Going to War in WWII (Armies of the Past) [Library Binding]

Moira Butterfield (Author)

Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal

Grade 5-7-These books are designed to give a brief picture of soldiers, their weapons, and military strategies in particular eras and geographic locations, including a highly condensed description of their world at that time. Similar in scope to Martin Windrow's "The Soldier through the Ages" series (Watts; o.p.), they are far less detailed than Peter Connolly's fine The Greek Armies (Silver Burdett, 1979; o.p.) or his Tiberius Claudius Maximus (Oxford, 1989; o.p.), and they are fragmented by the all-too-familiar facing-page "chapters." The volumes on World Wars I and II are more detailed in that they cover specific conflicts. However, all five of these colorful constructions will catch the eye, provide some necessary information for young researchers, and plump up a slender bibliography. Heavily illustrated and with numerous captions, each title includes a map with a brief time line. Academically undemanding, and suffering in spots from oversimplification, these books could brighten up the drab 355s and provide some fresh fodder for military-minded report writers.
Patricia Manning, formerly at Eastchester Public Library, NY
Copyright 2001 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 8 and up
  
• Library Binding: 32 pages
• Publisher: Franklin Watts (September 2001)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0531145964
• ISBN-13: 978-0531145968
• Product Dimensions: 10.7 x 8.4 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 13.6 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #684,206 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

5.0 out of 5 stars Great book for kids!, May 26, 2010

By 

Mariann Apley "PinkPreppyPartyGirl" - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Going to War in WWII (Armies of the Past) (Library Binding)

One of the few books that I have read with my 10 year old son that I think gives a good overview of WWII for kids. Includes several simple concepts (e.g., Blitzkrieg), yet detailed information and drawing of these concepts with a dictionary of terms in the back. I am online writing this review because I looking for another book by this author.

4.0 out of 5 stars World War II...For Younger Readers!, May 2, 2010

By 

Michael OConnor "Wordsmith" (Wausau, WI USA) - See all my reviews
(TOP 500 REVIEWER)    (REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Going to War in WWII (Armies of the Past) (Library Binding)

GOING TO WAR IN WORLD WAR II serves as a short introduction to that epic struggle for readers 9-12. Published in 2001 by Franklin Watts, Moira Butterfield's book is part of that publisher's 'Armies of the Past' series.

Butterfield's book only runs to 32 pages. She traces the history of the war in a series of two-page chapters entitled The Road to War, Blitzkrieg, Battle in the Sky (Battle of Britain), New Battlegrounds, Wolfpacks and Warships, War in the Pacific, etc. Events, personalities, tactics, strategies, policies and so on are very briefly described. I was glad to see Butterfield didn't shy away from topics such as the Gestapo, the Holocaust, POWs and the human cost of the war. The text is complimented by b&w and color illustrations, photographs and maps.

Given the text limitations, GOING TO WAR IN WORLD WAR II is a very, very basic introduction to World War II. Its combination of short, punchy descriptions and colorful text should make it appealing to young readers. Recommended.