History Books for Young Readers

Here's another great collection of nonfiction history books written for young readers. I love putting these lists together. This time around we have some excellent commemorative choices and we have quite a few books about women making history from the Revolutionary War to the present day. Although aimed at a middle-grade or young adult audience, these books are fascinating for readers of all ages.

American Moonshot: John F. Kennedy and the Great Space Race by Douglas Brinkley
July 20th, 2019 was the 50th anniversary of the first moon landing. The young reader's edition of Brinkley's book is just one of many histories that revisit the era. This book focuses almost exclusively on the political aspect of the space race, specifically President Kennedy's contribution. Kennedy famously proclaimed that the United States would put a man on the moon by the end of the decade. This book explains how and why space exploration became an important aspect of Kennedy's policies. Brinkley also briefly discusses the early years of rocketry with the German's V-2 rockets of World War II. It was interesting to learn about the connections between the war years and the space age. Communism and the Cold War is also a huge factor in Kennedy's embrace of the space program, and this book does a nice job explaining that aspect of the equation. If you decide to read this book, keep in mind that Kennedy does not live to see Neil Armstrong take those first steps on the moon. Out April 2, 2019 from HarperCollins. Review copy from Edelweiss.

1919: The Year that Changed America by Martin W. Sandler
With 1919 we have another commemorative book, and one you will want to be sure to read in 2019. Sandler looks back 100 years to a watershed year in United States history that included fights for suffrage to race riots to strikes for labor rights and more. Sandler lays the groundwork for each big event by discussing the events leading up to the momentous actions of 1919. At the end of each chapter, Sandler includes a timeline of events going forward to today, driving home how the events of 1919 have shaped our present. Extremely well-written and informative and filled with images, 1919 is an engrossing read and a fantastic concept. I love a good commemorative read, and I'm so glad that I didn't miss out on this one.Out January 8, 1919 from Bloomsbury Children's Books. Review copy from NetGalley.

Susan B. Anthony: The Making of America by Teri Kanefield
After my last History Books for Young Readers post, it's abundantly clear how much I love Teri Kanefield's Making of America series. The fourth installment features Susan B. Anthony, and it is every bit as great as the first three. With each book in the series, Kanefield selects a prominent figure from American history who has helped to shape the laws of the United States. With Anthony we learn about a figure who is well known for her fight for women's rights. Kanefield does a great job dealing with some of the trickier aspects of Anthony's life. In recent years, especially, the early suffragists have fallen from grace a little due to their lack of support for African American rights. What struck me as I was reading this, is how intersectional these early suffragists were. Most were abolitionists and suffragists until the causes of women's rights were abandoned by the leaders of the abolitionist movement after the Civil War. At that point, due to lack of funds and support, Anthony and Cady do make some questionable decisions. Kanefield convincingly explains how this came about. In the end, Anthony would not live to see the ratification of the 19th amendment, but it certainly deserves the nickname "The Susan B. Anthony Amendment." Out March 26, 2019 from Abrams Books for Young Readers. Review copy from NetGalley.

The Miracle and Tragedy of the Dionne Quintuplets by Sarah Miller
On May 28, 1934, five identical baby girls were born to a French Canadian family in Ontario. Their survival was both miraculous and the result of the tireless work of the doctor, midwives, and nurses who delivered the girls and worked round-the-clock in their infancy. Controversy and celebrity followed the girls, who were separated from their family and raised by the state until the age of nine in a hospital built especially for them across the street from their family home. Everything about this true story is mind-blowing. The title is apt in every way. That Yvonne, Annette, Cécile, Émilie, and Marie all lived was truly amazing. The exploitation, experimentation, and trauma they experienced as a result of their celebrity was horribly tragic. Sarah Miller's narrative is gripping and filled with quotations from primary sources and interviews with the surviving quintuplets. Miller does a fantastic job navigating the nuances of these events. Once so famous, the story of the Dionne Quintuplets has been out of the spotlight for decades, but it's not a story that will easily be forgotten.  Out August 27, 2019 from Random House Children's. Review copy from NetGalley.

Fly Girls' Young Reader's Edition: How Five Daring Women Defied All Odds and Made Aviation History by Keith O'Brien
Between World War I and World War II, aviation was still young, and men and women raced to test the limits of flight. I've been drawn to the early years of aviation history over the past couple of years, and I especially gravitate towards the female fliers of this period. (Posts here, here, and here.) These women were defying the odds in so many ways. Keith O'Brien centers his book on five female aviators of the 1930s: Florence Klingensmith, Ruth Elder, Amelia Earhart, Ruth Nichols, and Louise Thaden. Earhart is the most famous of the bunch today, but I found that I most admired Louise Thaden, who was not only a skilled pilot but also a smart one. This book has a lot of plane crashes and really drives home the sexism of the 1930s; the women were frequently told they couldn't fly, race, or compete with the men. Out March 5, 2019 from HMH Books for Young Readers. Review copy from NetGalley.

Dreaming in Code: Ada Byron Lovelace, Computer Pioneer by Emily Arnold McCully
Ada Lovelace, the daughter of the celebrated and notorious poet Lord Byron, was one of the world's first computer programmers. Ada had a very unusual upbringing. Her mother left Lord Byron when Ada was just a baby and took a very strict approach to her daughter's education. Ada's education far exceeded that of most girls of her time. She had a succession of tutors and proved to be very gifted at mathematics. After meeting Charles Babbage at the age of 17, she and the inventor collaborated and exchanged ideas. His knowledge of inventing and machinery married with her knowledge of mathematics far outstripped the technology of the day. I really enjoyed this brief biography of Ada Byron Lovelace. It's a very fast and engaging read. Ada Lovelace is a fascinating person, and her life was so usual and in many ways very tragic. All of that was conveyed very well in Emily Arnold McCully's book. Out March 12, 2019 from Candlewick. Review copy from NetGalley.
 
