Review by Booklist Review
Gr. 5^-8. Overshadowed by the past few years' succession of World War II anniversary remembrances, World War I has received little attention. This fine work, with large type, an oversize format, and plenty of photographs, helps redress the problem. In an understandable, orderly fashion, Dolan explains major events and personalities, managing to clarify such key questions as how the assassination of the prince of a small country could plunge the world into war. A few points are separated into sidebars, and thumbnail summaries of the experiences of several of the war's important leaders are presented on a concluding double-spread. With an emphasis on simplicity, the text touches only briefly on each topic, but it will give young readers a good working knowledge of "The War to End All Wars." A bibliography is appended. Susan Dove Lempke
From Booklist, Copyright (c) American Library Association. Used with permission.
Review by School Library Journal Review
Gr 6-9A concise introductory survey of the "war to end all wars" that emphasizes the United States' participation in it. This is not to say that Dolan slights the European Allies, for he more than adequately presents the facts about them and their efforts and heroes. The author's prose is taut and seemingly effortless, but he wisely never overwhelms or dazzles young readers with extraneous facts and figures. His approach to his material is mainly that of the traditional chronologist. However, he does interrupt his narrative with boxed essays that include "At War on the Home Front," "American Women Go to War," "The War in the Air," "Weapons of World War I," and Wilson's "Fourteen Points for Peace." Biographical notes on participants who went on to play major roles during World War II are also included. Maps and black-and-white reproductions of period photographs and graphics with informative captions augment the volume's general attractiveness and usefulness. Dolan's work complements Joe Kirchberger's The First World War (Facts on File, 1992) as well as Zachary Kent's World War I (Enslow, 1994), or serves as a stand-alone resource.David A. Lindsey, Lakewood High and Middle School Libraries, WA (c) Copyright 2010. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
(c) Copyright Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
Review by Horn Book Review
Dolan presents the history of the 'Great War,' making clear the events that led to its outbreak, how and to what extent the United States became involved, and what led Germany to surrender. In light of current events in Bosnia, the history of the factions in that part of Europe seems particularly timely. Illustrated with black-and-white reproductions, the book is a thorough yet readable account. Bib., ind. (c) Copyright 2010. The Horn Book, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
(c) Copyright The Horn Book, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
