Synergy: Exploring World War II

WORLD WAR II was a global conflict between two military alliances: the Allies and the Axis. From 1939-1945, many of the world’s countries fought on land, sea, and air killing an estimated 70-80 million people. Civilian populations were particularly hard hit. Many people were held in prison camps around the world.

To understand a concept, it’s useful to read a cluster of books related to a theme. Explore these recently published books for young people:

SEEN AND UNSEEN: WHAT DOROTHEA LANGE, TOYO MIYATAKE, AND ANSEL ADAM’S PHOTOGRAPHS REVEAL ABOUT THE JAPANESE AMERICAN INCARCERATION by Elizabeth Partridge and illustrated by Lauren Tamaki is an award-winning work of nonfiction sharing the power of photography. Told through a mixture of original drawings and historical photos, readers explore the heartbreaking stories of Japanese Americans living in incarceration camps during World War II. The visually rich book concludes with eighteen pages of additional information and resources. ARC country of Chronicle Books.

RACE AGAINST DEATH: THE GREATEST POW RESCUE OF WORLD WAR II by Deborah Hopkinson is a middle grade nonfiction narrative telling the story of an American POW rescue mission. Part of the “True Stories in Focus” collection, this fast-paced story follows US Army Rangers and Filipino guerrillas who conduct the “Great Raid” to rescue American and Filipino prisoners. ARC courtesy of Scholastic Focus, an imprint of Scholastic.

IMPOSSIBLE ESCAPE: A TRUE STORY OF SURVIVAL AND HEROISM IN NAZI EUROPE by Steve Sheinkin shares the parallel stories of two Jewish friends trying to survive the Holocaust. While Rudi is attempting to escape from Auschwitz, Gerta is in hiding and risks capture in Hungary. This engaging nonfiction narrative brings two difference Holocaust experiences to life for teens readers. ARC courtesy of Roaring Brook Press, an imprint of Macmillan.

WE ALSO SERVED by Erin McGill shares true stories of brave animals in the military along with other heroic tales. Designed for children, the brightly colored illustrations and short blocks of engaging text highlight the efforts of dogs and other animals who served on the front lines of World War II along with other eras. Each story concludes with a key word related to their service. ARC courtesy of Sourcebooks Explore, an imprint of Sourcebooks.

Synergy: Crazy Horse and George Armstrong Custer

Crazy Horse (Tashunka Witco) was a Lakota warrior of the Oglala Band who joined in the resistance against the reservation system and threats to his people’s traditional way of life.

George Armstrong Custer rose through U.S. military ranks to become a lieutenant colonel. He led campaigns to enforce the reservation system.

Crazy Horse and Custer met for the last time at the Battle of the Little Bighorn where Custer was killed. Although Crazy Horse continued to fight for another six months, he ultimately surrendered to protect his band.

Read the recently published work of nonfiction for youth then learn more at the website.

CRAZY HORSE AND CUSTER: BORN ENEMIES by S.D. Nelson is a compelling, dual biography exploring the parallels between two 19th century leaders with opposing viewpoints. Young readers will enjoy the fast-paced approach featuring short, engaging narratives. Along with period photographs and paintings, Nelson produced stunning full-color illustrations inspired by Plains Indians ledger art. The book concludes with an author’s note, timeline, end notes, and a bibliography.

The Little Bighorn Battlefield National Monument website provides information and resources related to the encounter between U.S. Cavalry soldiers and Northern Plains Indian tribes. Known as the Battle of Greasy Grass by the Lakota, the website explores multiple perspectives on one of the last armed efforts of indigenous people to preserve their way of life. The website describes the epic encounter, shares a photo gallery, provides biographical sketches of key individuals, and identifies key locations.

To learn more, go to https://www.nps.gov/libi.

Use these resources to inspire youth to explore multiple perspectives related to other connected individuals in history.

ARC courtesy of Abrams Books for Young Readers.

Synergy: Tomb of the Unknown Soldier

The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier is located in Arlington National Cemetery in Virginia. The monument is dedicated to United States service members whose remains have not been identified. Approved by Congress in 1921, the monument has been expanded to include unknown soldiers since World War I. The sentinels are U.S. Army soldiers who follow a precise route involving a series of 21 steps.

Read the recently published picture book for children, then learn more at the websites:

TWENTY-ONE STEPS by Jeff Gottesfeld and illustrated by Matt Tavares is a picture book sharing the story of guarding the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. The book begins with The Sentinel’s Creed. Then, traces the history through the voice of the “unknown”. An afterward provides additional background information.

The ARLINGTON CEMETERY website contains background information about the creation of the tomb along with the changing of the guard. To explore the website, go to https://bit.ly/3cT7KAo.

