Celebrate Veterans Day
Reviews
All the Broken Pieces
Ann E. Burg
This is a beautifully written novel in verse from a first time author. Matt is a young Vietnamese boy who was airlifted out of Vietnam in 1975. Two years later, living in the U.S. with his adoptive parents and little brother Tommy, Matt is plagued by his guilt over leaving Vietnam and his biological brother and mother, unsure how long he will be welcome in the home of his new family, and worried about some of the boys at school who seem determined to blame him for what happened to their brothers or fathers during the war. Added to that is Matt’s fear of rejection; his biological father was an American soldier who promised Matt’s mother that he would return for her and his sons but never did. Matt has wonderful support, though, in the form of his adoptive parents--who are more than willing to help Matt find out what has happened to his Vietnamese mother and brother--his baseball coach and his piano teacher, a Vietnam veteran. Matt’s insecurities feel real throughout, and the manner in which he resolves some of his issues are true to the character and the nature of the text. There is also the feeling that he will be prepared to handle other life challenges as they come about, and this is the real strength of the book. This is a must have in any middle school library, but it could also be used effectively with Walter Dean Myers Fallen Angels or with The Things They Carried by Tim O’Brien to present another aspect of the Vietnam War. 2009, Scholastic Press, $16.99. Ages 10 to 16. Reviewer: Jean Boreen, Ph.D. (Children's Literature).
ISBN: 9780545080927
Arlington: The Story of Our Nation's Cemetery
Written and illustrated by Chris Demarest
Honor echoes in images and words chronicling Arlington National Cemetery's history. Capturing the essence of America's iconic burial ground, the nonfiction narrative presents readers essential information from early nineteenth-century construction of Arlington House through interment of twenty-first century Iraq and Afghanistan war casualties. An U.S. Coast Guard artist, Demarest, whose father is buried at Arlington, comprehends military subjects and traditions, effectively portraying scenes from Arlington's past and present in pastel watercolors which convey sentimental and patriotic tones. His artistic interpretations distinguish this work from other Arlington picture books which consist primarily of photographs. Demarest identifies notable veterans and presidents interred at Arlington, describes ceremonies, and discusses monuments memorializing the U.S.S. Maine, military nurses, Challenger astronauts, and 9/11. Paintings of the best-known Arlington landmark, the Tomb of the Unknowns, exemplify rituals expressing respect and dignity. Arlington's Freedman's Village, illustrated with an archival photograph, not an artistic depiction, is placed adjacent to supplementary material instead of with the Civil War section. The text misspells Fort Sumter and Brigadier General Montgomery Meig's surname. Textual and artwork incorporation of some details relegated to the time line, such as the initial veteran buried, first female tomb guard, and the name of the identified unknown Vietnam soldier, would have emphasized their significance. Although Demarest does not mention this fact, readers might be interested to learn Madeline author/illustrator and Caldecott Medalist, Ludwig Bemelmans, is buried in Arlington. Concludes with author's note explaining Demarest's affinity for Arlington and bibliography. Adults can consult Robert M. Poole's On Hallowed Ground: The Story of Arlington National Cemetery (2009) to elaborate about aspects Demarest introduces which intrigue young readers. 2010, Flash Point/Roaring Brook Press, Ages 6 to 10, $17.99. Elizabeth D. Schafer (Children's Literature).
ISBN: 9781596435179
Countdown
Deborah Wiles
The Cuban Missile Crisis of October 1962 forms the backdrop for this coming-of-age story of eleven-year-old Franny Chapman. Her life as a fifth grader has become very complicated. She has become invisible to her teacher; her college-age sister, Jo Ellen, has become quite secretive; her younger brother, Drew, is Mr. Perfect; her Uncle Otts is acting strangely and becoming increasingly more of an embarrassment to her. What’s more, her best friend, Margie, is distancing herself from Franny. With the Cold War heating up as Russian missiles are within striking distance of her home near Washington, DC, Franny must deal with the threat of war as well as the unsettling events of her own life. Wiles brings together all the elements of the story as she creates a most satisfying ending. Interspersed with Franny’s story are photographs and text from songs, advertisements, and speeches from the 1960s. They provide background on the social and political events of the day for young readers, and bring back many memories for adults who lived through this time. Wiles’ beautifully written, carefully crafted tale immerses readers in the turbulence of the early 1960s while reminding us that human nature remains constant. The literary allusions to bright light and blindness are successfully carried throughout the story. The photographs are not chronologically presented, which may be a bit confusing to some readers at the younger age level – a very minor concern. This is Book One of “The Sixties Trilogy.” I anxiously await Book Two. 2010, Scholastic, Ages 10 to 14, $17.99. Reviewer: Sharon Salluzzo (Children’s Literature).
