
ISBN: 978-0-7565-2027-4
ISBN: 0-7565-2027-4
Marching to Appomattox: The Footrace that Ended the Civil War
Ken Stark
There are countless books about the American Civil War and nearly as many books directed towards children as towards adults on the topic. Stark has offered a straightforward account of the march to Appomattox Court House from both armies' point of view, as well as insight into the minds of the leaders of those armies. The march to Appomattox itself was fraught with tension and danger, but both armies and commanders knew that the march would decide the outcome of the Civil War. Stark does not mince words and portrays the march as the horrible race that it was. The insight provided by personal notes between Lee and Grant add a personal touch to the text that provides deeper and much more meaningful insight into the events than could be offered with only a bare look at the events in question. 2009, G. P. Putnam's Sons, Ages 7 to 10, 17.99. Danielle Williams (Children's Literature).
ISBN: 978-0-399-24212-0
Off to War
Deborah Ellis
Ellis (The Breadwinner, the "Cocalero" novels, and other notable titles) has compiled the observations and concerns of American and Canadian soldiers' children in this slim volume. Each of the children interviewed for this book has had one or both of their parents serve in Afghanistan or Iraq. Some live on military bases; others reside in civilian communities. Some support the war, some oppose it, and some try to avoid the issue or focus on other things in their lives. They range in age from 6 to 16. Their opinions, hopes, fears, and views of the world span an enormous range. Their voices are honest and clear. Sibling replies are clustered together. Each chapter also includes a brief introductory passage about a particular issue. These are diverse and wide-ranging, including such material as the cultural grounding of a Puerto Rican family, the growing recognition of the special needs of military teens, and the emerging voices of dissenters within the military. Evidently, all of the young participants were asked to respond to the same set of interview questions, although those questions are not listed here. Only the final one resonates repeatedly in each piece, as "advice to other military children." Allison, 11, from Fort Bragg, North Carolina says, "Find some way to relieve your stress. You have your own life to live." Patrick, 12, whose father was the first member of the California National Guard to be killed in battle since World War II says with poignant bleakness for one so young, "My advice for other military kids? I don't have any. I'm not a military kid anymore." This is a touching and important book from an author known for her deep concern for children worldwide. 2008, Groundwood, $15.95. Ages 12 up. Reviewer: Uma Krishnaswami (Children's Literature).
ISBN: 978-0-88899-894-1
ISBN: 0-88899-894-5
Sunrise Over Fallujah
Walter Dean Myers
The army is a different place from when Robin, a.k.a. "Birdie," Perry's Uncle Richie (Fallen Angels) fought in Vietnam. Birdie may eat MRE's and fight alongside female soldiers, but like his uncle, he is still a young soldier willing to fight for his country, yet uncertain who he is fighting and even why. Myers skillfully displays the ugly realities of the battlefield, while honoring the heroics of those in the trenches. Interspersed within the first person narrative are letters from Birdie to his parents and his uncle. Birdie shields his parents from the daily hazards of war but writes to his uncle as a fellow soldier. These letters highlight an important theme in the book--the conflict between what the media portrays and what the soldiers actually experience. Myers creates suspense in the tension between monotony and adrenaline-producing battle scenes. Birdie and his companions are rich and complex characters--each struggles with his or her own fears and worries. Their reasons for being in Iraq are diverse as are their reactions to the war around them. This book could serve as an excellent starting point for a discussion about the Iraq War. With its companion, Fallen Angels, teachers can compare and contrast the Vietnam and Iraq Wars. 2008, Scholastic Press/Scholastic Inc., $17.99. Ages 12 up. Reviewer: Heather Christensen (Children's Literature).
