Main Battle Tanks

Children's Literature

Since the latter half of World War One, armies have relied heavily upon tanks and other armored vehicles to function. Tanks continue to represent one of the preeminent conventional weapons and often fascinate those who are interested in military history. One need only think back to the Persian Gulf War of 1991 to conjure up images of American and British heavy-duty battle tanks surging across the desert sands of Kuwait and Iraq in pursuit of victory. The development, construction, functions and use of modern main battle tanks is the topic of this entry in the "Land and Sea" series. The reader is taken back in time to see the history of tanks and the men who controlled them. A significant portion of text deals with advances in military engineering that have resulted in the increased effectiveness of battle tanks. Also included is a somewhat detailed presentation of the ordnance used in modern tanks. This is an interesting glimpse at one of the most striking weapons in the modern military arsenal. 2001, Capstone, $21.26. Ages 9 to 12. Reviewer: Greg M. Romaneck