Best Teen & Young Adult Central & South American History
- Cover the new syllabus in the right level of depth, with rich, thorough subject content from across the Americas for topics 10-17 for Paper 3. - Developed directly the with IB for the new syllabus first examined 2017. - Truly engage learners with topical, relevant material that convincingly connects learning with the modern, global world. - Streamline your planning, with a clear and thorough structure helping you logically progress through the syllabus. - Build the advanced-level skills learners need for Paper 3, with the student-led approach driving active skills development and strengthening exam performance. - Integrate Approaches to learning with ATLs like thinking, communication, research and social skills built directly into learning. Alexis Mamaux, David Smith, Mark Rogers, Matt Borgmann, Shannon Leggett and Yvonne Berlinner are all well-respected in their field.
Reviews
Find Best Price at Amazon"Quick shipping."
"Another great school book."
In 1914, the world celebrated the opening of the Panama Canal, which connected the world’s two largest oceans and signaled America’s emergence as a global superpower. Mateo’s life becomes better when, first, he meets a local girl, Anita, with whom he falls in love, and, second, when he becomes a part-time assistant to mapmaker and artist Augusto, who teaches him how to sketch. Engle’s extraordinary book is a tour de force of verisimilitude and beautifully realized verse that brings to empathetic life the silver people, especially her wonderful characters Mateo, Anita, Henry, and Augusto.
Reviews
Find Best Price at Amazon"Wanted a book for my child to read over the summer and they loved it."
"BEAUTIFUL>."
"The story starts with Mateo, a fourteen year old boy from Cuba who lies about his ethnicity in order to get passage to and work in Panama. He’s mixed, and even though this takes place over 100 years ago, the feeling of not fully belonging to one part of yourself or culture is still relevant. A structure of segregation is placed: “Americans, Frenchmen, and Dutch./ Spaniards, Greeks, Italians./ Jamaicans, Barbadians, Haitians” leaving Mateo wondering how any of them will be able to work together. During the night, the monkeys howl and insects bite; Mateo ends up wondering “How can I miss the place/ I was so desperate to leave?” When I read that I thought to myself that even now, that’s the immigrant struggle. At the end of the day, no matter where the working men came from, whether they wanted home, refuge, gold, silver, they were still joined in one thing: surviving the rain forest. Henry, a Jamaican worker who watches as the medium-dark Spaniards get to sit for their meals while he has to stand, finds an unlikely friend in Mateo. Unlike Mateo and other newcomers who are there to blow up the trees and remove entire landmasses, Anita feels she belongs to the forest itself. This blog post could be 10 pages long because each poem packs such a punch and makes you stop and think about what Mateo, Anita, and Henry are going through."
"The characters were missing something, and the story could have been helped with pictures or a stronger storyline, more personal details in lieu of flat representations of the different groups that came together in building the panama canal."
"The 14-year-old boy from Cuba who ran away from his abusive father, the man from Jamaica who dreamed of earning enough to support his mother and little brothers and sisters, the orphaned herb-girl raised by a local healer, the educated geologist from Puerto Rico: each one has a unique story and opinions and viewpoint, but their voices all sound alike. For example, when Mateo is hospitalized with malaria, he says this about the nurses: "… Most of them were hired. on my home island, where they gained. their healing experience. during the war they call Spanish-American, even though it was really our war. for independence from Spain, a Cuban war. that was seized by the United States. for its own purposes." Such complex syntax and vocabulary just don't sound like an uneducated young boy who is feverish with malaria. Most of the non-human voices are similar to each other."
The thrill-seeking adventurer had no idea that he would soon receive an offer he couldn’t refuse: the chance to lead an expedition deep into the Amazon jungle to chart an unmapped river with his son Kermit and renowned Brazilian explorer Candido Mariano da Silva Rondon. However, the handling of Brazil's indigenous peoples leaves a lot to be desired: they are framed as existing only in the past ("Like the United States, Brazil had a population of different Indian tribes") and referred to as "hostile Indians."
Reviews
Find Best Price at Amazon"I read the full-length book a few years ago and this shortened version for young students was a great refresher and I learned much more than I did the first time. In reading this book you will be glad you weren't on this perilous journey with former President Theodore Roosevelt and his entourage."
