Junior Books

"Air War Against Hitler's Germany" by Stephen W. Sears.
Simon & Schuster, New York, 1964 & 2004.

The famous author, Stephen W. Sears ("Landscape Turned Red", 2003), has produced a concise history of the air war against Nazi Germany. The author's emphasis is on the USAAF Eighth Air Force, which flew out of England against the Nazi Occupied continent. The very first chapter, "Mission Number 52", recounts the first real mission that the Eighth Air force had against Nazi Germany: the bombing of the Focke Wulf aircraft factory in Bremen, April 17 1943. From then on, the author retraces the history of air war, how the RAF took over the night while the USAAF took on daylight "precision" bombing. The book builds up to the build-up of thousand aircraft raids, the fire storms in cities such as Hamburg and the need for fighter escort for the daylight American attacks.

The author likes (in my humble opinion) the B17 Flying Fortress more than the less "pretty" B24 Liberator, and he provides much detail about the development and general workings of the B17, how the aircraft is started and taken off from an airfield, the B17 ability to fight off fighters, and the ability of the B17 aircraft to carry bomb load. Having said this, I point out one of the most interesting chapters is Chapter 4, (page 45), entitled "Target: Ploesti". The raid on Ploesti was flown by B24 Liberators (for a single book that addresses the Ploesti raid, see, "Into The Fire: Ploesti" by Duane Schultz).

The importance of fighter escort for the bombers is presented in Chapter 6, "Little Friends"; this chapter is a concise summary of the impact of P51 Mustang and its ability to prevent the German Luftwaffe from interfering with the American Air Force's bombing of Nazi Germany. In fact, this small book (only 124 pages) is a concise summary of the air war in Europe, the pros and cons of the bomber war and the highlights of the actual events. The paper back that I borrowed from the library was profusely illustrated with black & white photos of the B17 in action, the insides of the bomber itself and action-torn aircraft.

Very good for young adults to learn about the WW2 bombing campaigns against germany.

My favorite television show as a kid was "Twelve O'Clock High," and for me there has never been an airplane as important as the B-17. I know I bought models of the "Memphis Belle" several times and it was not until about ten years ago that I finally got to not only see but climb inside an actual Flying Fortress, only to be amazed at how small these bombers actually were. That becomes an important fact when reading "Mission Number 52," the opening chapter of Stephen W. Sears' book on "Air War Against Hitler's Germany" for the American Heritage Junior Library. The story of the 52nd mission flown by the U.S. Eighth Air Force was a raid on the Focke-Wulf aircraft factory at Bremen in northwestern Germany. Sears details the entire mission, from the pre-dawn briefing, to the bomb run over Bremen, to the finally tally of how many American bombers did not return from Mission 52.

Sears presents Mission 52 as providing his readers with both the promise and the problems of the American air offensive against Hitler's Nazi Germany and the controversial policy of daylight precision bombing; after all, the Luftwaffe's attempt to use daylight bombing during the Battle of Britain had not succeeded. After a thorough explanation of the debate over the theory, Sears provides a look at what the Germans were doing to defend the Third Reich. Other chapters are devoted to the famous raid on the oil refineries at Ploesti, the "Autumn Crisis" of the American daylight bombing offensive, and the P-51 Mustangs and other American fighters that served as "Little Friends" to the bombers. The final chapter details the victory that was won in the air, despite German advances in creating the first jet aircraft, and covers the fire-bombing of Dresden, which becomes the European theater equivalent of the bombing of Hiroshima and Nagasaki, with three RAF and American raids doing what it took one atomic bomb to do to a city in Japan.

The editors of this book take a dual perspective, that the air war over Europe proved to be more that Billy Mitchell and other advocates of air power had ever conceived, and that from a contemporary perspective these lumbering propeller-driven bombers carrying payloads of "conventional" bombs are considered obsolete. However, in this interesting volume Sears shows exactly what they accomplished to win the war in Europe. This book is not only illustrated with historic photographs taken during World War II, including combat photographs, but also by paintings and sketches done by American, British, and German artists. "Air War Against Hitler's Germany" is not a comprehensive look at what the 8th Air Force accomplished, but it certainly covers the main points with enough depth and insight to make reading it well worth the effort for young students interested in the subject. For older readers it is a reminder what the "Memphis Bell," which I finally got to see on display at Mud Island, and thousands of other Flying Fortresses and Liberators accomplished during World War II.

With menus provided in each section comprising this culinary sequel to the Junior League of Columbus' America Discovers Columbus cookbook, America Celebrates Columbus is a superb compendium of "bountiful harvest" recipes that are as easy-to-prepare and kitchen friendly as they are nutritious and delicious. Of special note is that portion of this outstanding cookbook dedicated to teatime at the Kelton House. From Miniature Lavender Cheesecakes; Black-Eyed Pea Salsa; Green Salad with Jiacama and Orange Poppy Seed Dressing; and Kelton House Chicken Divan; to Salmon Tetrazzini; Barbecued Green Beans; Old-Fashioned Oatmeal Pancakes; Chili Pecan Biscuits; and Red Velvet Cake with Mock Whipped Frosting, American Celebrates Columbus will prove a seminal favorite for any family or community library cookbook collection.

