50 Things You Should Know About the Second World War
It’s not that the perspective on war changes, but 50 Things You Should Know About the Second World War gives an introduction to the subject of World War II younger readers. Li’l Man loves the pictures and I found the facts inspiring him to ask questions. I liked the maps and infographics.
What makes World War 2 so interesting?
My Grandfather and World War II:
After Pearl Harbor, my grandfather joined the Army and went to Europe aboard the Queen Mary.
He marched across Europe during World War II, for a short time, under General MacArthur.
Maybe the first time I saw him cry was when I was in High School and came home telling him he was in my History class with me.
We were learning about World War II, watching old footage in a documentary about helping liberate Bergen-Belsen, when the camera turned, there he was, Grandpa, with an emaciated human being in his arms. 
A book on war that is limited to 50 things is going to leave out a bit.
Keep in mind that this book is there as an introduction.
It allows the reader to understand what caused the war and why it eventually affected every corner of the world.
It covers key battles, events, and figures through a recounted exploration that is easy to understand, complete with illustrations and photographs to make it more interesting.
The author and illustrator show sensitivity to the subject, recognizing their intended audience.
There are no graphic war photos, but it still conveys the horrors.
It shares the groups and organizations that were formed as trying to prevent the heinous war crimes.
The book’s focus, however, is the causes and effects of war on Europe, the war in the Pacific, and a glimpse at the war in Africa.
The book is designed for readers 4th through 7th grade.
It is a timeline of the war from the 1930s to its end.
My son is very much enjoying 50 Things You Should Know About the Second World War and I love our conversations and sharing the stories I know from my grandfather’s time as a soldier during World War II.
About the Author
Simon Adams is a writer and editor of children’s non-fiction and reference books. He specializes in history, politics, and current affairs and has written extensively on exploration, music and the arts. Simon has also contributed to family and adult reference books and has been an editorial consultant on various history and other titles. Simon was born in England and studied history and politics at the London School of Economics and Bristol University, where he gained an MSc. He entered publishing as a publicity copywriter at Routledge and subsequently joined Dorling Kindersley, eventually becoming managing editor of the children’s division. He became a full-time writer 15 years ago. Since then, he has written and contributed to more than 60 books for a wide range of publishers.