From School Library Journal
Gr 4-6-Adventure seekers will enjoy the choices they are given in the fast-paced, fictional (but historically accurate) World War II scenarios in these books. Each volume has an "About Your Adventure" introduction, followed by a chapter that orients readers in the time period. Students are given three initial story paths, which lead to numerous choices and many different endings, all set in important or notable battles. The primary characters include Allied fighters (one a Tuskegee Airman) and Germans, but no Japanese fighters. Readers will quickly see that even seemingly simple choices have life or death consequences. The mostly black-and-white period photos add realism, while maps, time lines, and captions add additional facts. Though these engaging texts are not replacements for traditional nonfiction, they will help readers understand the horrors and dangers of battle. α(c) Copyright 2011. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
Review
Gr 4-6-Adventure seekers will enjoy the choices they are given in the fast-paced, fictional (but historically accurate) World War II scenarios in these books. Each volume has an "About Your Adventure" introduction, followed by a chapter that orients readers in the time period. Students are given three initial story paths, which lead to numerous choices and many different endings, all set in important or notable battles. The primary characters include Allied fighters (one a Tuskegee Airman) and Germans, but no Japanese fighters. Readers will quickly see that even seemingly simple choices have life or death consequences. The mostly black-and-white period photos add realism, while maps, time lines, and captions add additional facts. Though these engaging texts are not replacements for traditional nonfiction, they will help readers understand the horrors and dangers of battle. α(c) Copyright 2011. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted. --From School Library Journal
...absolutely fantastic! The photographs are wonderful - it's clear there's been a real effort maintain authenticity - and the 'choose your own story' format is very clever indeed. I should imagine it would be really engaging for younger readers, and I must confess I spent my lunch break working my way through the various stories! --"King's College London"
Adventure seekers will enjoy the choices they are given in the fast-paced, fictional (but historically accurate) World War II scenarios in these books. Each volume has an "About Your Adventure" introduction, followed by a chapter that orients readers in the time period. Students are given three initial story paths, which lead to numerous choices and many different endings, all set in important or notable battles. The primary characters include Allied fighters (one a Tuskegee Airman) and Germans, but no Japanese fighters. Readers will quickly see that even seemingly simple choices have life or death consequences. The mostly black-and-white period photos add realism, while maps, time lines, and captions add additional facts. Though these engaging texts are not replacements for traditional nonfiction, they will help readers understand the horrors and dangers of battle. --"School Library Journal, Series Made Simple"
About the Author
Michael Burgan has written numerous books for children and young adults during his nearly 20 years as a freelance writer. Many of his books have focused on U.S. history, geography, and the lives of world leaders. He has also written fiction and adapted classic novels. Michael has won several awards for his writing, and his graphic novel version of the classic tale Frankenstein (Stone Arch Books) was a Junior Library Guild selection. Michael has also worked as an editor at Weekly Reader, the classroom news magazine used in schools across the United States. Michael graduated from the University of Connecticut with a bachelors degree in history. When not writing for kids, he enjoys writing plays, and his works have been staged across the United States. He lives in Santa Fe, New Mexico, with his cat, Callie.
