Rating: 
Summary: Well-written and interesting, but appalling history.
Review: The rationale behind this book is great, especially given the relative ignorance of younger generations towards the recent past. Breaking up the war into manageable two-page chunks (page of text plus page of photos or maps) is also a sensible way of presenting the chronology of the war. But for a book that claims to be a history of how World War Two was won, and not a history of the United States involvement in the war, this book is a bit of an outrage. Beginning with Pearl Harbor certainly signaled the author's American-centric focus; but to completely and utterly ignore the Soviet (who inflicted over 80% of the German troop casualties) and British/Commonwealth contribution to victory is not doing our children's knowledge of the past any favors. I hate to say it, but school libraries should be discouraged from buying this book in the same way that we discourage them from buying Stalinist propaganda history from the 1950s or Maoist history from the 1960s. Those books willingly falsified history for political ends, and to my mind Ambrose in this book is also falsifying history, perhaps also for political ends.
Rating: 
Summary: Essential for school libraries and young history readers
Review: This book, geared towards young readers in middle school, is a useful, short book designed to give these readers some appreciation for World War II in both theaters of war. It semi-obviously promotes the American viewpoint, but still has enough interesting data and anecdotes to bring the human side of the conflict into focus. It has plenty of maps and illustrations/photos, and would be helpful in school sna libraries to provide younger citizens with an idea of what service is all about, and intirduce them to good history telling.
Rating:
Summary: Essential for school libraries and young history readers
Review: This book, geared towards young readers in middle school, is a useful, short book designed to give these readers some appreciation for World War II in both theaters of war. It semi-obviously promotes the American viewpoint, but still has enough interesting data and anecdotes to bring the human side of the conflict into focus. It has plenty of maps and illustrations/photos, and would be helpful in school sna libraries to provide younger citizens with an idea of what service is all about, and intirduce them to good history telling.
Rating: 
Summary: Citizen Soldier for young folks - very well done!
Review: This is a fantastically done book. I was cautious about a "War" book for kids - worried that the historical tragedy and horrors of war would be either too graphic or transformed in macho-heroism. This book does neither.This book is very well balanced history book. It lays out the historical facts, interspersed with quality and relevent anecdotes and personal events. It shows the young reader the sacrifice and courage of the young men and women in the services. A first rate book by a first rate writer!
Rating:
Summary: The Good Fight by Stephen E. Ambrose
Review: This is an extraordinary book! I was amazed at how Stephen Ambrose could write the story of World War II for a young audience. My daughter asked me a lot of questions--she was really interested in Rosie the Riveter! And my son wanted me to explain more. The photos and illustrations did a wonderful job adding to Ambrose's words. I have to say that I learned some things that I didn't know, too! Thank you, Mr. Ambrose for taking such a complicated subject and telling it in a way that kids can understand.
Rating:
Summary: Terrific for ages nine and up--and for homework!
Review: This is an important presentation of WWII from the invasion of Europe to the holocaust. The tone is appropriate for young students and the design is impressive for older students. If there is a single title to acquire on the war as a whole for middle grade, this is the book to get.
Rating:
Summary: A very good World War II book for children
Review: This thin (96 pages), but large, book is a colorful look at the United States' participation in World War II. Each section is given two pages; one containing a large (and often color!) picture or map, while the other is a combination of text, one or two pictures and a "Quick Facts" sidebar. While not in-depth, this attractive book will give the younger reader and a very good overview of the War. Plus, the excellent use of color will help the younger reader to connect with the book. Overall, I thought that this was a very good World War II book for children, and I highly recommend it.
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