ISBN: 978-0-545-10605-4
D-Day: The Allies Strike Back During World War II
Terry Miller
Students of World War II often debate the turning point of the war. Some experts point toward the German defeat at Stalingrad as the beginning of the end for the Nazi Reich. Other scholars note that the Battle of Midway, which resulted in the devastation of the Japanese aircraft carrier fleet, was an engagement that changed the outcome of the war. For many writers, the Allied landing at Normandy on June 6, 1944 remains the pivotal moment in the entire war. In this chapter of the illustrated “24/7 Goes to War” series, younger readers are given a wonderful opportunity to understand what it might have been like to participate in the D-Day invasion. Through the words and descriptions of actual veterans at the landing, author Terry Miller presents an overview of the invasion with human interest. Readers will encounter the words of Allied soldiers who saw their comrades gunned down before they could even get out of their landing craft. Other veterans describe what it was like to face the seemingly insurmountable odds against survival on Omaha Beach. Through these accounts of the experiences on the Normandy beaches, readers come as close as they can to realizing the human costs involved in historical events. In this way, this book represents the type of historical writing that will draw readers into the world of the past rather than repel them through an arid approach to a potentially vibrant story. 2010, Scholastic Inc, $27.00. Ages 10 to 14. Reviewer: Greg M. Romaneck (Children's Literature).
ISBN: 9780531255278
The Doughboys Over There: Soldiering in World War I
Susan Provost Beller
With the back-drop of WWI, readers will quickly be able to grasp the history behind how the United States became a part of war. The book is full of many first hand accounts of life in the trenches, life back home, and what really happened between the different countries. Did you know that, initially, the French and English soldiers did not like the doughboys? Did you know that the doughboys introduced a whole new fighting style that led to many key victories during the war? Read the short, understandable passages that open up a world of information about WWI. The book includes a chronology of the war and a look at each countries involvement. It also includes many quotes from primary documents, with a comprehensive index. Overall, Beller provides an interesting read from start to finish. The book touches on every topic you might need, from the trenches, to illness, to women in the war effort. Any middle school or even high school that needs to expand their collection on WWI would benefit from the addition of this book. 2007, Twenty-First Century Books, $33.26. Ages 12 up. Reviewer: Melyssa Malinowski (Children's Literature).
ISBN: 9780822562955
Letters to a Soldier
1st Lt. David Falvey and Mrs. Julie Hutt’s Fourth-Grade Class
Mrs. Hutt’s fourth grade class in Roslyn, New York, decided they would write to a soldier in Iraq; this book is the result. Lieutenant David Falvey from Massachusetts--a surprisingly confident and articulate correspondent--was the soldier. The children’s touchingly naïve letters are presented, along with their patriotic artwork and Falvey’s e-mail replies. He answers their questions in a thoughtful way, tailored to what he believes they can understand, emphasizing details that will interest and reassure nine- and ten-year olds. Pictures he sends show military life in his unit and views of Iraq and Kuwait; scenes of horror or destruction are avoided. Falvey returned unharmed from his nine-month tour of duty and appears to feel that his experience was a positive one. Trained in the University of Massachusetts’ Army ROTC program, he served in the Military Police, escorting top government officials of Iraq and the U.S., and retains his association with the military both as a National Guard reserve officer and a civilian contractor. Though the story is heart-warming in some respects, teachers and parents may have mixed reactions depending on their political convictions and values about war and peace. Falvey’s tour of duty was atypical for many National Guardsmen; his explanation of the war treads very carefully, avoiding any comment on its legality or its devastating effects on the Iraqi people. Hutt says her class had discussions about heroes and helping others--young readers of this book would profit from a wider range of opinion about the war in Iraq. 2009, Marshall Cavendish, $16.99. Ages 9 to 12. Reviewer: Barbara L. Talcroft (Children's Literature).