In the new Columbus Junior League cookbook I found easy to follow recipes, ingredients for the most part you will have in your frig or pantry,beautiful artwork from Columbus landmarks and menus for dinners or teas already put together for you ( not literally but put together as a complete menu shall we say) Great going girls- I would suggest cookbook collectors and cooks who like easy menus with great results buy this book.

Just as my original Junior League of Columbus (Ohio) cookbook had started to fall apart, a new and improved version appears!! The new version is sturdy, atractive, and very professional. As with all Junior League cookbooks, the recipes are great tasting and easy to prepare. I have already shipped copies to my family around the country and am hearing rave reviews!! Thanks Junior League-you did it again!!

This book is the second in the series about the kids in a neighborhood in Florida (see "Crossing Jordan" for list). The main character is real preteen dealing with the uncertainty of the foster care system. It is a book about a girl who not only survives, but also builds a life for herself and thrives among an unlikely family. She is a character full of life and determination. A great read for 4th grade through beginning high school! This book is full of North Florida local color (the real Florida away from the glow of Disney World). I know because it is set in our town and she captures it to a T with all of its fun and quirkiness! It makes a great read aloud! My son begs me to read more each night!!

I love the characters in this book. They have flaws and virtues and could all realistically exist in the pretend neighborhood of Anna Casey's world. (which is loosely based on a a very real neighborhood that is located a few blocks from the school where I am a media specialist.) Many of the students that have already read, "Crossing Jordan," eagerly read this second novel of Adrian Fogelin and enjoy it very much. Not only because they recognize characters from the first book, but because there is much adventure and character driven
comedy in this book as well.
I have always felt that the cover of this book did not reflect the quality of the story within. I noticed that the cover has been changed--but it is still a cover to attract elementary school girls--while there is much in this story to interest both elementary and middle school boys as well. I'd like to see the Vietnam vet portrayed with a wooded scene and the two main characters hiding from him on the cover. This book is well written and entertaining and still deserves a more intriguing cover.

This book was one of the best books I have ever read! In this book Anna and her friend Eb are living with a foster parent named Ms. Dupree and they are trying to fit into her environment! Other events also make this book interesting! This was such a good book I could not stop reading it!In the end Anna learns her place in the world!

Please help me find this boo

I highly recommend this book. It is more art oriented (which I love) than craft. The lessons are idea-based, including drawing lessons for perspective and classic value/tone ball coloring.

Each lesson explains an art/visual-thinking concept to be taught. Then it proposes how to introduce the concept and suggests art activities to do, as well as ways to evaluate learning.

The layout of the lessons is according to an age/learning level, but I do use their overall method. I more randomly reference the lessons for ideas and starting points. Great book!

This book has 206 activities for levels K - 7. Each acitivity teaches visual thinking through an art concept. Each activity is divided into sections on teacher prepartions, suggestions, suggested art activities, alternative art activities, evaluation and other things to consider. I have tried to get extra copies but have so far been unsuccessful.

My husband bought this cookbook for me at the Indianappolis Airport on his way home from a business trip. I loved it so much that I wanted to get copies for family, but found it very difficult. I am thrilled to see it is on Amazon now! Nearly every recipe is a hit, and most are really easy to make. Among my favorites are: Crunchy Green Beans, Fall Tomato Fennel Soup, Savory Spinach Toss, Fish Fillets with Sweet Red Peppers, Basil and Mustard... the list goes on and on. There is also a section in the back that has menus for different types of parties (graduation, summer cookout, etc...) which is great for people like me who have a hard time matching types of foods for certain events. Definitely a MUST HAVE!!!!

I bought this on a whim in the Indianapolis airport, but the cookbook turned out to be a tremendous find. Many recipies focus on one specific flavor, such as the delicious crunchy green beans or poached fish with pesto. Others blend flavors magnificently, like the white bean chile recipe. Highly recommended!

Every recipe in this book is excellent. I am ordering copies for all of my friends!

I loved this book because I can't go one day without seeing my favorite show. I watch Baywatch because I think it teaches kids how to save lives. I hope every Baywatch fan gets a chance to see this book!

They say that the book is always better than the movie--well, in this case, the book is even better than the TV show! The brilliant character development, heartstring-pulling drama and (va-va-voom!) delicious romance that once made Baywatch the world's #1 TV show have been pulled together into this award-winning Junior Lifeguard Photo Album! (Well, I don't know if it's really award-winning, but it SHOULD be!)

