April 1, 2016
Gr 8 Up-This series concentrates on the major topics of the First World War, discussing the war and its immediate and continuing consequences in clear, readable prose. Most of the coverage is centered on the western front and the military and political actions of the European adversaries. Women features women who enlisted or volunteered and women on the home front. Hellfighters explores the history and examines the role of African American soldiers in U.S. conflicts up to WWI. The authors do their best to objectively cover the political and military missteps that failed to avert the war, the horrible loss of life, and the aftermath of unstable peace. Related topics, such as technological and medical advances, are also explored. Brief profiles of key players and influential people augment the text. Average quality period photos and drawings illustrate some of the topics. This set doesn't provide new information, but does make complex issues understandable. VERDICT A strong purchase for reports and interested readers.
Copyright 2016 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.
July 1, 2016
This series spotlights significant events or personnel of World War I, many of which were overshadowed by World War II. Christmas presents a broad overview of the 191417 struggle between the Central Powers and Allies, while the other books provide more focused approaches. A wealth of archival photographs enhances the series. "Essential Facts" are appended. There are five other spring 2016 books in this series. Reading list, timeline. Bib., glos., ind.
(Copyright 2016 by The Horn Book, Incorporated, Boston. All rights reserved.)