Thursday, August 24, 2017

Burgan, Michael. Turning Point: Story of D-Day Landings.

Burgan, Michael.  Turning Point: Story of D-Day Landings.  Capstone Publishers      2017  112p  $31.99. ISBN 978-1-5157-3607-3  elem/ms  nonfiction. Series:  Tangled History (Capstone)  nonfiction  VG-BN

The use of eyewitness reports for conveying the history of the D-Day invasion on Normandy's beaches in 1944, a turning point in World War II, makes the action riveting. Both German and Allied commanders and soldiers provide the narrative, as do villagers who were near the military action. The bravery of the Allied Forces provides riveting narrative as assaults occur at a number of beaches.  The book provides an easily accessible retelling of the D-Day invasion.  With glossary, timeline, suggestions for further reading, critical-thinking questions and index, this book would be a perfect choice for language-arts classes to show the difference between primary and secondary sources, as well as for history report-writing. The only thing missing is a map of the beaches and villages, which would allow readers to follow the action visually.     

The series Tangled History provides five new titles that use eyewitness accounts to relay the details of historic events, from natural disasters to wars. Taut suspense and action will keep readers riveted. Grades 3-8.

Summary: Through eyewitness reports, by both Allied and German forces as well as by villagers, the D-Day invasion on Normandy beaches in 1944 comes alive for upper-elementary and middle-school readers.


D-Day Invasion, Personal Narratives                         --Lois McNicol

No comments: