World War I

School Library Journal

Gr 5-9-These well-organized books present exceptional coverage of America's roles in the three wars. Childress includes regional and political opposition to the war along with the views of those who were in favor of it. Descriptions of weapons used; uniforms worn; medical care; and the roles of African Americans, Native Americans, and women are included. Feldman provides a thorough background of the complicated alliances and disagreements of countries prior to World War I. Discussions of propaganda, the draft, and fear as a result of the Sedition Act help readers understand how ordinary Americans were affected by the conflict. Goldstein begins with a connection between the results of border changes and economic depression resulting from World War I and Hitler's rise in popularity and power. The author includes reference to the United States's slow response to the atrocities inflicted on the Jewish people by the Nazis. The Polish Underground and the Free French and their roles are described along with the battles on all fronts. Particularly interesting is the section on the rapid mobilization of the United States. All three books contain numerous sidebars and black-and-white photos and illustrations.-Rebecca Sheridan, Easttown Library & Information Center, Berwyn, PA Copyright 2004 Reed Business Information.