"He was so engrossed he read it every spare moment he had."
"Great!"
"While down there, he was invited to join an expedition to explore and map what was believed to be a new branch of the Amazon, the River of Doubt. Never one to say no to a good adventure, Teddy and his son Kermit joined the expedition led by renowned Brazilian explorer Cândido Mariano da Silva Rondon. Hand this to teens or adults who like exciting and adventurous stories or survival stories, they should eat it up and go away hunting for more info on Amazon exploration or Teddy Roosevelt."
"Death on the River of Doubt follows the journey of Cândido Rondon and Theodore Roosevelt as they travel along the previously uncharted River of Doubt, discussing the trials and tribulations they face along the way, from hostile natives to disease and betrayal."
"He then went to South America for a visit but was offered the chance of an adventure, that of mapping a river that led into the Amazon that had not been drawn on any maps previously. The hardships are clearly stated but not in a graphic way that would be disturbing to an older child."
Best Teen & Young Adult Mexican History
- Cover the new syllabus in the right level of depth, with rich, thorough subject content from across the Americas for topics 10-17 for Paper 3. - Developed directly the with IB for the new syllabus first examined 2017. - Truly engage learners with topical, relevant material that convincingly connects learning with the modern, global world. - Streamline your planning, with a clear and thorough structure helping you logically progress through the syllabus. - Build the advanced-level skills learners need for Paper 3, with the student-led approach driving active skills development and strengthening exam performance. - Integrate Approaches to learning with ATLs like thinking, communication, research and social skills built directly into learning. Alexis Mamaux, David Smith, Mark Rogers, Matt Borgmann, Shannon Leggett and Yvonne Berlinner are all well-respected in their field.
Reviews
Find Best Price at Amazon"Quick shipping."
"Another great school book."
Best Teen & Young Adult Canadian History
On December 6, 1917, two ships collided in Halifax Harbor in Nova Scotia, Canada. “Disasters make for gripping reading, and this account of the huge explosion of a munitions ship and its devastating effects in Halifax Harbor, Canada, in 1917 tells the dramatic history with clear detailed facts.” ― Booklist.
Reviews
Find Best Price at Amazon"This is the third book on this subject I have read and I have found all of them to be riveting reading."
"Very good read, very interesting story."
"If you are unfamiliar with the explosion in Halifax, Nova Scotia in 1917 then this book would be of interest to you. This story is familiar to people in Boston because every year the city's Christmas tree is sent by the people of Halifax."
"While there is a lot of talk about teaching with informational texts - to align with the Common Core, there is not necessarily as much about students just reading, reading, reading these texts - independently."
"Well written and very descriptive of the events and the personal lives of the people affected."
"it is a short read but very nicely developed (chronologically) and gives you a good sense of the causes that led to the explosion, the events of the disaster and the aftermath and the effects on the population."
"My husband and I are planning a vacation to Nova Scotia and I have been trying to learn all I can about Nova Scotia before we go."
Best Children's Latin American History
Amazing color photographs offer children a unique "eyewitness" view of these incredible civilizations.
Reviews
Find Best Price at Amazon"Our family is a HUGE fan of DK Eyewitness books so after we visited the Mayan ruins in the Yucatan over Thanksgiving, I purchased this book for my sons as a Christmas present and I think I am enjoying it as much as m 9 and 12 year old sons."
"I would recommend this book."
"The illustrations and photos in this book help you "see" how these ancient people lived."
"This is beginning to arouse curiosity about these civilizations with the eight year old, such as when and where and what people were like."
"There are a lot of pictures of actual artifacts, weapons, etc."
"good book- covers a lot- kids like it- no objections- good price for real education."
"this is a really fun book to read."
Best Belize History
EASY BELIZE How to Live, Retire, Work and Buy Property in Belize, the English Speaking, Frost Free Paradise on the Caribbean Coast by Lan Sluder is the complete guide for anyone considering relocating or retiring to Belize, and for anyone thinking of buying property or building a home in Belize. This is the fully updated, revised and expanded Second Edition for 2016-2017. Among Lan Sluder’s Belize books, besides Easy Belize (original First Edition in 2010 and completely revised and expanded Second Edition for 2016-2017), are Fodor’s Belize, Living Abroad in Belize, Adapter Kit: Belize, San Pedro Cool, Belize Islands Guide and Belize First Guide to Mainland Belize.
