Written by Steve White & Illustrated by Richard Elson
SUMMARY:
Published by the Rosen Publishing Group, Inc. in 2007, this 48-page paperback depicts a visual summary of June 1942’s Battle of Midway.
Note: The back cover infers that this book is included in a six-pack. If so, another of its pack’s volumes is The Battle of Iwo Jima: Guerilla Warfare in the Pacific.
REVIEW:
Primarily geared towards middle schoolers (since there is a glossary included), it’s an impressive visual aid that doesn’t glorify Midway’s historical significance in a superficial Hollywood-style manner. Not only is writer Steve White’s relatively simplistic text spot-on, illustrator Richard Elson does high-caliber work recreating the various aircrafts and vessels involved. In fair warning, White and Elson describe scenes of carnage without being too explicit. The only point of confusion for readers may be tracking the military lingo, i.e. code-names for types of planes. Supplementing this excellent history lesson is the text explaining the lead-up and after-effects on both sides. Overall, this book would likely be a helpful tool for a student’s world history project or book report.
ADDITIONAL CONTENT:
Its single-page Table of Contents also includes a short summary of the U.S. vs. Japanese wartime activities leading up to the Battle of Midway. Four of its pivotal commanders: Japan’s Admiral Yamamoto and Vice Admiral Nagumo, U.S. Navy Admiral Nimitz, and U.S. Navy Rear Admiral Fletcher are also quickly profiled. As preludes, a pair of two-page chapters, “The Feared U.S. Carriers” and “The Japanese Plan of Attack” set up the book’s visual narrative re: opposing strategies. An additional two-page chapter, “The Road to Ruin,” describes the post-battle consequences for Japan. A glossary, index, and a page re: further reader recommendations are also included.
BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING: 9 Stars