VOICES FROM THE TOMB is a behind-the-scenes documentary examining Tomb Guards at Arlington National Cemetery. To view the video, go to https://bit.ly/3mnV2x2

CHANGING OF THE GUARD is a short video showing the changing of the guard ceremony. To view the video, go to https://bit.ly/3cSWELU

ARC courtesy of Candlewick Press.

Digital Spotlight: Nuremberg Trial Project

The NUREMBERG TRIAL PROJECT features thousands of primary source documents from the trials of military and political leaders of Nazi Germany.

Contents: This open-access collection includes both images and full-text versions of thousands of objects including trial documents, evidence file documents, trial transcripts, and photographs. In addition to search tools for locating specific documents, resources related to the Nuremberg trials can also be accessed by trial issue, people, and evidence files.

Classroom Connections: The collection would be a valuable resource for teachers exploring the topics of history, ethics, genocide, and war crimes. Ask students to examine a particular defendant or witness to gain insights into a particular incident.

Featured Digital Objects:
Malaria Experiments http://nuremberg.law.harvard.edu/search/…
Poison Gas Experiments http://nuremberg.law.harvard.edu/search/…
Karl Brandt http://nuremberg.law.harvard.edu/search/…

To visit the collection, go to http://nuremberg.law.harvard.edu/.

Book Review: Sabotage

SABOTAGE: THE MISSION TO DESTROY HITLER’S ATOMIC BOMBS by Neal Bascomb is a young adult edition of the best selling adult book “The Winter Fortress”.

This nonfiction narrative tells the true story of a band of young Norwegian commandos who survive in the winter wilderness and execute two dangerous missions to sabotage Nazi plans to build a nuclear bomb. Filled with technical details and vivid descriptions, Bascomb successful brings this historical event to life for readers.

Librarians will find that this fast-paced story of WWII era espionage will be popular among teens who enjoy historical fiction, military works, and narrative nonfiction. The author’s use of primary source documents including many photographs and maps add authenticity and drama to this true story. Add this title to the library’s growing number of quality works of narrative nonfiction for young adults.

Published by Scholastic on May 31, 2016. ARC courtesy of the publisher.

Book Review: Great Falls

GREAT FALLS by Steve Watkins is a young adult novel exploring the relationship between a teen and his older brother who suffers from PTSD.

When high school football star Shane agrees to go on a camping trip with his older brother Jeremy, he soon realizes he’s in over his head. Military hero Jeremy is back from deployments in Iraq and suffering from the effects of this war experiences. A canoe, alcohol, and a rifle combine for a terrifying experience that escalates around every corner as Jeremy’s behavior becomes increasingly erratic.

Watkins effectively balances the fast-paced, action with an authentic, somber examination of a suffering soldier dealing with life after war.

Librarians will find this gripping story of brotherhood to be popular among young men.

To learn more about the author, go to http://stevewatkinsbooks.com/.

Published by Candlewick on April 26, 2016. ARC courtesy of the publisher.

Book Review: Front Lines

FRONT LINES by Michael Grant is a groundbreaking new series that reimagines World WII with female soldiers on the front lines.

When a 1942 court decision rules that women will be drafted and fight alongside men, Rio, Frangie, and Rainy begin their new lives as soldiers. Using a wounded soldier as the narrator, the story explores how three very different young women are trained and enter the war in Northern Africa.

Grant skillfully blends fact and fiction to create a gritty, yet believable alternative world. Teens will enjoy the authentic language, diverse cast, and realistic situations.

Librarians will find readers among those who enjoy alternative history and historical fiction. Fans of Code Name Verity and other books about women’s roles in World War II will find this genre-bending book intriguing. This engrossing novel provides endless opportunities for book club discussions regarding alternate history and the role of women in the military.

To learn more about the author, go to http://www.themichaelgrant.com/.

Published by Katherine Tegen, an imprint of Harper Collins on January 26. ARC courtesy of the publisher.

Book Review: The Emperor of Any Place

THE EMPEROR OF ANY PLACE by Tim Wynne-Jones tells the engrossing, multi-generational story of family relationships and survival during war.

After his father dies, Evan’s estranged grandfather comes to visit opening family secrets reaching back to World War II. At the heart of the story lies the truth behind a soldier’s diary. With elements of magical realism, readers will become immersed in conflicts both past and present.

The author’s use of dual storylines will keep readers on the edge of their seats. Librarians will find a broad readership for this story that includes those who enjoy realistic fiction with hits of fantasy, multi-generational mysteries, as well as young history buffs.

To learn more about the author, go to http://www.timwynne-jones.com/.

Published by Candlewick October 13, 2015. ARC courtesy of the publisher.

