Archival photographs, maps, and sidebars combine with straightforward text to provide a thorough presentation of wartime efforts on and off the battlefield. From the recruitment and care of soldiers to intelligence, propaganda, and home front sacrifices, each title features endeavors required in wartime. The busy design and broad scope may be overwhelming, but it's a fresh perspective. Reading list, timeline, websites. Glos., ind.

SAMUELS, Charlie . Life Under Occupation . ISBN 978-1-936333-26-4 . SAMUELS, Charlie . Propaganda . ISBN 978-1-936333-23-3 . SAMUELS, Charlie . Soldiers . ISBN 978-1-936333-24-0 . SAMUELS, Charlie . Spying and Security . ISBN 978-1-936333-25-7 . ea vol: 48p. (World War II Sourcebook Series). maps. photos. reprods. chron. further reading. glossary. index. Web sites. Brown Bear Bks. 2012. PLB $34.25. LC number unavailable. Gr 5-8 This visually engaging series offers a wide range of information on life and events beyond the battlefields of World War II. Each volume is divided into appropriate chapters, e.g., Soldiers begins with "Recruitment" and ends with "Demobilization," and Propaganda has chapters devoted to the campaigns of different nations. The text is broken up by numerous photos, poster reproductions, and sidebars that generally illuminate points in the main text but are occasionally repetitive. While Japan and the Asian theater are touched upon, the focus is largely on the West. Each volume includes the same back matter. The time line and maps of the European and Pacific theaters of combat will be best understood by readers with prior knowledge or through referencing other sources.