Reviews
Find Best Price at Amazon"This book was written by someone who is familar with Belize, and provides you with the truth as to what you will encounter when you arrive, not some rosy sales pitch."
"This book is awesome!"
"Easy Belize was a good book with lots of information the Rough and Ready guide to Belize was an excellent book the Mexico map was good moving to Belize not me was fair the two little maps on the plastic were disgusting I thought they would be good maps that you could fold out and they'd be big enough to read those two weren't Worth $0.02 to me."
"Very discouraging on moving to Belize, but packed with great info."
"No one book will have all the answers but this is a good place to start."
"Recommended by a friend in Belize very informative."
"Gives a good overview of this beautiful country."
"Book is great in everyway but one....maps....maps certainly would have helped as we read about all the various places/activities."
Best Teen & Young Adult African History
The extraordinary memoir of an orphan who danced her way from war-torn Sierra Leone to ballet stardom, most recently appearing in Beyonce’s Lemonade and as a principal in a major American dance company. There is plenty of ballet detail for dance lovers to revel in, and the authors achieve a believable, distinctive teenage voice with a nice touch of lyrical description." “From her earliest days as an orphan in Sierra Leone to the stages of world-renowned theaters, Michaela’s incredible determination to not only survive, but triumph in the face of unthinkable adversity is an inspiration to anyone who has fought for a dream.
Reviews
Find Best Price at Amazon"I am amazed, excited, thankful and even relieved that she adopted by parents who helped each one of their children prepare for their future no matter the cost: physical, emotional or financial."
"Reading her story has really helped me see what it means to push through the bad times and that hard work and dedication will pay off even if at the moment it doesn't seem like it."
"This was a great book for all ages."
"Her beginning with her birth parents was beautiful but then the harsh realities of war, illness and culture took center stage, devestating her young life."
"The story of this extraordinary young woman's life speaks and delivers hope."
"Her parents are an inspiration to all of us, and Michaela's courage, hard work, and innate artistry are an example of what can be achieved when a gifted child is given the opportunity to let her spirit truly Take Flight."
"It's quite fascinating to have a first-hand perspective on a child's life in Africa, how she ended up in America, and how she acheived her dream of becoming a professional Ballerina through the support of her adoptive family."
"I will be reading this book again and again in the days to come, and to every person out there who is reading my words, "Buy this book and treasure it!""
Best Teen & Young Adult Asian History
Raised in a once-peaceful area of Pakistan transformed by terrorism, Malala was taught to stand up for what she believes. In this Young Readers Edition of her bestselling memoir, which has been reimagined specifically for a younger audience and includes exclusive photos and material, we hear firsthand the remarkable story of a girl who knew from a young age that she wanted to change the world -- and did. "Although her efforts to attend school, and the subsequent attack she endured, make for a powerful story, Yousafzai writes just as vividly about her daily life as a child in Pakistan.... Yousafzai's fresh, straightforward voice creates an easily read narrative that will introduce a slew of younger readers to both her story and her mission. [Yousafzai's] strong voice and ideals come across on every page, emphasizing how her surroundings and supportive family helped her become the relevant figure she is today....― SLJ.
Reviews
Find Best Price at Amazon"My 11-year old son read this and was so touched and inspired by Malala's story."
"Her voice is very clear, and my students felt like they "got to know her" well."
"This is such an uplifting book to read."
"I found "I AM Malala" to be very well written and full of detailed information about her previous life, her school, friends and family times before she was shot by the Taliban."
"***********NO SPOILER REVIEW**********. What a sad, hopeful, beautiful story this is."
""I Am Malala" tells the story of a young woman who yearned for knowledge and education in Pakistan, a country where the Taliban persecutes the education of women, and who almost paid for these things with her life. Although the story of Malala's life and the history of the country are definitely worth reading, the flow of this book is hard to follow at times. Moreover, even though this is Malala's memoir, it seems that the book tells more about Pakistan and her extended family, which can leave the reader questioning if this book should truly be called a memoir for about half of the book."
"I feel moved for malala's goal of making education more accessible in some countries because this is a goal that aims to change so many social problems."