ISBN: 9780761456377
Nubs: A Mutt, a Marine & a Miracle
Brian Dennis, Kirby Larson, and Mary Nethery
This story is one to warm your heart! Marine Major Brian Dennis is leading a Border Transition Team platoon to a fort in the desert of western Iraq in late 2007 when an earless dog befriends him. Since the team is there to help train Iraqi soldiers across the area, they soon pack up and move on. Nubs, the name given the dog by Major Dennis, chased after the Humvees with his pack but soon lost the soldiers in the desert. Months later, Dennis’s team returns and Nubs is there to greet him. This time, upon the unit’s departure, Nubs is determined not to be left behind. Despite an injury that left him weak, and in spite of the winter weather and rough terrain, Nubs tracks Dennis seventy miles from Iraq to the Jordanian border. Although the Marines are not allowed to have pets, Dennis and his team take in this amazing dog and give him a home at Command Outpost. Word soon reaches Dennis’s superiors and he is given an order to get rid of the dog within four days. What ensues is yet another amazing odyssey as Dennis solicits family and friends, raising enough money to send Nubs home to San Diego, California. Actual photographs of Nubs and Dennis in Iraq help tell the tale, along with snippets of Dennis’s emails back home. In a time of war, this book tells a story of hope, of how an act of kindness is never forgotten. A great read-aloud, this could easily supplement classroom discussion of current events, or help a class with personal connections discuss and find hope in the continuing events occurring in Iraq. 2009, Little Brown Books for Young Readers/Hatchette Book Group, $17.99. Ages 5 to 9. Reviewer: Kris Sauer (Children's Literature).
ISBN: 9780316053181
Off to War: Voices of Soldiers’ Children
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: 9780888998941
ISBN: 9780888998958
Operation Yes
Sara Lewis Holmes
Books for young adults tend to be divided into quality categories; a few that are dreadful, many that are okay, some that are really good, and a small number that are capable of knocking your socks off. Operation Yes knocked my socks off. Miss Loupe is a brand new sixth grade teacher at a school on an Air Force base in North Carolina. While she teaches her class the normal subjects (math, language arts, social studies and science), she is also teaching them self confidence, courage, teamwork and compassion through theater lessons. Theater is not part of the approved curriculum, so the theater lessons have to be done after everything else is finished. Students in the class include the base commander’s son Bo and his cousin Gari, who is staying with Bo’s family while her mom serves in Iraq. Gari has a plan to get the Army to let her mom come home but her plans are interrupted when Miss Loupe’s brother who is serving in the Special Forces in Afghanistan is reported missing. Bo and Gari must find a way to get along and the class must find a way to bond together to help their teacher before they lose her. What they decide to do takes imagination and participation from everyone and what they accomplish is very nearly a miracle. 2009, Arthur A. Levine/Scholastic Books, $16.99. Ages 9 to 12. Reviewer: Ellen Welty (Children's Literature).
ISBN: 9780545107952
ISBN: 9780545107969
A Piece of Forever
Laurel Dee Gugler
This is the second of two books about Rose, a Mennonite girl in 1956. It is the height of the Cold War and not long after the Korean War. Rose must go to school and defend her non-violent, anti-war religious beliefs against the taunts of her classmates whose fathers, uncles, cousins, and brothers served in the preceding wars. The issue comes to a head when the school prepares to celebrate Veterans’ Day and each student must invite a veteran to the ceremony. Further, each student is required to complete a project on some aspect of recent social history. Rose and her Mennonite classmate Sandra decide to do their project on the atom bomb dropped on Hiroshima and the story of Sadoko, who strove to fold 1,000 paper cranes and died of leukemia (or radiation sickness) in that city 12 years after the bomb was dropped. Although this book seems to be written for elementary school students, it does bring up thought-provoking ideas about war, religion, and the nature of courage. The book is well-written and unique. 2008, Streetlights/James Lorimer & Co, $8.95. Ages 6 to 10. Reviewer: Myrna Dee Marler (Children's Literature).
