What If You Were on the Russian Front in World War II

(Paperback)

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Description

Adolf Hitler didnt just invade Europe during World War II. He also broke a pact with Russia and invaded that country. Battles continued into the bitter cold months of winter. Youre part of the Allied Forces trying to push the Nazis out of Russia. YOU CHOOSE how to further the cause for freedom while also battling brutal conditions. Do you have what it takes to survive

Reviews

Various World War II scenarios are explored in these volumes, placing readers on the front lines in Africa, Europe, the Pacific, and Russia and allowing them to choose their roles and subsequent actions in these combat zones. Choices include nurse, saboteur, pilot, scout, and photographer. The narratives for each option describe the circumstances the protagonist (the reader) finds themselves in and the decisions readers makes can end in success, disgrace, or death. The authors do a fine job creating suspense and presenting the grizzly details of the realities of war, with characters being shot, injured in bomb attacks, captured, and even killed. More importantly, they demonstrate how critical and necessarily spontaneous decisions can determine the outcome of life and death situations. However, the value of readers' experiences is dependent on their appreciation for the "You Choose" construct, and while many will enjoy this format, others may find the constant flipping of pages a nuisance and be confused or discouraged from continuing, despite the intriguing narratives. Maps at the conclusion of each volume provide locations, although the map in What If You Were on the European Front contains glaring errors, labeling the Battle of the Bulge as being in south central France. VERDICT The engaging tales provided will intrigue and inform readers who enjoy the "You Choose" series and selectors should base their purchase decisions on the popularity of the titles, although the erroneous map in The European Front makes it a questionable choice.--Margaret Nunes, formerly at Gwinnett Public Library, GA "School Library Journal"

Author Bio

Matt Doeden is a freelance author and editor from Minnesota. He's written numerous children's books on sports, music, current events, the military, extreme survival, and much more. His books Sandy Koufax (Twenty-First Century Books, 2006) and Tom Brady: Unlikely Champion (Twenty-First Century Books, 2011) were Junior Library Guild selections. Doeden began his career as a sports writer before turning to publishing. He lives in Minnesota with his wife and two children.