Anna Strong and the Revolutionary War Culper Spy Ring by Enigma Alberti
This is the third book in the Spy on History series. Each book in the series features a spy in a war from American history. I've read and thoroughly enjoyed them all (featured here and here).  With this third book, we've gone back to the Revolutionary War. Anna Strong and her husband lived on Long Island under the occupation of the British and were part of George Washington's spy ring. When Anna's husband was arrested, Anna took over so the spy network would not be broken. She communicated to her contact with her laundry, hanging certain colors to communicate certain information. She traveled into New York City multiple times to relay information. The Spy on History books are a great way to get young readers interested in history. They come with activities in back and a message to decode. Out April 2, 2019 from Workman Publishing Company. Review copy from NetGalley.

Heroism Begins With Her: Inspiring Stories of Bold, Brave, and Gutsy Women in the U.S. Military by Winifred Conkling
In nearly 70 short biographies, Winifred Conkling features the women of the United States' past and present who have served in the military. In doing so, she also traces the progress made by women who sought to gain more acceptance, greater recognition, and an official status for their service. In the early years, many of the women who served were camp followers, nurses, spies; although, a surprising number of women also disguised themselves as men and officially enlisted. In later years, as women were official instated into the military, Conkling continues to emphasize the diversity of roles played by women. She also features a number of women who are firsts in their fields. This book is not one that needs to be read cover to cover. Read about the women who served in one war or, for instance, thumb through the book to find all the medical professionals. This book would be a good starting point for a research project. Out August 6, 2019 from HarperCollins. Review copy from Edelweiss.

Bad Boys of Fashion: Style Rebels and Renegades Through the Ages by Jennifer Croll
This book is a fantastic choice for any fashion lover. In ten chapters, Jennifer Croll takes her readers through small biographies of big names in fashion from Louis XIV to Oscar Wilde to David Bowie. I really enjoyed how this book was organized with three thematically related fashion icons in each chapter. Not only will readers learn a lot about each individual figure, but they will also learn about how their fashion responded to and influenced events in history. One of the best parts about this book is seeing how fashion and history collide, mingle, and respond to one another. Also, this book has good diversity in terms of race and sexuality. I liked this it so much that I now really want to read the author's related title, Bad Girls of Fashion: Style Rebels from Cleopatra to Lady Gaga. Out April 9, 2019 from Annick Press. Review copy from NetGalley. 
 

World War II Nonfiction for Young Readers: D-Day Edition

June 6, 2019 is the 75th anniversary of D-Day, the landing at Normandy by the Allied Forces. As you know, I love a good commemorative post, and I wanted to put something together for this anniversary. This group of World War II history books for young readers has several books that include D-Day events. Though written with young readers in mind, these books are great for readers of any age.

D-Day: The World War II Invasion that Changed History by Deborah Hopkinson
On June 6, 1944 the allied troops landed on the beaches of Normandy and began the final push that would end the war in Europe. This landing was product of months and years of planning and cost nearly 20,000 lives. Deborah Hopkinson's book is a great introduction to the Allied invasion. She very clearly lays out the circumstances leading up to the D-Day and then takes the readers through several of the crucial events of the day. With an event so momentous as D-Day, a history can get bogged down in the details. Hopkinson narrows the focus by primarily discussing the American efforts at Utah and Omaha beach, rather than trying to tackle the landings at all five beaches. My favorite part of the book is that it is filled with many firsthand and personal accounts, which helps the history come alive in a way that a strict military recounting cannot. This book would be a great resource for anyone who is doing a report or school project on D-Day or World War II, as it includes links to many other resources. Published August 28, 2018 by Scholastic Nonfiction.

Code Girls: The True Story of the American Women Who Secretly Broke Codes in World War II by Liza Mundy
I've long been fascinated by the stories of the codebreakers of World War II. However, I realized that most of the code breaking stories I was hearing came from the British, and I didn't know as much about the American codebreakers. Liza Mundy's young reader's adaptation of her bestselling book, tells the story of the more than ten thousand American women who were recruited to work as codebreakers for the U.S. Army and Navy. These women were recruited from colleges around the country. Many others had worked as teachers. Code breaking requires a variety of skills--language, math, pattern recognition, precision, etc. Those women who passed their crash course in code breaking, went on to help break the Japanese codes. They were not allowed to tell anyone what their real job was, and their work was classified for decades. I love books about the women's contributions to World War II, and this one is fascinating and informative. Published October 2, 2018 by Little, Brown Books for Young Readers.

The Perfect Horse: The Daring Rescue of Horses Kidnapped by Hitler by Elizabeth Letts
Hitler claimed  so much for the Germans, including land, art, and Europe's most renowned horses. Elizabeth Letts' young readers edition of her New York Times bestseller, tells the story of the fight to keep these horses safe during World War II. The book brings together the stories of the famous Austrian Lipizzaner Stallions and the Polish Arabian Thoroughbreds. Keeping the horses safe and fed was not small feat. Many were transported several times during the war years. The Americans come into play near the end of the war, when the horses were sheltered at a Czechoslovakian breeding farm. With the Soviet Army, who had been known to slaughter even the finest horses to feed its army, fast approaching the caretakers made the daring decision to go to the American forces for help. The Perfect Horse is a facet of the war that I had never heard about before reading this book. It's an excellent choice for animal lovers. Published February 12th 2019 by Delacorte Press. 