ISBN: 9781552770269
Rock ‘N’ Roll Soldier
Dean Ellis Kohler with Susan VanHecke
This memoir from songwriter/performer Dean Kohler describes his experiences as a nineteen-year-old military policeman in 1967 Vietnam. Kohler's band had just landed a record deal with a company in New York City when he was drafted into the Army. Thinking his musical career is on hold and possibly over, Kohler nevertheless comes to the attention of his commanding officer when he performs at the company's going-away party the night before leaving for Vietnam. At the request of his captain, Kohler and several other soldiers form a rock band dubbed the Electrical Banana to entertain the men stationed at their Army base. Kohler's younger self is appealing, and his reconstructed dialogue sounds genuine. The author does not hold back in his description of the casual violence he frequently witnessed in Vietnam, and his nights of being shot at while on perimeter duty and of encountering wounded and dying GIs in Army hospitals reinforce the grim nature of war. These poignant scenes are balanced by the giddiness and optimism of Kohler and his friends in scrounging up makeshift band instruments, rehearsing in the supply tent, and finally performing music for their fellow soldiers. Occasional four-letter words, references to sex, and descriptions of maimed and dead bodies make this quick read best suited for older high school students. VOYA CODES: 4Q 3P S A/YA (Better than most, marred only by occasional lapses; Will appeal with pushing; Senior High, defined as grades 10 to 12; Adult-marketed book recommended for Young Adults). 2009, HarperTeen, 288p., $16.99. Ages 15 to Adult. Reviewer: Leah J. Sparks (VOYA, December 2009 (Vol. 32, No. 5)).
ISBN: 9780061242557
ISBN: 9780061242564
Soldiers of the U.S. Army
Lisa M. Bolt Simons
Full-page and larger close-up photographs pair with simple two or three sentence pages of text in this title of the “People of the U.S. Armed Forces” series, which introduces readers to the physical agility, mental skills, and specialized equipment that U.S. Army soldiers use in their various roles in defending the United States. The book opens with soldiers in full gear walking down a dirt street in a foreign land, then backtracks to show recruits maneuvering through a challenging obstacle during basic training. In the “Job Training” chapter, readers learn about the Stryker armored vehicle, high-tech navigations tools, and the Army engineers who build roads and bridges. The book shows the austere quarters of Army post housing and explains that U.S. Army soldiers move frequently to posts all around the world during their service years. It concludes with a brief mention that soldiers find jobs or go to college after leaving the Army. A glossary at the end defines unfamiliar terms introduced in the book. End matter also includes sources for more information and an index. 2009, Pebble Plus/Capstone Press, $21.32. Ages 5 to 7. Reviewer: Heather N. Kolich (Children's Literature).
ISBN: 9781429622509
Truce: The Day the Soldiers Stopped Fighting
Jim Murphy
The quote on the opening page by Winston Churchill really sets the stage for this book as does the opposing photograph. What would happen if armies refused to fight and insisted on finding other means to settle disputes--indeed this words would certainly be a better place, but it never seems to happen. Murphy offers enough background to understand the political situation prior to the spark that ignited World War I, particularly the hubris and fears of various leaders, and once hostilities did erupt, the feeling of superiority on each side and the belief that this war would end quickly. It of course, did not and fighting dragged on for four long years with a horrific loss of life on both sides. Yet, there are incredible stories like this one which relates the Christmas truce of 1914. The wearied men voluntarily stopped the senseless killing on one of the most important holidays in the Christian religion. Both sides sang carols, and eventually crawled out of their trenches to meet each other, exchange gifts and recognize the insanity of the war. Murphy’s account is peppered with first person accounts which make the readers feel that he or she is there watching, listening and hoping for the best. The high command of course frowned on this fraternization and with great reluctance many of these soldiers were required to once again fight the fight. In his epilogue, Murphy reflects “At the very least the Christmas Truce of World War I demonstrated that the combatants were more alike than not. It may have been a small step toward peace on earth,…but it offered reassurance and hope that a kinder, humane spirit could prevail amid the horrible brutality of war.” A book not to be missed and one that belongs in any library or private collection. 2009, Scholastic, $19.99. Ages 10 up. Reviewer: Marilyn Courtot (Children's Literature).
