World War II Pilots–a Review by Kristina O’Brien

World War II Pilots: An Interactive History Adventure (You Choose World War II) by Michael Burgan, Dennis E. Showalter (Consultant Editor), and Heidi A. Burns (Contributor) and published by You Choose Books (2013) puts the reader in the cockpit of cutting edge aircraft fighting both the Germans in Europe and the Japanese in the Pacific. The book begins with a brief history leading up to World War II, and the declaration of war on Germany by Great Britain and France on September 1, 1939, after the invasion of Poland. The United States would not enter the war until December 8, 1941 with a declaration of war on Japan, after the Pearl Harbor bombing.

The reader’s adventure begins with a choice to join the Royal Air Force in the battle of Britain, to fly a B-24 bomber in the Pacific, or to become an African-American Tuskegee airman. The book is packed with adventures and possibilities, including: secret missions, a rescue, escapes, becoming an ace, and even becoming a prisoner of war in Germany. What will you choose? Will you survive or die? The choice is yours. There are 3 paths, 36 choices, and 20 endings.

At the end of the book is a brief history of the end of World War II, a set of discussion questions and additional areas of World War II to explore. The book has a glossary and a good reference section about World War II. World War II Pilots: An Interactive History Adventure (You Choose World War II) has 112 pages.

I encourage upper elementary and middle school boys to check out this series, and have an adventure in World War II. I would also encourage parents to discuss the events of World War II, to find out their family history from a grandparent or relative living during the time, and to visit a local World War II museum or memorial.

Kristina O’Brien is a mother of twin girls, an avid reader and a credentialed teacher. She has taught both middle school and high school history. She is currently a stay-at-home mom and enjoys raising her two girls.