Honestly, we're not talking about "character development" or "plot" here--we're talking about bazoombas! Big ones! And lots of 'em! Of your very own junior lifeguard! What could be better?

I don't know if it really is the dream of every young girl to make millions of dollars by having grotesquely large billybobs (although it certainly was mine), but this Junior Photo Album will make that dream come alive

I think this book was a very good book. It had alot of very good pictures in it. I expessially like the ones of Cody, he's so hot. I all so like how they based the book on pictures that Hobie took. I all so like how they made it seem that the Baywatch team is so close.

This has lots of great and easy to use activities. I found it on the website for the American Chemical Society (for a fraction of the cost) after a science professor recommended it to us for homeschool.

This book has everything to help kids wonder about science through hands-on projects. I recommend it highly, and I've been working with kids for years. You won't run out of ideas in this big big book. The only downside is chosing which ones to do!

Elementary teachers! This is the one you've been looking for. This is a collection of very do-able experiments, with easy to understand directions for students (and teacher), materials that are readily available,and covering every science topic taught in grades 4-6. And the best part: If your science background is a little limited, this book has a quick, to the point, explanation of each experiment-it states what will happen and why. In my opinion, this book is aptly titled "The Best..."

Outstanding book that would be even better with pictures.

My brother sent me a copy of Beyond Burlap for my birthday. I fell in love with this cookbook. Now, I send it to all my friends who have ever asked what can I make with potatoes. It is very complete and appeals to all tastes and ages. A perfect gift for anyone!

Beyond Burlap has an excellent assortment of potato recipes! I never knew there were so many ways to prepare a potato! The Potato Mocha Poundcake is my favorite. The stories and fun potato tidbits make Beyond Burlap a fun cookbook to own!

All potato lovers should own this book!

I just finished reading Beyond Paradise and I loved it. The author, Jane Hertenstein, used wonderful description, and I had a picture of each scene painted in my head. This book is a great way to teach us about the tragedies that took place in other countries during World War II.
This book is about a fifteen year old girl, Louise and her family. They move to the Philippines during the beginning of World War II. As her father goes out to meet their friend's son, he is captured by the Japanese. Louise's Mother then feels awful and is too weak to do anything. Next, her family is captured too, but they are sent to a different internment camp called Santo Tomas Internment Camp. After suffering a whole year there she is told they well be set free. Everyone piles onto a ship when they are informed that they are just being sent to another camp. Then, it occurs to Louise that this was the camp her father was at. When she finally arrives she is informed that her father was just sent away. Finally she meets up with her father and they are all in the same camp together. After another year the American soldiers come and set them free. Louise becomes friends with a young soldier but eventually has to say a sad goodbye when Louise Keller returns to America.
I recommend this book to anyone from ages 9-13. It has a wonderful plotline and extremely interesting characters. I was always eager to turn the page and find out what happened next.

...you'll love Beyond Paradise. Ms. Hartenstein's writing is subtle and beautiful. She handles a horrific experience, interrment during WWII, gently but honestly, for young readers. The main character, Louise, keeps a journal of poetry. These lovely poems are sprinkled through the text. I highly recommend this book, and I hope Ms Hertenstein writes more! END

As a nine to twelve year old girl in the Japanese internment camp, Santo Tomas Internment Camp in Manila, P I, I had many of the same experiences as Louise Keller. I was several years younger than Louise but the accuracy of Jane Hertenstein's novel is amazing. A friend gave me the book on Wednesday afternoon. I read the book Wednesday evening and was "blown" away. My memories came flooding in and my emotions flooding out. Ms. Hertenstein has done her homework. I would love to get in touch with her just to tell her how much I appreciated reading Beyond Paradise and that I have ordered six copies for my friends and my sister. I know of three different groups who are, at this time, are on their way over to the Philippines for the fifty fifth reunion of our liberation from the Japanese. By the way, I was born in Iloilo on the island of Panay in the Philippines!

This is a "must-have" book for anyone who works with young children. It is well-organized by age and theme, and contains helpful ideas for running programs at your library. If you have money for only one book, this is it.

Whether you're looking for a programming resource or how to manual, look no further! The authors of this book have put everything a teacher, librarian, early childhood educator and/or parent could possibly need to run successful programs or play-groups. From the handy hints to the books to share and on through the songs and rhymes, this is a complete book that anyone who works with or has children should not be without. Also included in every chapter are fun and easy to do, age-appropriate crafts.
All of the leg-work is done for you...all you have to do is get the book!

I give this book 5 out of 5 stars! These authors have gone above and beyond your ordinary planning books to give you something truly unique. This is like a how-to-guide and programming book put into one valuable resource. Throughout every chapter there are handy hints on how to get your programs up and running followed by everything you need to keep them running smoothly. From the books to share, through the songs and rhymes and onto the crafts, these authors have done all of the leg-work for you...all you have to do is buy the book!