The War on Terrorism: Leaders and Generals

Children's Literature

Lucent Books recently published "The War on Terrorism" series to offer middle school and older youngsters solid background information about global events that influence their daily lives. In this book in that series Yancey profiles seven leaders who have played a significant role in the war on terror. In some instances, the leaders profiled are sympathetic to the opposition to world terrorism. Hamid Karzai and Pervez Musharraf are Asian leaders who support international efforts to avert the further spread of terrorism. American leaders such as President George W. Bush and General Tommy Franks will be fairly familiar to youngsters who have paid even the slightest attention to the news of the day. Conversely, men such as former Afghan warlord Abdul Dostum, Taliban chief Muhammad Omar, and Osama bin Laden are figures of dubious reputation. Yancey presents these men in such a way that readers will learn about their political or military accomplishments and other aspects of their lives. Leaders and Generals is a balanced collection of thumbnail biographies of individuals who have shaped, and continue to shape, current events. This is well-written and thoroughly researched book is worthy of attention. 2004, Lucent Books, Ages 12 up.
—Greg M. Romaneck