From School Library Journal
Grade 7 Up. The interest-holding content; historic photographs and reproductions; informative maps; and extensive use of boxes, sidebars, and insets combine to make this book an excellent series entry. Rice's objective account gives readers sufficient background information concerning the Japanese and American roles in the Pacific and Far East from the opening of trade with Japan in 1853 to 1941. This discussion leads to the conclusion that the events of December 7, 1941, were almost inevitable and the lack of preparedness on the part of the U.S. was a "seeming invitation to disaster." The author covers in great detail the plans for the Japanese attack and descriptions of what occurred on the fateful day itself. He concludes that Yamamoto demonstrated that the dominance of the battleship was over; the "dreadnought" was to be supplanted by the aircraft carrier and its warplanes. The extensive use of primary-source material makes history come alive. The detailed chronology, directory of aircraft involved, glossary of Japanese and American terms, suggestions for further reading, bibliography, and index add tremendously to the overall value of the book. The average-to-poor quality black-and-white photos and reproductions, and the lack of drawings or photos in the aircraft appendix are minor disappointments.?David A. Lindsey, Lakewood High and Middle School Libraries, WA
Copyright 1997 Reed Business Information, Inc.
Copyright 1997 Reed Business Information, Inc.
From Booklist
[SERIES LAST REVIEWED IN BKL Ap 15 96, under Nardo, Don. Gr. 6^-10.]