Secret Soldiers: How the U.S. Twenty-Third Special Troops Fooled the Nazis by Paul B. Janeczko
The Twenty-Third Special Troops or Ghost Army was created to perfect and deploy deception techniques that would mislead the Nazis and give the Allies the advantage of surprise. It was a unit made up of artists, actors, sound engineers, and set designers. They pulled off their deceptions by employing inflatable dummy tanks and guns, phony radio messages, sonic deception, and good acting. One of the first missions of the Twenty-Third was to convince the Nazis that D-Day would occur at Calais rather than Normandy and at a much later date. Once the invasion was underway the troops came to the continent to execute many other deceptions. I think the Ghost Army is a really fascinating aspect of military history, and this book is a very detailed look into the role they played. I liked that the book had information boxes about some of the key weapons and tactics of WWII and artist notebooks that featured prominent members of the troop. I would recommend it to a young reader who is on the older side or to a reader who really likes military history. Published April 23rd 2019 by Candlewick Press. Review copy from NetGalley.

Defying the Nazis: The Story of German Officer Wilm Hosenfeld by Hermann Vinke
Wilm Hosenfeld initially supported Hitler's conquests. He was stationed in Poland as the games director, and quickly grew disillusioned with the Nazi party. He quietly helped as many Poles and Jews as he could, employing them in his office, reunited them with their families, and doing his best to protect them from Nazi brutality. Older readers might have seen one of Hosenfeld's heroic acts of charity in the Oscar-winning film, The Pianist. Wladyslaw Szpilman, a Polish Jew Hosenfeld helped, did not even know the name of his benefactor for decades. What is perhaps most fascinating about Vinke's book is how he's able to reconstruct Hosenfeld's transformation through the many letters that he wrote to his wife and children. In them, we see Hosenfeld's eyes open slowly to the horrors of the Nazi regime. Vinke's book includes excerpts from many of Hosenfeld's letters and photographs of Hosenfeld and his family. Out September 30th 2018 from Star Bright Books. Review copy from NetGalley.

Standing Up Against Hate: How Black Women in the Army Helped Change the Course of WWII by Mary Cronk Farrell
The military was segregated during World War II, and this segregation extended to the newly formed women's units. This book tells the story of the African American women who enlisted in the Women's Army Corps (WAC). These black women faced discrimination from their commanders and from civilians. However, these segregated units also gave black women a large amount of autonomy and leadership opportunities. Charity Adams commanded the only black WAC battalion to serve overseas. Tasked to sort an enormous amount of mail, these women served with distinction and honor. Their time in England and France, countries which were far less prejudice than the United States, gave these women a glimpse of what America could become. This book is very engaging and well written, and I really enjoyed learning about these remarkable women and their legacy. This book and Steve Sheinkin's Port Chicago 50 are an excellent pair. I would definitely recommend reading them together. Published January 8th 2019 by Harry N. Abrams. Review copy from NetGalley.

The Port Chicago 50: Disaster, Mutiny, and the Fight for Civil Rights by Steve Sheinkin
The military was segregated during World War II, and the African American men who joined the Navy were not permitted to go to sea. 300 men from an all-black unit stationed in Port Chicago, California were killed when the ammunition they were loaded onto ships at port exploded. When the men were ordered back to work, 244 refused to go, seeking safer working conditions; 50 would be charged with mutiny. Steve Sheinkin's book is an informative look at segregation and racism. I found the racism really horrifying, especially as it plays out in the courtroom. This book a very fast read that almost reads like a court procedural. Sheinkin makes a good case for this event being instrumental in the eventual desegregation of the military as well as an prelude to the Civil Rights movement. Published January 21, 2014 by Roaring Brook Press.


More World War II Wednesday posts here.
More History Books for Young Readers here.

Historical Nonfiction for Young Readers

Here's another great collection of nonfiction history books written for young readers. This time around, we have several books featuring presidents and politics. I'm a big fan of Teri Kanefield's Making of America Series, and I'm thrilled to be featuring the first three books in the series today and plan to read each and every addition to the series as they come out. We also have several books that explore the contributions of women in history. And to round out the post, we finish up with a book about WWI (just in time for the centennial of the war's conclusion) and one about Buffalo Bill. Although aimed at a middle-grade or young adult audience, many of these books are fascinating at any age.

Alexander Hamilton: The Making of America by Teri Kanefield: 
Alexander Hamilton is having one heck of a cultural moment. Teri Kanefield begins her Making of America series with a biography of the star of the hit musical. This book will give young fans a fuller picture of Hamilton's life. I especially appreciated the chapters on the work Hamilton did between the revolution's end and the creation of Washington's first cabinet. During this time, Hamilton served in the Continental Congress and on a delegation that met in Annapolis where Hamilton drafted a resolution calling for a convention to revise the Articles of Confederation. Teri Kanefield's history books are very readable, and I flew through this one in a couple of days. Out March 7, 2017 from Abrams Books for Young Readers. Review copy from NetGalley. 

