September 15, 2020
History is rarely clean cut. The third book in the History Smashers series offers readers more truths about an important event in history, weeding out tall tales they may inadvertently have absorbed through popular culture. In this installment, Messner challenges the belief that the attack on Pearl Harbor came out of nowhere. The author describes how Japan opened up to the outside world following an 1853 confrontation with Commodore Perry of the U.S. Navy, eventually militarizing and searching for foreign conquests. Next, she shows how, after years of colonialism, the U.S. had become largely isolationist, wary of entanglement in foreign countries and conflicts. Then, the background to the Second World War on both the European and Asian fronts is set, and the story of the attack on Pearl Harbor unfolds, shown to have occurred after a series of miscommunications and mistaken assumptions. The subsequent imprisonment of Japanese Americans is addressed, highlighting injustices perpetrated because of racism and fear. Presenting history through a blend of engaging narrative, graphics, black-and-white illustrations, and photos, Messner explains complex issues in a way that is accessible to young readers. Occasional text boxes provide helpful background information, such as about the history of Hawaii. Wartime contributions by African Americans, Native Americans, and Japanese Americans are described. An intriguing read that will encourage children to question simplistic historical narratives. (timeline, author's note, bibliography, image credits, index) (Nonfiction. 8-12)
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November 1, 2020
Gr 4-7-Messner provides another fast-paced "History Smashers" title that recounts the story of Pearl Harbor. She describes the events that led up to the military strike by the Imperial Japanese Navy Air Service, the impact of the attack, and the responses of the United States and the rest of the world. Many people know the U.S. entered World War II following the attack on Pearl Harbor; Messner goes beyond common knowledge. The text details the origins of the dissent between Japan and the U.S. Page-turning prose, helpful sidebars that may serve as launching points for further research, and realistic illustrations of American and Japanese leaders enhance the narrative. Back matter contains resources for additional learning, including websites, museums, books, and a time line. Primary sources are used well to give further context for the time line. VERDICT Messner's latest "History Smashers" title is a helpful resource for young researchers.-Emily Van Weerdhuizen, Sioux Center P.L., IA
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August 10, 2020
Opening the History Smashers series along with the simultaneously published History Smashers: Women’s Right to Vote, this entertaining, informative offering by Messner (The Next President) aims to decolonize the story of the Pilgrims and Thanksgiving. Drawing on historical documents and consultations with Linda Coombs, an Aquinnah Wampanoag educator and historian, Messner goes beyond the myths surrounding the English Separatists’ journey and gives context often left out of that history. Beginning with the English perspective (“Who Were the Pilgrims, Anyway?”), Messner describes what the sea voyage would have been like, what the travelers actually found when they arrived in what is now the U.S., and the Wampanoag people and culture native to the region the Separatists claimed for themselves. Messner also sheds light on the “first Thanksgiving” and packs the narrative full of historical quotes, helpfully translating history into accessible, contemporary speech. Historical paintings, as well as lighthearted, engaging black-and-white cartoon illustrations by Meconis, frequently in graphic novel–style panels, make complex and often grim history relevant to young readers. A cast list highlighting some individuals from the Mayflower rounds out this well-researched book, a multifaceted resource for any school or library. Back matter includes an author’s note and a bibliography. Final art not seen by PW. Ages 8–12.