Best Teen & Young Adult European History
The Allied forces, led by American generals George S. Patton and Dwight D. Eisenhower, are gaining control of Europe, leaving German leaders scrambling. “A thoroughly documented, visually rich presentation.” ― Kirkus Reviews on Kennedy's Last Days. “Immersively written . it might well read like Killing Lincoln .” ― Peter J. Boyer, Newsweek on Killing Lincoln.
Reviews
Find Best Price at Amazon"My father fought in World War II and I am a history major for my master's degree so I find history very interesting."
"Very interesting read with many facts."
"Things you didn't know , or wanted to know are about the Great war are shared, written to be easily understood."
"Enjoyed this book for bringing out the more human side of a tyrant ."
"There is no extra words in this very well written book about ---not only Hitler---but all the main players who played major roles around Hitler during his last weeks of life!"
"Great detail and insight into what was happening to and around Hitler."
"Patton's part in the last months and days of WWII was basically a re-write of the book, Killing Patton."
"The buildup to the end of Hitler is very interesting reading."
Best Teen & Young Adult Australia & Oceania History
Glamorous American singer Claire Phillips opened a nightclub in manila, using the earnings to secretly feed starving American POWs. Fifteen suspense-filled stories unfold across China, Japan, Malaya, Singapore, the Dutch East Indies, and the Philippines, providing an inspiring reminder of womens' and girls' refusal to sit on the sidelines around the world and throughout history. Finally, their stories are told.” —Mary Cronk Farrell, author of Pure Grit: How American World War II Nurses Survived Battle and Prison Camp in the Pacific. “Atwood’s vivid, accessible storytelling brings to life the oft’ forgotten female spies, saboteurs, and survivors who were utterly crucial to American victory in World War II. By using their own voices from memoirs, diaries and other sources, Atwood clearly lets us know that valor is not, and never has been, only a men’s trait.” —Elizabeth M. Norman author of We Band of Angels: The Untold Story of American Women Trapped on Bataan. Kathryn Atwood’s Women Heroes of WWII-the Pacific Theater tells the stories of fifteen gutsy ladies—writers, agents, activists, nurses, survivors, and others—whose bravery, resilience, and determination to take risks, confront adversity, and even face death are revealed from a perspective too often ignored. "Amid the cruelty and inhumanity of "the war without mercy," Atwood presents readers, young and old, with inspiring stories of women whose courage and endurance restore our faith in the ability of ordinary people to survive, resist and ultimately triumph over evil."
Reviews
Find Best Price at Amazon"Atwood offers insight into the live's and achievement's of some of the most noteworthy heroines of Pacific World War II."
"Now, we have a third – Women Heroes of World War II – the Pacific Theater: 15 Stories of Resistance, Rescue, Sabotage, and Survival. The books are aimed at the young adult audience but readers of any age will not fail to be moved and horrified in equal measure by the stories contained within these pages. As Kathryn writes in her foreword, she’s tried not to make the stories too graphic but we’re talking about the Rape of Nanking here, young girls forced into being ‘comfort women’, and the much-feared Kempeitai, Japan’s military police. She summarises Japan’s development into a fascist, one-party state, and how young Japanese boys were hardened and desensitized by brutal and compulsory military training. Vivian was one of 22 Australian nurses who, on 12 February 1942, was forced by Japanese soldiers into the waves off Bangka Island in the Dutch East Indies (now Indonesia). Designed for about 300 students, by the end of the year, 10,000 terrified women had squeezed in, desperate for sanctuary from Japanese soldiers intent on raping every female they could find, however young or old. Another chapter relates the story of Sybil Kathigasu, a Malayan nurse, who, together with her surgeon husband, helped scores of wounded guerrilla fighters."
"Women Heroes of World War II - The Pacific Theater begins and ends with general information on the war in the Pacific Theater and then moves to focus in on the stories of specific women, presenting an excellent mix of information about the women's lives before the war, their actions during the conflict, and a brief description of their post-war life."
Best Teen & Young Adult Prehistoric History
Discover the prehistoric world of dinosaurs.
Reviews
Find Best Price at Amazon"It has pretty impressive computer generated illustrations but usually only one per page."
"Cute book."
"This book was purchased as a Christmas gift for my nephew."
"Excellent product my nephew loved the book."
