Winston Churchill ANNOTATION
Provides an introduction to the life of Winston Churchill, British Prime Minister during World War II.
FROM THE CRITICS
Children's Literature - Mary Bowman-Kruhm
The introduction and final chapter, Churchill's Legacy, are superbly written and provide a balanced picture of the statesman's contributions to the 20th century as well as his errors in judgment. The book's subtitle, "From Army Officer to World Leader," unfortunately summarizes the rest of the book and the writing has an encyclopedic style. Although the publisher gives a reading level of grades 6-8, a Fry readability indicates a college reading level, primarily because of the recitation of names, facts, and details; for example, the League of Nations is described as "an international organization similar to today's United Nations, which tried to tie the nations of the world into collective security through gradual disarmament and peaceful resolution of their disputes." Little information is provided in the 112 pages about the man and his personal life. One paragraph moves his five children from birth to their careers as adults. Only Randolph is mentioned briefly elsewhere and listed in the index. Black-and-white and sepia photographs and several political cartoons support the text. A colored reproduction of Churchill's painting of Chartwell, his home, provides a peek into personal interests. Part of the "Twentieth-Century History Makers" series. Recommended only for capable readers seeking a detailed description of Churchill's professional life. 2003, Raintree Steck-Vaughn,
School Library Journal
Gr 6-10-These biographies focus primarily on the achievements of these two men and the extraordinary world events that shaped their lives. Personal life and childhood details are minimal and presented in measured doses within appropriate chapters. Strengths and weaknesses of both Nobel Prize winners are portrayed evenhandedly and political complexities are presented simply enough for students without background in these areas to understand. Chapters are subdivided and enhanced by inset fact boxes that contain portions of speeches, historical references, or explanation of concepts. Most attractive is the format, which includes many full-page, full-color and black-and-white photos. Rock-solid resources.-Vicki Reutter, Cazenovia High School, NY Copyright 2003 Reed Business Information.
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