Andrew Jackson: The Making of America by Teri Kanefield:
There are, of course, many books about the controversial presidency of Andrew Jackson, some even for young readers. Jackson was a very interesting person, and this book hits all of the highlights and low points of Jackson's life, from his childhood during the Revolutionary War, to his elopement with Rachel Donelson, his military ambitions, and divisive politics. I didn't have a lot of good feelings about Andrew Jackson going into this book, and I don't feel much better about him after finishing, but I do feel like I have a more complete picture of his life, legacy, and the lasting impact of his politics. Out March 13, 2018 from Abrams Books for Young Readers. Review copy from NetGalley.

Abraham Lincoln: The Making of America by Teri Kanefield:
Abraham Lincoln routinely scores the number one spot on lists of greatest United States Presidents. Most people know the highlights of Lincoln's career--securing the presidency, leading the country during the Civil War, signing the Emancipation Proclamation, and delivering the Gettysburg Address. What I really loved about Teri Kanefield's biography for young readers, is that it clued me in to how Lincoln began his path to the presidency, where he gained his abolitionist convictions, and the role Mary Todd played in his life. I've loved every one of the Making of America Series, and I'm hoping for many, many more additions to the series. Out September 4, 2018 from Abrams Books for Young Readers. Review copy from NetGalley.

Assassins' America by Jessica Gunderson and Joe Tougas:
This book explores the stories behind the four presidential assassinations. Moving from Abraham Lincoln to Andrew Garfield and onto William McKinley and finally John F. Kennedy, Assassins' America shows how the lives of these presidents and their killers came together. It also explores the possibilities of what might have happened had the president not died. I really enjoyed this brief, but thorough, introduction to these national tragedies. I learned a lot about both the presidents and the assassins. We all know about the great deeds of Abraham Lincoln, but I also was impressed with the potential of Andrew Garfield who didn't live long enough to do much in office. Out March 1, 2018 from Capstone. Review copy from NetGalley. 

Eleanor Roosevelt: Fighter for Justice by Ilene Cooper
It was an absolute pleasure to read about Eleanor Roosevelt. She is an impressive and much-admired historical figure. I did not know much about Eleanor's childhood and youth, and I am now thoroughly convinced that Eleanor is one of the main reasons that her husband, Franklin Delano Roosevelt, had four successful presidential terms. Ilene Cooper's biography of Eleanor specifically emphasizes her work in social justice, civil rights, and racial equality. I really like how Cooper conveys Eleanor's growth in terms of these issues. She was not a perfect person; she held racial prejudices that were wrong and needed to be overcome. I was so impressed by Eleanor's Roosevelt's willingness to listen and learn from other people. This is a trait that I deeply admire. Out August 7th, 2018 from Abrams Books for Young Readers. Review copy from NetGalley.

House of Dreams: The Life of L.M. Montgomery by Liz Rosenberg 
I grew up on Anne Shirley. I read all of the Anne books as a girl and watched the 1985 miniseries countless times, so I jumped at the chance to read and review this new biography on the creator of Anne of Green Gables, L.M. Montgomery. One thing that I found so fascinating is how much Maud Montgomery pulled from her own life and personality in the creation of Anne. The similarities go far beyond the setting of Prince Edward Island. Maud was raised by her grandparents; she was a lonely child with a vivid imagination; she was a bright student; her college years were very similar to Anne's; she worked as a teacher; she turned down many proposals. And I could go on. Maud's life is a mixture of high highs and low lows. Maud dealt with some significant mental health issues in a time when treatment was very limited. She had an unhappy marriage and a child who brought on a lot of heartache. She was also wildly successful in an era when being a woman with a career was an uphill battle in every sense. Out June 12, 2018 from Candlewick Press. Review copy from NetGalley.

Coco Chanel: Pearls, Perfume, and the Little Black Dress by Susan Gilman Rubin:
Rubin chronicles the life of the extremely influential fashion designer Coco Chanel. I didn't know much about Chanel's biography, besides her dicey World War II period, and it was very interesting to learn about her childhood spent in a Catholic orphanage and her years developing and growing her young business. Rubin also discusses Chanel's influential designs, from the little black dress, to the menswear inspired pieces, to Chanel No. 5. I read this slim volume in one sitting, and enjoyed every minute. The book itself is also quite lovely in its design, which is only fitting. Out March 13, 2018 from Abrams Books for Young Readers. Review copy from NetGalley.

Innocent Heroes: Animals in War and the Battle of Vimy Ridge by Sigmund W. Brouwer:
Thousands of animals played a crucial role in World War I. Brouwer's book explores the contributions of these creatures. Each chapter begins with a fiction story about an animal who crosses paths with the Storming Normans, a fictional Canadian Platoon. After the story, a nonfiction section provides facts about World War I and the animals who were involved in the war. The format of this book was a really engaging way to learn history. The stories are all interconnected and feature the same characters, one of whom is First Nation, which gives readers a look into the prejudices and injustices faced by native peoples during this period of history. The nonfiction sections explain how the facts inspired the story. Readers meet a variety  of animals, a cat, two dogs, a mule, a pigeon, a horse, all of whom play a crucial role in the Storming Normans' platoon. Out February 14, 2017 from Tundra Books. Review copy from NetGalley.