Best Teen & Young Adult Modern History
In this unforgettable chronicle of perhaps the most famous moment in American military history, James Bradley has captured the glory, the triumph, the heartbreak, and the legacy of the six men who raised the flag at Iwo Jima. In Flags of Our Fathers , James Bradley draws on those documents to retrace the lives of his father and the men of Easy Company. Only James Bradley's father truly survived, displaying no copy of the famous photograph in his home, telling his son only: "The real heroes of Iwo Jima were the guys who didn't come back." In the winter of 1945, on the tiny island of Iwo Jima, a ferocious, epic battle was fought, resulting in the loss of more than 48,000 lives and producing what was to become one of the most recognizable symbols of World War II: a photograph of six soldiers raising an American flag on the peak of Mount Suribachi.
Reviews
Find Best Price at Amazon"He brings the reader along on a hunt for clues to the iconic flag raising photo's soldiers."
"Flags of our fathers was an insightful book following the six men who raised the American flag at Iwo Jima. Bladley follows each of the men on their journeys up to the time of the flag raising Bradley wrote flags of our fathers as his father James Bradley was one of the six men to raise the American flag on that heroic mountain."
"Simply put, "Flags of our Fathers" is one of the most powerful and moving books I've read in a very long time. Not only does this book give a chilling account of the world at war, a thought a 27 year old like myself could never truly comprehend, it also paints an equally powerful picture of America of yesteryear. Although I initially thought the book was a bit lengthy (I'm not even sure of the final count as I read the Kindle version), after seeing the considerably edited feature film version I instantly knew that the book was absolutely right to tell every single detail that it did."
"Flags of Our Fathers is well worth reading, for at the end one will have experienced the total range of emotions that can only happen in the battlefield, where only the bravest offer sacrifices that include their lives, for the sake of their fellow men and their nation."
"Thank you James Bradley for sharing your father's story of the raising of the flag on Mount Surabachi in 1945 at Iwo Jima."
"How my childhood barber, who was in the "Death March of Batan", could be such a gentle man is hard to understand."
Best Teen & Young Adult Ancient History
Considered the innovator of "horizontal history," Genevieve Foster became frustrated when her two school-aged children complained about the boring presentation of history in their school texts. Foster will then take her readers all over the world to learn what was happening at this same time in China, Persia, India and so on. Every year this grows more urgent, as increasingly rapid communication integrates world events more closely and the impact of foreign affairs on our own lives becomes more serious and immediate."
Reviews
Find Best Price at Amazon"I'm reading this book to my junior high World History class."
"a wonderful book!"
"Great approach to world history."
"Great book!"
"Outstanding view on history of old."
"What a fantastic view into history."
"this book was in great shape and shipped quickly."
"Genevieve Foster books are good for History even w/o a guide."
Best Teen & Young Adult Medieval History
While Eleanor, never a patient woman in life or afterlife, waits, three people, each of whom was close to Eleanor during a time of her life, join her. As long as they're together, they might as well gossip about old times--and soon all of Eleanor's adventures in the Middle Ages spring to life again.
Reviews
Find Best Price at Amazon"Konigsburg here is at her best in respecting the intelligence of her targeted young readers, with prose, constructions, and wry/light humor that make the characters and events accessible to modern audiences without talking down or dumbing down complicated situations."
"This is an outstanding book. The life of Eleanor of Aquitaine is interesting enough in itself, but this book gives it an even deeper richness."
"It's a wonderful introduction to Eleanor and all the famous people from history that her life intersected with, and does a particularly nice job of showing her accomplishments: an introduction to the ideals of chivalry at her Court of Love, her commssioning of poets and authors to "improve" the stories of King Arthur, and her and Henry II's efforts to bring about the Rule of Law in England."
"I didn't know if my boys (age 10) would enjoy this or not, but having the story told by characters in heaven, watching earth from the clouds, tickled their imaginations, so that they were ready to hear more."
"Excellent middle-level reading book (but thoroughly enjoyed by adult readers as well) to spark interest in Historical Fiction."
"Interesting and historically fun read, especially for a girl studying basic world history."
"I first read this book ten years ago, when I managed to leave my homeroom ten minutes late after being completely engrossed in the story of Eleanor of Aquitaine."