ISBN: 9780545130493
The U.S. Marine Corps
Jennifer Reed
Got a youngster interested in soldiers, planes and tanks but who is struggling to read? This book on the U.S. Marine Corps might be just the ticket. Simple vocabulary, short sentences and large, full-color photographs help below-level readers access this nonfiction book on the jobs, people, and machinery used by these specially trained soldiers in our nation’s Armed Services. Part of the “Pebble Plus” series on the United States’ military branches, the series supports National Science Education Standards K-4: Science and Technology. It also supports the National Council for the Social Studies “Science, Technology and Society” standard. As with all good nonfiction books, this one includes a glossary to help early readers scaffold subject-specific vocabulary, a table of contents, index, bibliography and Internet sites sections. From F/A-18 airplanes to Assault Amphibian Vehicles (AAV) and Sea Knight helicopters, this book helps students at the emergent reading level (kindergarten to first grade) learn more about the mission of the United States Marine Corps and the brave men and women who carry it out. 2009, Capstone Press, $21.27. Ages 4 to 8. Reviewer: Kris Sauer (Children's Literature).
ISBN: 9781429617352
Veteran’s Day
Robert Walker
This is one of eight more titles in the Celebrations in my World Series from Crabtree Publishing. Aimed at primary children, these titles explore the history and traditions of a variety of celebrations around the world. Large print provides easy to read text which is accompanied by vibrant captioned illustrations on 2 page spreads. Each book explores the origins of the celebration, its history, traditions, symbols, food, music, and activities which are associated with the holiday. “Did you Know” information is provided on each 2-page spread. A Table of Contents, Glossary and Index are also included. This series will be a welcome addition to primary classes which are taking a beginning look at different cultures and their celebrations. The large print and colourful illustrations make the books accessible to very young readers on an individual basis or in large group situations. Category: Non-Fiction Grades K-6. Thematic Links: Celebrations; Holidays; Diverse Cultures. Resource Links Rating: G (Good, great at times, generally useful!), Gr. 1-4. 2010, Crabtree Publishing, 32p. Illus., Hdbk. $20.76ea. Ages 6 to 10. Reviewer: Victoria Pennell (Resource Links, February 2010 (Vol. 15, No. 3)).
ISBN: 9780778747857
ISBN: 9780778747673
Vietnam War
Leo Daugherty
From 1963-1975 the United States was involved in what has been called the nation’s “Longest War.” The conflict occurred in Vietnam and its neighboring nations. Ultimately, America suffered a defeat not only in a military but also socio-political sense in a war that claimed over 56,000 American and an estimated 1.5 million Vietnamese lives. In this volume of the “Facts at your Fingertips” series, readers are provided a compact summary of the critical events that led to these terrible outcomes. Starting at the onset of American involvement in the form of military aid and advisors and culminating in the perceived abandonment of the South Vietnamese people in 1975, this chronological look at the Vietnam War offers readers a fact filled summary of a complex event. Throughout the narrative each topic is accompanied by ample photos and other visual imagery to highlight the people, places, and things that embodied this terrible war. As is the case with other books in this series, Daugherty’s contribution combines a well researched and ably written narrative with the human interest components that mark this struggle. Readers will both learn about a conflict that shaped a generation and the lessons learned and forgotten in that war. 2010, Brown Bear Book Imprints, Ages 12 Up, $35.65.
Reviewer: Greg M. Romaneck (Children’s Literature).