Presenting Buffalo Bill: The Man Who Invented the Wild West by Candace Fleming:
In 2015 I read and loved Andrea Warren's The Boy Who Became Buffalo Bill and Candace Fleming's The Family Romanov. With that background, reading Fleming's new book on Buffalo Bill was a given. Fleming's book covers all of Buffalo Bill's life. It was interesting to learn about how the Wild West Show got started and about its tours to Europe. Although, his final years were rather sad. I was pleased to find that this book corroborates Buffalo Bill's respectful attitude toward the Native Americans who performed in his shows (and their respect for him). Fleming begins each chapter with a description of one of the performances from the Wild West Show, and I liked that I walked away from the book with a little bit of knowledge about the performances themselves and what it would be like to be an audience member. Fleming takes a real demystifying approach in this book. She was pretty skeptical about a lot of the things that Buffalo Bill said he did. Out September 20, 2016 from Roaring Brook Press.

World War II Nonfiction for Young Readers

 
 
Today for our newest contribution to our World War II Wednesday series, we have another fabulous bunch of nonfiction books all written for young readers (but great for older readers too). This collection covers a wide variety of subjects and experiences.  
 

Sachiko: A Nagaski Bomb Survivor Story by Caren Stelson
Sachiko Yasui was six when the atomic bomb was dropped on Nagaski on August 9, 1945. As a six-year-old child, Sachiko had only known war, and her earliest memories are of bomb raids and rations. She lived in Nagaski with her parents, uncle, two older brothers, younger sister, and baby brother. On the day the bomb dropped, Sachiko's family was less than one mile from the hypocenter. The devastation of that day was just the beginning for Sachiko's family. They would suffer from the effects of the bomb and its radiation for years. This is the story of how one event changed Sachiko's life forever. It's a story of trauma but one of hope and healing as well. The book itself is quite beautiful, with many gut-wrenching photographs and sidebars that help explain the events of World War II. Out October 1, 2016 from Carolrhoda Books.

When We Were Shadows by Janet Wees
This book tells the true story of Walter and his Jewish family. In the early years of Hitler's rise, Walter's family fled to the Netherlands, only to be forced into hiding when the Nazis invaded years later. This story was so fascinating and harrowing. Walter and his parents are separated from Walter's sister and grandmother who are too physically infirm to weather the harsh living conditions of life on the run. Walter and his parents are moved from place to place with a number of narrow escapes. I was very interested to learn about the make-shift camp set up by the Resistance in a state park. Walter's story is one of a childhood spent in fear and with extreme limitations, but steadied by the constancy of his parents and the bravery of the Resistance fighters who put their lives on the line to help so many people. I'm so glad that Walter was willing to share his story. Out April 18, 2018 from Second Story Press. Review copy from NetGalley. 

Spy on History: Victor Dowd and the World War II Ghost Army by Enigma Alberti
The Spy on History books are a great way to engage young readers. With plenty of illustrations and a mystery for the readers to solve, the story will keep young readers interested. I've been fascinated by the Ghost Army ever since I heard about it. The 603rd Camouflage Engineers, better known as the Ghost Army, concocted elaborate ruses to fool the Germans, impersonating full divisions with fake tanks, artillery, and broadcast sounds of an army on the move or at rest. The Ghost Army helped pave the way for the invasion at Normandy and protected the troops as they battled towards Germany by misdirecting and distracting the Germans. Out January 18, 2018 from Workman Publishing Company. Review copy from NetGalley. 

Seized by the Sun: The Life and Disappearance of World War II Pilot Gertrude Tompkins by James W. Ure
This book is a biography written for young readers of Gertrude "Tommy" Tompkins, the only one of the 38 Women Airforce Service Pilots (WASP) confirmed or presumed dead who is still missing. James W. Ure tells the story of Gertrude's life, from her childhood in New Jersey, her struggle with a speech impediment, her love of flying to her training with the WASP. Ure also writes about the ongoing search for Gertrude's plane, presumed to have gone down in the Santa Monica Bay. After reading many fictional accounts of WWII women aviators, it was very interesting to read about a real WASP and the details of her training, work, and friendships with fellow pilots. Out July 1, 2017 from Chicago Review Press. Review copy from NetGalley.

The Nazi Hunters: How a Team of Spies and Survivors Captured the World's Most Notorious Nazi by Neal Bascomb
At the end of World War II SS officer Adolf Eichmann vanished. He had been a key figure in the segregation into ghettos and subsequent deportation of millions of Jews and was wanted for trial. Bascomb's book is the story of the network of people who tracked him down more than fifteen years later so that he could stand trial for his crimes. Many survivors of the Holocaust were involved in tracking down Eichmann over those fifteen years, and there were many starts and stops. In the end, the Israeli national intelligence agency was responsible for Eichmann's capture. Bascomb's book is a fast paced spy story with some interesting twists. The number of things that nearly went wrong for the Israeli team will keep the reader on the edge of their seat. Published 2013 by Arthur A. Levine Books.

Voices from the Second War War: Stories of War as Told to Children of Today
This book was first published in England in association with First News, a children's newspaper. The book's foundation is a collection of interviews children conducted with their friends and family who lived through World War II. This is an absolute gem of a book, and I'm so glad that it was published. This collection of the stories of ordinary people who lived through the war is a great way to preserve history. The book groups the interviews into categories, such as evacuated children, D-Day, and The Holocaust. The breadth of the stories gives readers a greater understanding of the various facets of the war, from the tragedies, to the heroics, to the mundanities. Because the interviews were organized in Britain, there is, understandably, greater representation of British war stories, but I was impressed with the variety of experiences and nationalities represented. Out March 20, 2018 in the U.S. from Candlewick Press. Review copy from NetGalley.