"Great story from an interesting perspective."
Best Teen & Young Adult Middle Eastern History
Raised in a once-peaceful area of Pakistan transformed by terrorism, Malala was taught to stand up for what she believes. In this Young Readers Edition of her bestselling memoir, which has been reimagined specifically for a younger audience and includes exclusive photos and material, we hear firsthand the remarkable story of a girl who knew from a young age that she wanted to change the world -- and did. "Although her efforts to attend school, and the subsequent attack she endured, make for a powerful story, Yousafzai writes just as vividly about her daily life as a child in Pakistan.... Yousafzai's fresh, straightforward voice creates an easily read narrative that will introduce a slew of younger readers to both her story and her mission. [Yousafzai's] strong voice and ideals come across on every page, emphasizing how her surroundings and supportive family helped her become the relevant figure she is today....― SLJ.
Reviews
Find Best Price at Amazon"My 11-year old son read this and was so touched and inspired by Malala's story."
"Her voice is very clear, and my students felt like they "got to know her" well."
"I found "I AM Malala" to be very well written and full of detailed information about her previous life, her school, friends and family times before she was shot by the Taliban."
"***********NO SPOILER REVIEW**********. What a sad, hopeful, beautiful story this is."
""I Am Malala" tells the story of a young woman who yearned for knowledge and education in Pakistan, a country where the Taliban persecutes the education of women, and who almost paid for these things with her life. Although the story of Malala's life and the history of the country are definitely worth reading, the flow of this book is hard to follow at times. Moreover, even though this is Malala's memoir, it seems that the book tells more about Pakistan and her extended family, which can leave the reader questioning if this book should truly be called a memoir for about half of the book."
Best Teen & Young Adult Renaissance History
Forty-five finely detailed, ready-to color illustrations showing attifets, chopines, doublets, farthingales, houppelandes, and other elements of Renaissance garb depict: an Italian peasant couple dressed for their wedding day (c. 1450); an Italian knight in steel armor (c. 1460); an English lord and lady in riding outfits (c. 1510); children of a German royal family garbed in velvet and accompanied by a soberly dressed nanny (c. 1550); and many more outfits designed for various activities and occasions. One of the leading authorities on fashion history, Tom Tierney created over 150 paper doll books for Dover Publications.
Reviews
Find Best Price at Amazon"Yes, it's a coloring book, but one that's painstakingly researched and carefully illustrated."
"The pictures are large and very well drawn and I found the fashions represented highly interesting."
"Nicely done images, a lot of fun to color."
"I have a pre-teen granddaughter who loves art, history of fashion, Renaissance Fairs (for which I make her costumes) and this was a great extra Christmas gift for her."
"I enjoy the fashions but I wish the pages were one sided."
"Tom Tierney is so great with his historical fashion coloring books and paper dolls and it makes it fun and challenging to color the images."
"Renaissance Fair Must Have !!"
"These were colored, laminated and beheaded, used on a bulletin board with kids' faces:) Thanks."
Best Teen & Young Adult Holocaust History
A New York Times bestseller. “This book is published as narrative nonfiction for young readers, but the equal measures of hope and hardship in its pages lend appeal to an audience of all ages . “A wrenching, shocking, and ultimately inspiring memoir, a tale of unrelenting optimism and resilience that is no less than miraculous . “Enhanced by meticulous archival research, Bornstein’s story unfolds in novelistic form . Although listed for ages 10 – 14, it also makes excellent adult reading.” ― Jewish Book Council , starred review. “The most memorable part of this extraordinary nonfiction work is the hope amidst tragedy and the ways individuals and families banded together despite unimaginable odds, including the challenges to rebuild after breaking free from the concentration camps only to find a world still filled with hatred and fear.” ― VOYA. An ideal follow-up selection for students who have read The Diary of Anne Frank .” ― The Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books. The book is written in a soothing tone, which helps balance some of the grim details of Jewish life under the Nazi regime .
Reviews
Find Best Price at Amazon"So now I read my two chapters and contemplate on the struggles these Jewish people had to endure during the Nazi take over of Poland."
"I was actually lucky enough to listen to him speak at a conference here in Iowa where he went to school and met him."
"I listened to an interview with the authors and knew I had to read this book."
