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Best Teen & Young Adult European History eBooks

Hitler's Last Days: The Death of the Nazi Regime and the World's Most Notorious Dictator
The Allied forces, led by American generals George S. Patton and Dwight D. Eisenhower, are gaining control of Europe, leaving German leaders scrambling. “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 on Lincoln's Last Days. Bill O'Reilly is a former high-school history teacher and the author of several number one bestselling books, including Lincoln's Last Days and Killing Kennedy.
Reviews
"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."
"My father fought in World War II and I am a history major for my master's degree so I find history very interesting."
"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."
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The Boys Who Challenged Hitler: Knud Pedersen and the Churchill Club (Bccb Blue Ribbon Nonfiction Book Award (Awards))
Naming their secret club after the fiery British leader, the young patriots in the Churchill Club committed countless acts of sabotage, infuriating the Germans, who eventually had the boys tracked down and arrested. Gr 7 Up—A group of Danish middle school boys, led by 15-year-old Knud Pedersen, decided to resist German occupation in Denmark despite the government's acceptance. Naming themselves the Churchill Club, they began by changing directional signs and cutting communication wires. VERDICT Many students will be interested in this work of nonfiction that shows a different perspective of life during World War II.—Karen Alexander, Lake Fenton High School, Linden, MI A School Library Journal Best Book of 2015. “Told in straightforward, even prosaic language, this account will help young readers imagine themselves in the midst of the unimaginable ― and will show them how kids much like them managed to survive.” ― The New York Times. “Their story is one of bravery in the face of constant danger and of increasingly meaningful acts of sabotage . An important and unforgettable book that adds a significant chapter to the history of WWII.” ― Booklist , starred review. Hoose brilliantly weaves Pedersen's own words into the larger narrative of Denmark's stormy social and political wartime climate.” ― The Horn Book, starred review.
Reviews
"Would love a bit more historical context."
"This was an interesting nonfiction book about a group of teenagers who refused to cave in to the Nazis during their occupation of Denmark."
"He's 6th grade this year and has a form of autism so I had to make sure the story we went with was relatable while also compelling discussing issues outside of a single idea or person."
"My 12-year-old son, who REFUSES to read like you'd refuse cyanide, actually read this book!"
"The story is amazing- the bravery of these boys was astonishing."
"Reminds me of part of the Cadets' Prayer at West Point, which goes something like this: Help me, O God, to chose the harder right instead of the easier wrong...."
"Gave as a gift."
"Actually, I did not read this book."
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Vincent and Theo: The Van Gogh Brothers
Meticulously researched, drawing on the 658 letters Vincent wrote to Theo during his lifetime, Deborah Heiligman weaves a tale of two lives intertwined and the extraordinary love of the Van Gogh brothers. Boston Globe–Horn Book Awards Winner, Nonfiction "A remarkably insightful, profoundly moving story of fraternal interdependence and unconditional love." This illuminating glimpse into the van Goghs’ turbulent life and historical period will add compelling depth to readers’ understanding of the iconic painter. ". "An intensive exploration of their turbulent lives" ― Publishers Weekly , starred review , on Vincent and Theo: The Van Gogh Brothers. "This title is a treasure for readers who want to immerse in a roiling domestic drama and who don’t back away from a good cry" ― The Bulletin , starred review , on Vincent and Theo: The Van Gogh Brothers. "Passion, intimacy and family love propel this masterful, suitably impressionistic portrait of the relationship of artist Vincent Van Gogh and his brother Theo. "The unlikely, and happy marriage of Charles Darwin and Emma Wedgewood comes to life in Heiligman's intelligent and fast-moving book." A graduate of Brown University, she began her writing career working for Scholastic News Explorer and has since written more than twenty books for children.
Reviews
"What a surprise to find I came away from this book with a deeper understanding of Vincent and his art and the love the Van Gogh brothers had for each other."
"This is a fascinating story about two brothers and their love and their dedication to art and each other."
"I learned so much about Vincent Van Gogh and his life and was very moved by his struggles and relationship with his brother."
"You do not question historical figures, then you read something like this book and the full humanity of the person(s) comes to life and we are just simply changed--our perception AND appreciation."
"The thoroughness!"
"One of the best non-fiction books I have read."
"Excellent book with a good reader but there was a problem."
"Vincent Van Gogh's life is the stuff of legend now filled with passion, creativity, and the larger-than-life personality of a man whose paintings would change the art world forever with their contributions to Post-Impressionism. Vincent didn't realize he wanted to be a painter until he was in his twenties--he made up for the late start with a zealous commitment to his work and a prolific output over the course of his short life. Theo nurtured Vincent's talents, supported him financially, and made sure his paintings were seen in galleries that were beginning to move away from the old masters and show art in newer, brighter and more abstract styles. Short chapters and inventive formatting make even familiar information feel novel as Heiligman delves deep into Vincent's early life, his changing relationship with Theo, and his rocky journey as both an artist and a young man. New perspectives on key points in Vincent's life as well as detailed information about the brothers' early devotion to each other--and the previously little known painting that documents that moment--add new insights even for readers familiar with the artist and his art. Vincent and Theo: The Van Gogh Brothers is a fascinating and informative story that tenderly explores the momentous and sometimes tragic lives of two of the art world's most important figures."
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Best Teen & Young Adult Historical Biography eBooks

