Starred Review for Publishers Weekly

Veteran adult historian Ambrose (D-Day June 6, 1944; Citizen Soldiers) hits the mark with this patriotic photo-survey of America's involvement in WWII. His highly visual and textually concise approach make clear the giant scope of a war that truly spanned the world. The author covers a great deal of factual information by breaking down the events into digestible sections of one to two spreads each (the D-Day invasion, photos of the concentration camps, and the bombs on Hiroshima and Nagasaki each have two spreads). Topics vary from the origins of the war in both Germany and Japan to Japanese-American relocation camps to the Manhattan Project and women in the work force, always keeping an eye to the human side of war and sacrifice. Carefully selected quotes reinforce the individual's experience, such as Major Richard Winters's reaction when his troops liberated concentration camp prisoners at Dachau: """"Now I know why I am here."""" Ambrose also points out the irony that the U.S. battled a racist Hitler with a segregated army, and effectively argues that the exemplary performance of African-American troops paved the way for integration in the army and, eventually, for the civil rights movement. Haunting and powerful full-page and inset photographs bring each subject to life, including Joe Rosenthal's famous flag-raising after the battle of Iwo Jima. Because of the brevity, some issues such as Russia's temporary alliance with Germany are not discussed. The format succeeds in allowing Ambrose to flash back and forth between events around the globe, creating a heartpounding urgency. Ages 9-up. (May)

Horn Book (Fri Apr 01 00:00:00 CDT 2011)

Delaney once again combines chills with character development as Tom and others face difficult questions. Should common enemies always create allies? Can Tom kill his friend Alice's murderous mother? Meanwhile, the soul-sucking demon buggane poses a constant threat. Arrasmith's black-and-white illustrations reinforce the idea that the supernatural creatures, even Tom's temporary cohorts, are worth a shudder.

Kirkus Reviews

In what is plainly a packager's distillation of far better work by the noted historian, what should have been exciting and heart-stirring—thanks to strong photographs—is reduced to a hop, skip, and a jump due to a weak text. The arrangement is an appealing one, similar to coffee-table books for adults: the openings are clean and clear—"Quick Facts," a small photo of an event, the text dealing with the subject at hand (a battle, a place) facing a full-page photo of the event, situation, or characters. The photos are telling; the text, though, skimps on details, facts, and conclusions that the uninformed young reader needs. The Quick Facts recitals of odd bits of detail (how many bombers, cliches about personalities, etc.) are useless unless a reader knows how to fill in the importance of such trivia. But the packager does not provide that essential background information. The photos (most of which may be assumed to have been shot in black and white) are offered in a variety of colors, perhaps to make the presentation more attractive, but even without that, they would be the strongest component. There are no dates for them, however. Each spread treats a different topic, bouncing from one to another with less than obvious connection. So, for instance, the subject of Japanese-American relocation centers is placed in between the Battle of Midway and the Battle of the Atlantic. And far too often what are contained in the text are trite phrases and worn-out images. Too bad. (maps and index not seen) (Nonfiction. 9-12)

School Library Journal (Tue May 01 00:00:00 CDT 2001)

Gr 6 Up-Whenever a celebrated historian produces a volume for young people, one wonders if he will write for them or merely condense and chop. Ambrose does write for them in a beautifully abbreviated style with strong verbs, clear subjects, and a minimum of adverbs. Beginning with an explanation of the origin of the war in Europe and Asia, the text moves on to Pearl Harbor through the major battles to the war-crimes trials and the Marshall Program. Although driven chronologically by major military events, the narrative does include a bit of social and economic history, discussing the manufacturing strength of the United States and the establishment of relocation centers. Of course generals and major officials are quoted, but it is the variety of information gained from the soldiers' letters that gives the most interesting flavor. Well-chosen pictures prove that children were not exempt from the effects of war. A French toddler is held up for a friendly handshake with a GI on a half-track. Two boys are shown viewing the ruins of their city. A Japanese child with an atomically melted face sits dutifully at a school desk. All of the images are guaranteed to draw readers closer. Matching the excellence of the text is a superb layout. Full-page picturessome of which are monochromed in attractive blue, purple, green, or sepiaappear opposite matched initials and fact boxes. Ambrose brings this compelling chapter of history to life for a new generation. Cindy Darling Codell, Clark Middle School, Winchester, KY