Book Review: Most Dangerous

MOST DANGEROUS: DANIEL ELLSBERG AND THE SECRET HISTORY OF THE VIETNAM WAR by Steve Sheinkin is a powerful, nonfiction narrative exploring issues of war, espionage, and government trust.

Written for young adults, Sheinkin skillfully tells the story of Daniel Ellsberg, an analyst who exposes decades of government deceit. Tracing Ellsberg’s life from his boyhood through to the end of the Vietnam War, the author weaves together an unbiased look at the man who exposed what became known as the Pentagon Papers.

Librarians will find a large audience for this book among the growing YA fans of narrative nonfiction. In addition, the combination of war and government secrets will be attractive to readers who enjoy military and spy stories.

Youth will be drawn to connections with recent whistleblowers like Edward Snowden described in the book’s epilogue.

For many librarians who remember this time period or have read books like “All the President’s Men”, this provocative biography will help put the time period in context and revisit the key issues and events in an easy to digest chronology.

Look for this title on the “best of 2015” lists.

Learn more about the author at http://stevesheinkin.com/.

Published by Roaring Brook Press an imprint of Macmillan on September 22, 2015. ARC from publisher.

Book Review: The Six

THE SIX by Mark Alpert is a heart-pounding near-future thriller exploring artificial intelligence, digital preservation, and what it means to be human.

Adam’s body is withering away from the effects of muscular dystrophy. Along with five other terminally ill teens, Adam undergoes an operation that allows his brain to be merged with a computer to produce the first human-machine hybrids. Since the army controls the technology, The Six pioneers are obligated to work with the military on a top secret mission to destroy a rouge artificial intelligence known as Sigma who is about the exterminate human life on earth. The conclusion sets up the premise for a new series that’s likely to be popular with YA science fiction fans.

Alpert’s fast-paced plot, engaging writing style, and attention to scientific detail will be a draw for many young science and science fiction fans. Librarians will find this adventure-suspense equally popular among both male and female teens. Use this book to inspire youth to go back and read the works of Ray Bradbury, Isaac Asimov, Arthur C. Clarke, and others. Also tie this work of science fiction with nonfiction books related to artificial intelligence, robotics, genetics, and physics. The many thought-provoking issues addressed in the text make it a good choice for book club discussions.

Librarians need to be prepared for questions about when the next book in this series will be available. It’s sure to be a YA hit.

To learn more about the author, go to http://www.markalpert.com/.

Published by Sourcebooks Fire on July 7, 2015.

Book Review: Tommy: The Gun that Changed America

TOMMY: THE GUN THAT CHANGED AMERICA by Karen Blumenthal explores the life of John Thompson and his deadly Tommy gun.

Although originally designed for military use, the Thompson submachine gun because the choice of bank robbers, bootleggers, and gangsters during the first half of the 20th century.

In this carefully researched work of nonfiction for youth, Blumenthal discusses the history of the weapon and the well-known outlaws and law enforcement officers who used it. The author does an excellent job connecting early gun control laws to today’s debate about the role of guns in society.

The book features primary source documents including historical photographs, maps, and diagrams. It also includes an extensive bibliography and notes.

Librarians will find this work to be popular with youth who enjoy books about the military, law enforcement, and crime. The fast-paced, fascinating narrative will appeal to reluctant readers. Look for it on the short list for the Robert F. Sibert Informational Book Medal and other awards for nonfiction writing for youth for 2015.

To learn more about the author, go to http://www.karenblumenthal.com/.

Published by Roaring Brook, an imprint of Macmillan USA.

Book Review: The Boys Who Challenged Hitler

THE BOYS WHO CHALLENGED HITLER: KNUD PETERSON AND THE CHURCHILL CLUB by Phillip Hoose tells the amazing true story of teens who stood up to the Nazis in Denmark during World War II.

The book’s introduction discusses how the author learned about the story and connected with one of the Churchill Club members. This work of nonfiction then alternates between a narrative discussing the formation and activities of the Churchill Club with the recollections of member Knud Pedersen.

Filled with historical photos, maps, artwork, and other primary source documents, the fast-paced story is presented in short chapters that follow the teens from their acts of sabotage through their trial and imprisonment during the War. It concludes with a discussion of what happened to the group members after the War.

To ensure that this book doesn’t get lost in the nonfiction section, consider featuring it along with works of historical fiction. Or, even better, suggest it to youth who enjoy dystopian fiction. This work of nonfiction contains the elements of resistance fighting that youth enjoy in dystopian works. It’s also a great choice for youth who enjoy real-world military and adventure stories.

To learn more about the author, go to http://www.philliphoose.com/.

Published by Farrar Straus Giroux on May 12, 2015.