Against his father's wishes, Robin "Birdy" Perry, a young man from Harlem, has joined the army. Soon after he enlists, Birdy is sent to Iraq to fight for his country. Initially, he sees war as a big adventure and a path to manhood; fighting the war, he gets much more than he's bargained for. Birdy is assigned to the Civilian Affairs Unit, where the men and women he works with become like family. His crew consists of Jonesy, Birdy's right hand man with a love for the blues; Marla, an excellent markswoman; Captain Miller, a military medic whose sense of duty overshadows her sense of self; and Victor, who starts to believe life on the streets is easier than war. The Civilian Affairs Unit is on a deceptively safe special mission, and the team works closely with the citizens of Iraq to help feed, clothe, and heal them. Then the bombs begin to fall and the nature of the mission changes drastically, radically altering the lives of Birdy and the crew. Walter Dean Myers does an excellent job of presenting the daily lives of young men and women who are fighting in Iraq. Birdy expresses all of the emotions of a teenage boy as his circumstances change quickly and force him to become a man. Myers breathes life into each character in this novel, causing the reader to care immensely for the members of the Civilian Affairs Unit. Since this book tells a story of war, it contains some graphic depictions of violence. These are perhaps all the more disturbing because contemporary readers know that this struggle is going on right now. Every day, many soldiers are facing the dangers Myers' has so realistically depicted on the page. This book could be used in the classroom to start a discussion of American involvement in Iraq. 2008, Scholastic Press, $17.99. Ages 12 up. Reviewer: Ashley Crider (Children's Literature).
ISBN: 978-0-439-91624-0
ISBN: 0-439-91624-0
The Vietnam War
Ian Westwell
One of titles in the "Wars Day by Day" series produced by Brown Bear Books, this book engages readers with authentic photographs and eyewitness reports. Images in this book include photographs of people, places, and battles of the Vietnam War. Each spread is built around facts based on a time line, which becomes increasingly granular as the war progresses. Glossary terms are highlighted and defined both on the specific page and in the back of the book for reference. The time line format places the events of the war in context, but many young readers will ignore the date headers, and some of the events, such as "Operation Thayer I begins," might be distracting. Some of the text in the time lines is a little dry, but the eyewitness accounts are especially appealing. They are set off as images which look like scraps of notebook paper, and include authentic text from combat medics to pilots. The sidebars with information on Key People, Key Weapons, and Turning Points contain well-written, interesting summaries on events such as the My Lai massacre. Overall, this book includes a lot of interesting facts and should be a great springboard for readers looking for an overview of the most important events of the Vietnam War. 2008, Brown Bear Books/The Brown Reference Group, Ages 10 up, $31.35. Reviewer: Kip Wilson
ISBN: 978-1-9338-3439-9
War is--
Edited by Marc Aronson and Patty Campbell
This book compiles twenty pieces of fiction and nonfiction. Each piece addresses particular ideas and realties of wartime and military experiences. This book is admirable in its attempt to open up the forum of discussion to any and all thoughts and experiences in and outside of the war zone. It does not seek to push any one particular agenda. There is an Associated Press article telling of how the story of a young marine's death affects his peers. There is an interview with an army chaplain who has been in the service for seventeen years. There is an article by Helen Benedict, with interviews with female soldiers. There is a piece from Fumiko Miura. She is a survivor of the nuclear bomb that fell on Nagasaki in 1945. There is also a song from Bob Dylan. The openness and range of pieces offered in this collection allows for discussions to be mounted in a classroom or home setting. This book will make an impact and holds lasting thoughts for the reader's mind. It is a must read in or outside the classroom. 2008, Candlewick Press, $17.99. Ages 14 to 18. Reviewer: Monserrat Urena (Children's Literature).
ISBN: 978-0-7636-3625-8
World War II: The Events and Their Impact on Real People
Reg Grant
Dorling Kindersley produces beautiful nonfiction books and this overview of World War II is no exception. Filled with authentic photos, as well as facsimiles of posters and other images, the engaging layout draws readers in with factual blurbs about the people and events related to the war. With coverage of battles in both Europe and in the Pacific, the scope of death and destruction is clear, as is the human toll on survivors. The economic situation in Germany which led to the war in Europe is explained well, and the coverage of Hitler's invasions of neighboring countries gives readers the sense that they were there. The invasion of China by Japan and the war in the Pacific in general could have been presented in more detail, but this would probably have made the book too lengthy. The amount of information presented in the book is impressive and detailed, and its target audience will walk away from the book with a full set of firm facts in their minds. Overall, this book provides an excellent overview of the war, providing readers with just enough information to entice them into further research on specific areas they discover here. The accompanying DVD likewise provides a real glimpse into what life was like in World War II and is thus a unique addition to the printed book. 2008, Dorling Kindersley Limited, $24.99. Ages 9 to 12. Reviewer: Kip Wilson (Children's Literature).
ISBN: 978-0-7566-3830-6
ISBN: 0-7566-3830-5
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For Memorial Day Choices from 2003, Click Here
Updated 4/28/09
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