"This story is different from other survivor stories in that the voice of a child recalls the events."
"The subject matter told from the perspective of such a small child who survived draws you in."
"This is a very remarkable story of survival in the death camps of World War II."
"Very good ."
"It is difficult to believe what terrible things people can do to each other."
Best Teen & Young Adult United States History
World War II is nearly over in Europe, but in the Pacific, American soldiers face an enemy who will not surrender, despite a massive and mounting death toll. “This thrillerlike adaptation captures the excitement of the Union victory in the Civil War and the shock and horror that quickly followed as the country learned of Lincoln's death and sought revenge on his assassins. The popularity of O'Reilly's adult title will drive interest in this version, but it definitely stands alone and will find an audience among general readers and report writers.” ― School Library Journal.
Reviews
Find Best Price at Amazon"As usual, great read."
"Excellent history on how the nuclear arms race started and how in this case saved American lives and ended war in the Pacific."
"I haven't had time to read this yet, but, I am anxious to do so."
"History that most of America probably never knew."
"Some better detail, but a lot like Killing the Rising Sun."
"I bought this as a gift for my dad and he has re-read it, he loves it."
"I've read many books about World War II, and this is a good one."
"I recommended this book to all my friends."
Best Teen & Young Adult Military History
In this captivating and lavishly illustrated young adult edition of her award-winning #1 New York Times bestseller, Laura Hillenbrand tells the story of a former Olympian's courage, cunning, and fortitude following his plane crash in enemy territory. On a May afternoon in 1943, an American military plane crashed into the Pacific Ocean and disappeared, leaving only a spray of debris and a slick of oil, gasoline, and blood. Ahead of Zamperini lay thousands of miles of open ocean, leaping sharks, a sinking raft, thirst and starvation, enemy aircraft, and, beyond, a trial even greater. Featuring more than one hundred photographs plus an exclusive interview with Zamperini, this breathtaking odyssey—also captured on film by director Angelina Jolie—is a testament to the strength of the human spirit and the ability to endure against the unlikeliest of odds. Writing in a gripping, intense tone, Hillenbrand relates how tragedy struck when Zamperini's plane was shot down and he and two other men spent 47 days in a life boat in the Pacific Ocean, fighting sharks, starvation, and dehydration, before being captured by the Japanese navy as prisoners of war.
Reviews
Find Best Price at Amazon"The changes were immediately apparent: On the first page, the previous version read: Somewhere on the endless expanse of the Pacific Ocean, Army Air Forces bombardier and Olympic runner Louie Zamperini lay across a small raft, drifting westward. The new version read: Somewhere on the Pacific Ocean, American military airman and Olympic runner Louie Zamperini lay on a small raft, drifting. In a nutshell, Hillenbrand deleted "the endless expanse of," and simplified Zamperini's title from "Army Air Forces bombardier," to "American military airman." He is easily the bravest, most remarkable person I've ever read about, and a fine example of what we hope our young people will choose to emulate."
"I would recommend this book specifically to younger audiences because if you are an adult you should read the more complex version as it is more deep."
"Read at school, good for young adults."
"He was one of the most remarkable men I have ever read about. The recounting of their time in the raft, that they survived is due to the courage of the men, especially Louie."
"Good book, my son (12) loves WWII stories."
"What a wonderful survival story."
"Here is a hero who changed his life from a boy always getting into trouble to a high school athlete, Olympic athlete, and outstanding member of WWII armed forces."
"It shares such am amazing story with so many things to learn and to apply to our own lives."
Best Teen & Young Adult History of Exploration & Discovery
Adapted from the New York Times bestseller Mayflower ! Grade 7 Up—Abridged and adapted from Mayflower: A Story of Courage, Community, and War (Penguin, 2007), this volume highlights both the Pilgrims' determination to find and settle a home where they could worship freely and the perilous journey that it took to make that happen.
Reviews
Find Best Price at Amazon"If you truly want to learn something about an interesting time in history."
"Still reading and loving this book!"
"Love the pictures and maps that go with the story!"
"I enjoyed this book."
"Not completely finished yet."
"Learned a lot about the Plymouth colony that was never taught in Elementary or High School American History class."
"I haven't had time to read, but it is by my favorite author, so I know it will be good."
"Love the information that is given in this book."