Nonfiction master Russell Freedman illuminates for young readers the complex and rarely discussed subject of World War I. The tangled relationships and alliances of many nations, the introduction of modern weaponry, and top-level military decisions that resulted in thousands upon thousands of casualties all contributed to the "great war," which people hoped and believed would be the only conflict of its kind. In this clear and authoritative account, the Newbery Medal-winning author shows the ways in which the seeds of a second world war were sown in the first.
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"I seriously recommend to anyone curious about our current Middle Eastern troubles, our past Balkan genocides in the 90s, the Cold War, WW2, our shifts in foreign policy, Russian history, chemical warfare, the rise of Hitler, and even Downton Abbey, or War Horse, to read this book or any other novel on WW1- or The Great War as it was known by. The results from this war, caused by misunderstandings, conformity pressures, imperialism, nationalism, alliances, military and technological improvements, led to the reconstruction of Europe and the Ottoman Empire. READ IT. It is a real treat to look back on the lives of those who fought, lived through, and died in this war- and to listen to their stories. I loved it!"
— Kelsey (5 out of 5 stars)
" Russell Freedman has pulled together another great nonfiction title for young readers. The photos chosen for this book do a great job of illustrating just how brutal this conflict was. The narrative reads very well. I could have used a few more maps near the end of the book just to remind the reader where all of these villages and towns were. "
— Kifflie, 2/5/2014" A great informational young adult book that explains the causes, battles on the European front and the politics and countries that entered World War I. Now, I'd like a great book on the 20 years between the 2 World Wars. Anyone know a good one? "
— Denise, 2/2/2014" I was really looking forward to this book, but I was disappointed in it. Oh, yes, it has the customary Russell Freedman exemplary prose and outstanding illustrations (although, where were the maps?), but it was pretty much a standard approach to World War I. Where was the point of view? Where was the new, exciting take on the topic? What was there in this book that is going to make any kid read it voluntarily? I didn't even think he made as much use of primary sources as he could have. "
— Sarah, 1/18/2014" Superb history as only Russell Freedman can write it. "
— Edward, 1/14/2014" I have read so many books and know so much detail about World War II, but my knowledge of World War I has been quite limited. I learned many things about the history of the war, including its causes and consequences. Freedman's books are always well-researched, but supply more than just the mere facts. I am glad to have a better understanding of this important piece of history. "
— Bev, 1/13/2014" This was an amazing book about world war one. I learned so much. "
— Michelle, 1/11/2014" Absolutely fantastic, I completely recommend it! I just wish it had more maps. "
— Stephanie, 12/26/2013" This was one of the few non-fiction books that I like it was more like a picture book that told the story of WWII. It showed perspectives of both sides of the war. The Nazi side and the Ally side. I would recommend it to anyone who wants to learn more about WWII. "
— Benjamin, 12/17/2013" Great introduction to WW I. What a tragic, useless war. "
— Lisa, 10/17/2013" Award winning Russel Freedman puts together yet another masterpiece. In this non-fiction book about World War1. Where diffrent sides tell differnt stories. Wether its bombing during the day, or singing along with the french and germans at night. You'll love this book. "
— Trey, 4/10/2013" This is a good introduction to World War I for older kids. It covers the origins of the war, several major battles, some general topics (weapons, life in the trenches, etc.), and its end with the Treaty of Versailles. It is also supplemented by many black-and-white photographs. "
— Amy, 2/13/2013" This is the first WWI history book I've read and it was amazing - and horrifying. An estimated 8.5 million people were killed in WWI - most of them by artillery fire. aka machine guns. It was one of my most popular books that I booktalked in the middle schools. "
— Stephanie, 12/5/2012" I listened to this book. It was a good, short book that gave me the background that I needed to understand more about World War I. "
— Sonia, 6/25/2012" After listening to this I can understand more about the U.S. reluctance to get involved. It seems to me that WWI was a completely, completely pointless war. There was no real reason for the fighting. "
— Cindi, 4/15/2012" This did a great job of making a complex subject comprehensible and vivid. Lots of good pictures and very well-researched. Only complaint: I wanted more maps! "
— Andy, 3/14/2012" I don't know enough to know if the facts were correct in this book. I do know that there's a song "christmas 1915" that tells the story of the opposing troops stopping combat and singing Christmas Carols together. Freeman says it was Christmas 1914. Makes me wonder which is accurate? "
— Katherine, 9/15/2011" This was one of the few non-fiction books that I like it was more like a picture book that told the story of WWII. It showed perspectives of both sides of the war. The Nazi side and the Ally side. I would recommend it to anyone who wants to learn more about WWII. "
— Benjamin, 4/12/2011" This book is about the world war 1 and how many problems these people had to go through when they were in the war. <br/> <br/> <br/> <br/> <br/> <br/> <br/> <br/> <br/> "
— Fahim, 3/31/2011" Great history books for youth. Russell Freeman is a great historian for kids' history books and this is no exception. He covers World War I with a thoroughness that is satisfying and accessible for young people studying history. Great photos and maps accompany the history. "
— Lynn, 3/28/2011" Good book that talks about World War 1 "
— Austin, 3/17/2011" This book clearly isn't meant to be all-inclusive. (How could it be, at only 160 or so pages?) But, it does seem to cover quite a lot and was very interesting. It certainly made me want to learn more and read other books on the war. "
— Heather, 2/28/2011" Excellent synopsis of World War I for the older elementary to high school set. Good use of photography and quotations from people that experienced the war firsthand. I also appreciated his segments on what life was like for soldiers in the trenches. "
— B, 1/22/2011" This did a great job of making a complex subject comprehensible and vivid. Lots of good pictures and very well-researched. Only complaint: I wanted more maps! "
— Andy, 1/12/2011" This book gives a quick and understandable history to World War 1, the causes and events during the war. I'd recommend this book for a good reference of the war, without getting deep into all the battles and such. "
— Hrhcara, 1/10/2011Russell Freedman is the distinguished recipient of the Newbery Medal, several Newbery Honors, the Sibert Medal, the Laura Ingalls Wilder Award, and the May Hill Arbuthnot Honor Lecture Award for his body of work. His many nonfiction titles include The Voice That Challenged a Nation: Marian Anderson and the Struggle for Equal Rights and Children of the Great Depression. He travels widely to research his books but he makes his home in New York City.
Zach McLarty is an actor, director, and audiobook narrator. Among his book readings are The 4-Hour Body by Timothy Ferriss and The War to End All Wars by Russell Freedman.