American War Library - Weapons of War: World War II [Hardcover]

Dennis Nishi (Author)

Book Description

Age Level: 10 and up | Grade Level: 5 and up | Series: American War Library

At the start of World War II, some soldiers still rode into battle on horses and some pilots flew old-style biplanes. At the end of the war, only six years later, jet planes ruled the skies and the shadow of the atomic bomb hung over civilization. (20010801)

Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal

Gr 5-9-The identical forewords in these series titles discuss the geopolitical and societal changes in the U.S. as it was forged and shaped by each of its military encounters. The first book covers the weaponry, tank combat, U-boat activities, fighter planes, aircraft carriers, and some of the better-known campaigns of World War II. The second title describes the physical conditions of prisoners, emotional upheaval, and often difficult transition to freedom after harsh imprisonment by the Germans or Japanese. The books are organized in double-column pages with detailed sidebar information in tinted boxes. Average-quality, vintage black-and-white photos with informative captions appear throughout. Both titles do an excellent job of telling it like it was without softening the impact or tempering the language of the soldiers' statements. Research and documentation are outstanding. Though much has been written on these topics, these are top-priority purchases.-Eldon Younce, Harper Elementary School, KS

Copyright 2000 Cahners Business Information, Inc.

Review

"The text is supplemented by quotes from primary-source materials such as letters, diaries, and published accounts written by soldiers, nurses, and civilians."
-- School Library Journal (September 2001) (School Library Journal 20010601)

"A forward explains why it is important to look at America as a country defined by the wars it chose to wage while an introduction seeks to explain why the United States chose to wage this particular war. The epilogue details what happened to many of those involved. Black-and-white photographs show men, women, and materiel. (It) will appeal to a wide range of ages; clear, concise, and user-friendly, it is tailor-made for reports but will still attract browsers."
-- School Library Journal (August 2001) (School Library Journal 20010401)

"The chapters that follow deal with the trained but ill-informed soldiers, living conditions, dangers, uncontrolled behaviors, postwar personal problems, closure, and lessons learned. The texts are organized in double-column pages with detailed sidebars in tinted boxes. Many primary sources are quoted...volumes are liberally illustrated with good-quality, black-and-white captioned photos. Vocabulary is appropriate while at the same time describing the situation without softening the impact or tempering the language in the soldier's statements. These are definitely titles that should be considered for purchase."
-- School Library Journal (June 2001) (School Library Journal )

"An introduction presents a brief background history...The text is then divided into five chronological chapters...The epilogue concluded with a balanced discussion of the period. Well-captioned, black-and-white photos, supplement the main presentation. Documentation is thorough, with detailed notes. This informative presentation will be a good source for reports and for general interest."
-- School Library Journal (April 2001) (School Library Journal )

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 10 and up
  
• Hardcover: 112 pages
• Publisher: Lucent Books; 1 edition (September 1, 1999)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1560065842
• ISBN-13: 978-1560065845
• Product Dimensions: 9.3 x 7.8 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 14.1 ounces
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #3,005,298 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)