American Generals of World War II (Collective Biographies)

Profiles ten of America's greatest generals of World War II, including Henry Arnold, Omar Bradley, Dwight D. Eisenhower, Curtis LeMay, and Douglas MacArthur

Grade 5-8-Knapp has done a fine job of profiling 10 prominent U.S. generals. The top brass included are: Henry Arnold, Omar Bradley, Dwight Eisenhower, Curtis LeMay, Douglas MacArthur, George Marshall, George Patton, Matthew Ridgway, Holland Smith, and Joseph Stilwell. This informative title offers readers the opportunity to expand their knowledge of well-known figures and introduces those who are less famous. Arranged in alphabetical order, the chapters give short description of the generals' lives and their contributions during their Armed Services careers. All of them open with a black-and-white photo of the subject and include one other vintage photo within the text. Articles are thoroughly documented with chapter notes. The format is appealing with an uncrowded text and wide margins. This offering should appeal to military buffs and to reluctant readers.
Eldon Younce, Harper Elementary School, KS
Copyright 1998 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Gr. 6^-9. When Dwight Eisenhower suffered a football injury at West Point, the army almost didn't offer him a commission when he graduated, out of fear that he might not be physically active enough. General Patton kept calling out orders to his troops when he was wounded and bleeding on the ground during tank warfare in World War I. General Matthew Ridgway jumped out of planes right along with the paratroopers he commanded. Seven other famous generals share the spotlight in this brief, engaging collective biography from the Enslow series--Henry Arnold, Omar Bradley, Curtis LeMay, Douglas MacArthur, George Marshall, Holland Smith, and Joseph Stillwell. The text flows well, showcasing interesting personalities and covering aspects of the war in an accessible fashion. The selections include seven or eight pages of text each, along with well chosen, average-quality black-and-white photos. Readers interested in World War II and military biography will enjoy this title, and students needing information on the war will find it helpful. Bibliography; source notes. Anne O'Malley