Fly Girls: The Forgotten Women Airforce Service Pilots of World War II by P. O'Connell Pearson
Fly Girls is the story of the Women Airforce Service Pilots (WASP) that flew for the United States during World War II. Patricia O'Connell Pearson's book is an engrossing and comprehensive look at the work of the WASPs. She chronicles how they began, the assignments they were given, their disbanding, and their fight for militarization in the decades following the war. Pearson includes many remarkable stories, including how Cornelia Fort saw the bombing of Pearl Harbor from her plane and how Dora Dougherty flew the B-29. This book is extremely well-written and well-researched. I really enjoy learning about how women contributed during the war years, and I'd strongly recommend this book to anyone who shares that interest. Out February 8, 2018 from Simon Schuster Books for Young Readers.


More World War II Wednesday posts here.
More History Books for Young Readers here.

World War II Nonfiction for Young Readers

Today is Pearl Harbor Day. 2016 marks 75 years since the attack on Pearl Harbor brought the United States into World War II. (Check out Remember Pearl Harbor for events and news.) In commemoration we have a series of World War II posts that will coming your way over the next few weeks.

To start we have a fabulous bunch of nonfiction books about World War II all written for young readers (but great for older readers too). This collection is primarily centered on the children and teenagers whose lives were drastically altered because of the war.

Escaping the Nazis on the Kindertransport by Emma Carlson Berne:
Thousands of Jewish children were rescued from Germany between 1938 and 1940 through humanitarian efforts. Their exodus is known as the Kindertransport. This book designed for young readers tells the stories of seven Jewish children who escaped Germany through these means. The book reproduces many of the children's own words--giving voice to these young, displaced children. Reading about the lengths some parents took to get their children out of Germany was heartbreaking. Supplemented with photographs and discussion questions, this book is a great resource. Out February 1, 2017 from Capstone Press.

Going Solo by Roald Dahl:
Going Solo is part two of Dahl's autobiography written for young readers. The first, Boy, tells of his youth and experiences at school. In Going Solo, Dahl takes his first job, moves to Africa to work for Shell, and then joins the Royal Air Force. Dahl offers an interesting perspective on the war because he is in Africa when the war begins. He does his training and much of his service in Africa and the Middle East, as well. Dahl finds himself in some very harrowing circumstances. Also, I admire his honesty concerning some of the military blunders and instances of incompetence that impacted him as a soldier. I have read Going Solo several times, and it is one of my very favorite books.

Krysia: A Polish Girl's Stolen Childhood During World War II by Krystyna Mihulka and Krystyna Poray Goddu:
Krystyna Mihulka tells the story of her childhood in this moving memoir. Krysia was nine when the Germans invaded Poland in 1939. Hitler had made a pact with Stalin and the two powers divided up Poland between themselves. Krysia and her family lived on the Russian side. Krystyna, now in her 80s, tells the story of her family's deportation by the Soviets to Kazakhstan and their struggles to be reunited with their relatives. The more I read about WWII, the more I am astounded by what the Polish people went through. I'm so glad that Krystyna Muhulka decided to write her story. Her tale is an aspect of the war that is not as well known and should certainly be preserved. Out January 1st, 2017 from Chicago Review Press. 

The Ship to Nowhere by Rona Arato:
Millions of people were displaced during World War II. The Ship to Nowhere tells the story of a Jewish refugee, eleven-year-old Rachel Landesman, who, forced to flee from her home during WWII, set sail with her mother and sister in 1947 on the Exodus. The Exodus attempted to take 45,000 Jewish immigrants into Palestine illegally. Written for middle-school ages children, Rona Arato, writes the narrative from Rachel's point of view. Rachel and several key players tell the stories of their past and express their hopes for the future. With the refugee crisis today, this is certainly a timely book. Out October 4, 2016 from Second Story Press.

Hitler Youth: Growing Up in Hitler's Shadow by Susan Campbell Bartoletti:
This book posits that one of the reasons that so many Germans embraced Hitler's program is because they had been indoctrinated from a young age. The Hitler Youth Programs fed Hitler's war machine. To read about brainwashing on this level is so terrifying. Susan Campbell Bartoletti tells the stories of several former Hitler Youth members. Most fully embraced Hitler's program but some bravely resisted despite the great danger. Bartoletti's book is an important reminder of how despots take hold of populations. It is a powerful read. 2006 Newberry Honor book from Scholastic.

Irena's Children: A True Story of Courage (Young Readers' Edition) by Tilar Mazzeo:
In Nazi-occupied Poland, Irena Sendler saved 2,500 Jewish children from death and deportation. Hers is an incredible story. She took countless life-threatening risks organizing a network of resistance workers, moving in and out of the Warsaw Ghetto, hiding children across the country, and keeping a list of their locations. Poland suffered horribly during World War II, and many of their survival stories were suppressed due to Soviet occupation after the war. It is so important that these powerful stories are preserved. I was amazed by Irena's strength and honor and so appalled by the horrible circumstances the Polish people found themselves in. Out September 26, 2016 from Margaret K. McElderry Books.

See American History: World War II, 1939-1945 by James I Robertson, Illustrated by Mort Kunstler:
This short, illustrated overview of America's military involvement in World War II is something that I can see a lot of kids loving. I know I would have liked it as a child. The beauty of this book really does lie in Mort Kunstler's illustrations. As color photography was very rare in the 1940s, the illustrations give readers the chance to see WWII planes, soldiers, and ships in full color. The illustrations are detailed and many will warrant lengthy examinations. The text itself is concise but informative and explains the illustrations well. Out November 8, 2016 from Abbeville Kids.

