A worldwide conflict, World War II involved alliances between political leaders and military forces from many different countries, including the United States and Canada. This fascinating book looks at key figures involved during this war of expansion by invasion. Brief biographies give details of the lives and actions of political leaders Hitler, Churchill, Roosevelt, Truman, Stalin, Hirohito, and Tojo; military leaders Rommel, Goring, Donitz, Dowding, Pound, MacArthur, and Patton; as well as flying aces, code breakers, and activists.

The story of D-Day - the Normandy beach landings which saw the start of the Allies' major offensive against German forces - specially written for readers of 9 and up. Published in association with the Imperial War Museums and full of photographs, maps and full-colour illustrations, this is a great introduction to the story of D-Day. Includes internet links to specially selected websites where children can access additional information and resources. Ideal for those who prefer history to fiction.

This book describes the key events that took place in the Pacific theater during World War II, from the attack on Pearl Harbor to the Battles of Midway and Okinawa. In addition to historic photos, this book includes a table of contents, two infographics, critical thinking questions, two "A Closer Look" special features, a reading comprehension quiz, a glossary, additional resources, and an index. This Focus Readers title is at the Voyager level, aligned to reading levels of grades 5-6 and interest levels of grades 5-9.

1943, one year after the end of "Under the Blood-Red Sun," Tomi's Papa and Grandpa are still under arrest, and the paradise of Hawaii now lives in fear--waiting for another attack, while trying to recover from Pearl Harbor. As a Japanese American, Tomi and his family have new enemies everywhere, vigilantes who suspect all Japanese. Tomi finds hope in his goal of raising Papa's fishing boat, sunk in the canal by the Army on the day of the attack. To Tomi, raising Papa's boat is a sign of faith that Papa and Grandpa will return. It's an impossible task, but Tomi is determined. For just as he now has new enemies, his struggle to raise the boat brings unexpected allies and friends.

World War II soldier Bill Wynne met Smoky while serving in New Guinea, where the dog, who was smaller than Wynne's army boot, was found trying to scratch her way out of a foxhole. After he adopted her, she served as the squadron mascot and is credited as being the first therapy dog for the emotional support she provided the soldiers. When they weren't fighting, Bill taught Smoky hundreds of tricks to entertain the troops. Smoky became a war hero herself at an airstrip in Luzon, the Philippines, where she helped save forty airplanes and hundreds of soldiers from imminent attack. After the war, Bill worked as a Hollywood animal trainer and then returned to his hometown of Cleveland, Ohio. He and Smoky continued to perform their act, even getting their own TV show, How to Train Your Dog with Bill Wynne and Smoky. Nancy Roe Pimm presents Bill and Smoky's story to middle-grade readers in delightful prose coupled with rich archival illustrations. Children will love learning about World War II from an unusual perspective, witnessing the power of the bond between a soldier and his dog, and seeing how that bond continued through the exciting years following the war.

Young readers will be amazed by the photos of armored fighting vehicles, or AFVs, in this informative book. Military vehicles protected with plating, such as tanks, artillery, and personnel carriers, are featured along with explanations of how they work and how their armor plating protects them.

This series relates the overall chronology of major wars and shows their impact on everyday lives. What were the main events, and who were significant leaders and participants in the war? What was the strategic and technological nature of the conflicts? What happened to people on both sides?Why are the consequences of these wars still felt today?"