ISBN: 978-1-933834-51-1
Vietnam War Era: People and Perspectives
Mitchell K. Hall
The volumes in the Perspectives in American Social History series cover a wide and comprehensive range of critical eras in United States history, including such varied topics as British Colonial America and the Baby Boom, fourteen volumes in all. Each volume includes several chapters on a variety of topics specific to the era. Perhaps one of the most controversial eras in United States history is that of the Vietnam War. This collection of essays (each by a different author) addresses a broad range of issues related to the era, as well as important stakeholders who played a part in, or were affected by, the Vietnam War. Chapters on journalism and labor camps--two topics not thoroughly addressed in similar compilations. The inclusion of chapters on Vietnamese refugees in the United States and the experience of American veterans when they returned home are welcome additions in a book that focuses on societal issues versus military strategy. This volume is best suited for upper-level high school students and introductory courses at the university level. Chapters--or the entire book--could easily be used as a supplement for a history course or for a student completing research on the Vietnam War era. Because each chapter provides a fairly in-depth analysis of its topic, along with references and further reading suggestions, this text offers an excellent jumping-off point for even more thorough research. Primary source documents support chapters (for example, Port Huron Statement in the documents section complements the “Students and Political Activism” chapter). This is an excellent resource for high school and college libraries. (Perspectives in American Social History) VOYA CODES: 4Q 3P S A/YA (Better than most, marred only by occasional lapses; Will appeal with pushing; Senior High, defined as grades 10 to 12; Adult-marketed book recommended for Young Adults). 2009, ABC-CLIO, 261p.; Glossary. Index. Photos. Biblio. Source Notes. Further Reading. Chronology., PLB $85. Ages 15 to Adult. Reviewer: Nancy Pierce (VOYA, August 2010 (Vol. 33, No. 3)).
ISBN: 9781598841299
ISBN: 9781598841305
War Is…: Soldiers, Survivors, and Storytellers Talk About War
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: 9780763636258
The War to End All Wars: The Story of WWI
Jack Batten
People fighting World War I often referred to it as “The War to End All Wars.” In an age unblemished by a sequence of world wars, genocidal movements, terrorism, and the mass destruction of civilians that was to mark the modern era, those contemporaries of the First World War truly believed that all their suffering had a purpose. Sadly, and to a large extent because of the horrific nature of World War One, those idealistic perspectives would remain tarnished. In this illustrated history of that terrible conflict, Jack Batten offers his readers a concise summary of the major events of World War I. With a particular focus on the contributions of North American soldiers, The War to End All Wars approaches its massive subject with both a macro and micro perspective. The stories of great battles are told but so too are those of individual soldiers, sailors, and airmen. In this way the First World War emerges as a tale encompassing not only sweeping destruction but also the lives of individual human beings all too often snuffed out at an early age. This approach makes The War to End All Wars a fine introduction to the vast and complex story that was the First World War. 2010, Tundra Books, $22.95. Ages 10 up. Reviewer: Greg M. Romaneck (Children's Literature).
ISBN: 9780887768798
The War to End All Wars: World War I
Russell Freedman
The clearest and most comprehensible book about World War I also delivers a strong anti-war message. Freedman presents the political and social temperaments of 1914 and the naiveté of European leaders and ordinary citizens that led to the war frenzy. He then takes the reader through all aspects of this war that was presumed at the very beginning to be short-lived. Well-selected photographs personalize the events. Along with the text they show life in the trenches and the death and destruction caused by the use of the new military technologies. The futility of war resonates as Freedman recounts the famous battles of Verdun and the Somme. The changing climate of the war is seen through the sinking of the Lusitania, the war at sea, the Russian Revolution, and the entry of the United States. The last chapter, titled “Losing the Peace” recounts stunning human losses. Freedman correlates the poorly-drawn peace agreement to discord in the Middle East and resentments in Germany, which led to World War II and to today’s wars and unrest. Freedman has a singular ability to get to the core of the issue and present it with compelling storytelling. Through his careful and exhaustive research, Freedman selects just the right quotes, and weaves them seamlessly into the text. For a wide range of reasons, this is a book every young person needs to read. Source notes, bibliography, picture credits and an index complete the book. 2010, Clarion Books/Houghton Mifflin Harcourt, Ages 10 to 14, $22.00. Reviewer: Sharon Salluzzo (Children’s Literature).