Historical NonFiction for Young Readers

Last year I did our first post featuring nonfiction books for young readers. I'm so excited to be bringing this series back again this year. This time we have a number of books that explore politics (timely in an election year). Also, several books explore the contributions of women in history. A surprising theme is that quite a few of these books have to do with science and medicine. Although aimed at a middle-grade or young adult audience, many of these books are fascinating at any age.

Florence Nightingale: The Courageous Life of a Legendary Nurse by Catherine Reef:
I've been eager to learn more about Florence Nightingale ever since I did a study abroad in London many years ago. Many have lauded Florence Nightingale's accomplishments, but I did not know how much resistance toward her life's work she received from her family. It was also fascinating to gain a little more insight into Nightingale's personality. She was not easy to get along with! Catherine Reef does an excellent job establishing historical context. I enjoyed hearing about the other famous historical figures that Nightingale knew personally. Out November 8, 2016 from Clarion Books.

Spy on History: Mary Bowser and the Civil War Spy Ring by Enigma Alberit and Tony Cliff:
I've long thought that the work of female spies during the American Civil War was a topic well-suited to a YA novel, so I'm excited to see that a few books on this fascinating aspect of American history are making their way into the hands of young readers. In this nonfiction book, readers follow the actions of Mary Bowser, an African American women who became a servant for Confederate President Jefferson Davis in order to spy on him. Mary Bowser's story is incredible. This was a brave, daring woman. The story is told in an engaging manner and includs "spy" activities for the young reader to solve. Out January 10, 2017 from Workman Publishing Company.

Blood, Bullets, and Bones: The Story of Forensic Science from Sherlock Holmes to DNA by Bridget Heos:
Bridget Heos uses historical cases to tell the history of forensic science and criminal investigation. This book is absolutely fascinating. Although it is a bit macabre at times; we are dealing with criminal investigations after all. I loved how Heos used actually cases from history to steer the book and show the progression of forensics as well as its limitations. In many ways, this book is demystifying, in that it takes a profession that has become so popularized through TV and novels and gives us the gritty details and actual facts. Despite the abundance of names and medical details, Heos delivers a very readable, intriguing book. Out October 4th from Balzer +Bray.

Eureka! 50 Scientists Who Shaped Human History by John Grant:
Something you probably don't know about me is that I actually loved science as a student (especially basic-level science classes before heavy math gets involved). John Grant basically provides an encyclopedia of great scientists beginning with the ancient Greeks and concluding with scientists like Stephen Hawking. Each short entry gives a basic outline of the scientist's life and work. I would have loved this book as a kid. I think my 11-year-old self would have read and reread her favorite entries again and again. As a lover of history and admirer of science, I quite liked the book today. Out August 2, 2016 from Zest Books.

Bleed, Blister, Puke, and Purge: The Dirty Secrets Behind Early American Medicine 
by J. Marin Younker:
The early history of American medicine is not pretty or particularly refined. Younker's book chronicles the development of American medicine from the colonial days until the late 1800s. The books covers a wide range of topics, some I found a little dry, some made me squeamish, and some I found fascinating. I struggled a bit to find my stride at the beginning of this book, but I raced through the final chapters that discussed Civil War medicine and women's medicine. This book is a good one for anyone who is interested in medicine or American history. I think most history lovers will be quite fascinated by a least a chapter or two. Out October 25, 2016 from Zest Books.

Most Dangerous: Daniel Ellsberg and the Secret History of the Vietnam Way by Steve Sheinkin:
Steve Sheinkin is the master of engaging young adult history books. The Vietnam War has been more of a hole in my historical knowledge than I'd like. This book helped to fill in some of the gaps. Government insider Daniel Ellsberg risked everything to expose secret government documents to a country very divided over the war. It was fascinating to learn these how various elements of history that were distinct in my mind are, in truth, very related. The major themes in this book are still very relevant today, and I've been telling everyone I know to read this book. Out September 2015 from Roaring Brook Press.

This Strange Wilderness: The Life and Art of John James Audobon by Nancy Plain:
I really enjoyed this gorgeous biography of John James Audobon. Audobon is one of the most fascinating early-American artists. He was an artist, a naturalist, an explorer, and a writer. His life's work was to publish a book containing illustrations of all the birds of America. He spent his life rambling through the country collecting birds, and he discovered many species. Nancy Plain's book is both engaging and informative, and it is filled with glorious reproductions of Audobon's art. Out March 1st, 2015 from University of Nebraska Press.

A Kids' Guide to America's First Ladies by Kathleen Krull:
This encyclopedia of America's First Ladies is absolutely charming. In the introduction Kathleen Krull grabbed my attention, and she never lost it. Krull advances chronologically and gives a brief biography of all the First Ladies. I think she handled both the positive and less-positive aspects of each woman's life quite well and in an appropriate way for young readers. The result is that the reader gets a good picture of the various personalities and challenges each woman faced. A timely book, for certain and one that I would have loved when I was young. Out January 3, 2017 from HarperCollins.