Outcry - Holocaust Memoirs
Manny Steinberg (1925-2015) spent his teens in Nazi concentration camps in Germany, miraculously surviving while millions perished. Outcry - Holocaust Memoirs is the candid account of a teenager who survived four Nazi camps: Dachau, Auschwitz, Vaihingen an der Enz, and Neckagerach. Manny Steinberg relates how he was served human flesh and was forced to shave the heads of female corpses and pull out their teeth. Cherishing a picture of his beloved mother in his wooden shoe, he miraculously survived the terror of the German concentration camps together with his father and brother. When the Americans arrived in April 1945, Manny was little more than a living skeleton, with several broken ribs and suffering from a serious lung condition, wearing only a dirty, ragged blanket. Outcry has become a classic of holocaust literature and human survival, and is recommended reading for college students and the younger generation in general. I would highly recommend this to any history class that deals with this time period and to any book club that wants to touch on a reality we can hardly fathom. Although Manny spent his early years in German Camps and never attended school past the 7th grade, he managed to always support his family while providing a foundation of strength and love. "Outcry - Holocaust Memoirs", Manny's life story, has captured the miracle of one man's determined will to survive.The autobiography was written to fulfil a promise the author made to himself during the first days of freedom. "Not a day goes by that I do not think of my childhood or family, but as long as I'm allowed to be here on earth, I will wake up everyday feeling fortunate and blessed."
Reviews
"This memoir was heartbreakingly riveting."
"Finally the day came when his family was loaded onto the train and separated into those horrible lines when the Jewish people already knew what the lines meant.... his step-mother and young brother in one line...his father and middle brother in the work line for the work camps. His brother had the foot of his and the foot of the person on the other side slipped under his feet to look older/taller so he could be in his brother's line."
"As a matter of fact, Hilter's term "Aryan" was of the same derivation as the term "Iranian" and they all, whether Nazi, Sunni Extremists, or the terrorist sanctioning Shiite mullahs of Iran... I'm so glad this man has survived, and persevered through the vagaries of life to write this memoir."
"A very well written book."
"I very seldom watch or read anything holocaust related....saw Diary of Anne Frank...Life is Beautiful....that's it....wanted to watch Schindlers List but couldn't work up the courage....I am uncomfortable imagining the horror endured by Jews and others during that dark period in human existence ...I was compelled for some unknown impulse to read Outcry:Holocaust Memoirs ."
"The description of the attacks on the people in the Jewish getto were almost more than I could bear to read. How could someone suffering under the same hardships as you actually spy on you, or turn you in to what they knew would be horrible cruelty or death for an extra slice if bread?"
"The fact that two brothers and their father could stay together the whole time was truly amazing."
"The story of the triumph of the human spirit and the love of Manny for his family and all his Jewish friends made my heart swell with such pride in Manny and joy at his freedom and his life."
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Best Teen & Young Adult Military History eBooks

Unbroken (The Young Adult Adaptation): An Olympian's Journey from Airman to Castaway to Captive
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. Gr 9 Up—Adapted from the best-selling adult book of the same name, this riveting account tells the story of Louis Zamperini, a thief turned track star, Olympian, airman, castaway, and prisoner of war. Though this is a strong, well-written work, the adult version is accessible and engaging; students are better off sticking with the original.—Stephanie Farnlacher, Trace Crossings Elementary School, Hoover, AL “This adaptation of Hillenbrand’s adult best-seller is highly dramatic and exciting, as well as painful to read as it lays bare man’s hellish inhumanity to man.”-- Booklist , STARRED. "This captivating book emphasizes the importance of determination, the will to survive against impossible odds, and support from family and friends.
Reviews
"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."
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Best Teen & Young Adult United States History eBooks

The Day the World Went Nuclear: Dropping the Atom Bomb and the End of World War II in the Pacific
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. "A skillfully organized overview of the fall of the Third Reich, O’Reilly’s summary coordinates text with graphic photos for maximum impact." “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. He holds a history degree from Marist College, a masters degree in Broadcast Journalism from Boston University, and another masters degree from Harvard's John F. Kennedy School of Government.
Reviews
"Being an American I was interested in what lead up to us using the nuclear bomb."
"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."
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