ISBN: 978-0-547-02686-2
When the Sergeant Came Marching Home
Don Lemna
Illustrated by Matt Collins
Life changes drastically for ten-year-old Donald when his father returns from serving in World War II. The purchase of a dilapidated farm in Montana means that Donald, his six-year-old brother, mother, and father will be leaving their apartment in Wistola with its indoor plumbing. He will also be leaving all his friends. Donald decides that when he has saved enough money--ten dollars--he will set out for Hollywood, California, where he is sure his dreams will come true. Those Saturday afternoon movies with his friends in Wistola certainly had quite an influence. Each chapter is a vignette of life on the farm: overhearing his parents’ concerns about meeting their mortgage payments; meeting the World War I veteran hermit who lives on their land; having a wild ride with Charlie Pears, their beer-drinking neighbor; going to a one-room schoolhouse; and playing hockey with an improvised hockey stick. As the year goes on, Donald decides to put off running away. “The Christmas Dollar” chapter is a wonderful read aloud for the holiday season. In fact, the entire book would be a good read aloud. Lemna writes with a wonderful understated humor and a strong sense of time and place. Readers will easily relate to the universality of Donald’s observations and feelings. They will learn a lot about post-World War II life in America. Each chapter begins with a small black-and-white line drawing that foreshadows what will happen next, a nice touch for younger readers. 2008, Holiday House, $16.95. Ages 8 to 12. Reviewer: Sharon Salluzzo (Children's Literature).
ISBN: 9780823420834
World War I
Ian Westwell
World War I claimed more than ten million lives and fundamentally changed the course of history. Fought at a time when a general sense of optimism and indomitability pervaded European culture, the war itself resulted in such devastation that for generations people never really recovered their belief in ongoing progress. In this illustrated volume of the Facts at your Fingertips series readers are afforded a concise look at the background, events and consequences of the GreatWar. Using a chronological approach, the author of this informative work offers snapshot looks at critical events that defined the course of World War One. Each event is supported by photographs, period illustrations, data tables, statistics, and human interest information. In an almost almanac fashion, Westwell traces the horrific timeline that included such ghastly battles as Verdun, the Somme, Paschendaele, and Ypres. Of particular value are the manifold photographs that give readers just a hint of what trench warfare might have been like. It is all too easy to forget the human cost of war. Perhaps no major war generated more human suffering for frontline soldiers than World War One. In this illustrated history Westwell has given middle and high school readers food for thought regarding a critical aspect of military history. 2010, Brown Bear Book Imprints, Ages 12 up, $35.65. Reviewer: Greg M. Romaneck (Children’s Literature).
ISBN: 978-1-933834-49-8
World War II
Anthony Shaw
No war in history had a greater human cost than did World War II. Stretching across the globe, this monumental clash of arms laid great cities low, devastated cultures, spawned the most heinous genocidal actions, and claimed over fifty million lives. In this illustrated chapter in the Facts at your Fingertips series, younger readers will encounter the pivotal events that helped shape the course of this destructive war. Using an encyclopedic, timeline approach, Anthony Shaw traces the keynote happenings of World War II. Readers who delve into this information packed book will encounter battles such as Midway, Stalingrad, Guadalcanal, and Iwo Jima. Additionally, campaigns such as the Fall of France, the Normandy Invasion, and the German advance on Moscow in 1941 all ring out from the pages of this book. Each entry is amply supported with photographs, maps, and other visual materials that augment the narrative. Throughout the text readers also encounter the leading figures that helped steer the course of events for good or evil. In the end, this illustrated history provides middle and high school readers a fine introduction to a vast subject. Hopefully this introduction will both inform and whet the reader’s appetite for more information on such a significant subject. 2010, Brown Bear Book Imprints, Ages 12 up, $35.65. Reviewer: Greg M. Romaneck (Children’s Literature).
ISBN: 978-1-933834-50-4
For Veterans Day book reviews from previous years, click the following links:
2007
2006
Updated 10/27/10
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