March of the Suffragettes: Rosalie Gardner Jones and the March for Voting Rights
by Zachary Michael Jack:
In 1912 Rosalie Jones organized a march from New York City to the state capitol in Albany. Incredibly, she and two other women took only two weeks to walk the entire 175 miles, arriving at their destination just before New Years. I enjoyed learning about Rosalie and her compatriots. It was interesting to learn about those who supported them and those who did not. This topic seems particularly timely to me. As the 100th anniversary of the nineteenth amendment approaches, I would love to read more about the women who paved the way for women's suffrage. Out September 27, 2016 from Zest Books.

Historical Nonfiction for Young Readers

One pleasing result of the increased emphasis on nonfiction literature in school curricula is all the new and fabulous history books aimed at young readers that have come out in the last couple of years. I love history. I loved it even as a kid. I like to think that a book like this would have sparked my interest when I was in middle-school. And, although I'm not the target audience, I can see myself incorporating more and more of this type of books into my reading diet. I hope that some of them turn their young audiences into young historians.  

The Boy Who Became Buffalo Bill: Growing Up Billy Cody in Bleeding Kansas by Andrea Warren:
Andrea Warren's book is a great way for young readers to learn about Bleeding Kansas and the frontier. Billy, a true frontiersman, was friends with Native Americans, went on cattle drives, trapping expeditions, served in the Civil War, and hunted buffalo. He was even a rider on the short-lived Pony Express! And he did this all before the age of eighteen. Basically, Buffalo Bill encapsulates the Old West perfectly. I lived just outside of Kansas City for seven years. I so wish I could have read this book while I was living there! Full review here.

Radioactive! How Irene Curie & Lise Meitner Revolutionized Science and Changed the World by Winifred Conkling:
Radioactive! is about the contributions that two women, Lise Meitner and Irene Curie, made to the development of the atom bomb. All the science in Winifred Conkling's book is fascinating, but what I enjoyed most about this book was learning about these female scientists who were working in an age when being a scientist was not really something that women did. On top of that, much of the book takes place in the years leading up to and during World War II, creating further complications for the pair both personally and professionally.

Escape!: The Story of the Great Houdini by Sid Fleischman:
Escape! was one of the great children's author Sid Fleischman's last books, and I loved the personal touches he included in his biography of Harry Houdini. As a young magician, Fleischman knew Houdini's wife Bess. In Escape! the reader follows the Houdinis on their journey to success. Born Ehrich Weiss, the son of a rabbi, Houdini transformed himself into the showman that has become a household name. 

The Family Romanov: Murder, Rebellion, & and the Fall of Imperial Russia by Candace Fleming:
In The Family Romanov Candace Fleming tells the story of the last Czar of the Russias. She melds the intimate family matters and the current events of Russia and Europe in order to create a complete picture of this tumultuous time in Russian history. Perhaps because we know that oppression is coming with the Soviet Union, there is so much romanticism that surrounds the last Russian Imperial family. I love that this book is the real deal. It tells the story straight, and what results is a fabulously demystifying.

The Borden Murders: Lizzie Borden and the Trial of the Century by Sarah Miller:
Andrew Borden and his wife Abby Borden were brutally murdered in their own home on August 4th, 1892. Andrew's grown daughter Lizzie Borden would become the prime suspect. Lizzie was the fodder of countless rumors and tabloid and newspaper articles. Miller has sifted meticulously through all of this in order to present the facts of the case. The final trial, especially, reads like a courthouse drama. The Borden Murders is like the Serial of the nineteenth century. I honestly have no idea if Lizzie killed her parents or not. Full review here.

Terrible Typhoid Mary: A True Story of the Deadliest Cook in America by Susan Campbell Bartoletti:
Mary Mallon was an Irish immigrant who worked as a cook in New York City in the early 1900s. She was also a healthy typhoid carrier. Terrible Typhoid Mary's story has either been forgotten or taken on a mythic quality at this point in history. Susan Campbell Bartoletti unravels the story of Mary Mallon's life. She sheds light on the beginnings of a public health system and the newness of germ theory. This is an intriguing story about the rights of the individual vs. the public's health.

Charles and Emma: The Darwin's Leap of Faith by Deborah Heiligman:
I really enjoyed this biography of Charles Darwin. Deborah Heiligman focuses on Darwin's relationship with his wife, Emma, and their family life. It was incredibly interesting to learn about their remarkable relationship and how they raised their children. In Heiligman's book, Darwin's doubts about God and Emma's religiosity are a microcosm from the greater conflict between the theory of evolution and the Christian society. I thought that Heiligman treated each side with respect.

Symphony for the Dead: Dmitri Shostakovich and the Siege of Leningrad by M.T. Anderson:
This book about the life and work of Dmitri Shostakovich, the great Russian composer, is absolutely exquisite. Anderson deftly navigates the atrocities of Stalin's reign, the siege of Leningrad, the experimental art of the 1920s and 30s, and explorations of what art can do. I read most of it while listening to Shostakovich's music, which proved a powerful backdrop to the Great Terror and the siege. I am incredibly impressed by how well Anderson is able to convey music with his words. This book will make you want to listen to Shostakovich's symphonies.

Bomb: The Race to Build--and Steal--the World's Most Dangerous Weapon by Steve Sheinkin: 
Bomb is a book you don't want to miss. I already knew quite a bit about the building of the atomic bomb, but this book taught me a lot about the Soviet spies who stole the atomic bomb technology from the United States. There's a lot of think about or discuss in this book, such as science and morals; spies and attempts to thwart the German's ability to build the bomb; the bombing of Japan and the impact of the bomb.