Gr 3-6
The titles in this series are similar to ebooks, but some of the features are interactive and there are cool sound effects and occasional animated artwork, in this case showing battles and explosions. This nonfiction title (ABDO, 2007), written by Joe Dunn and illustrated by Joseph Wight and Rod Espinosa, highlights the surprise attack that changed the course of World War II. The history of the bombing of Pearl Harbor is presented, the heroes of the battle are highlighted, and the consequences of the attack are described. Information about the monument to the battle's victims is presented. The table of contents is interactive-chapter heading can be clicked to advance readers to specific pages. The illustrations adequately portray the surprise and horror of the attack. Students can choose to have the narration turned on-text is enlarged and highlighted in color as it is read-or off. Navigation is easy. Using prominent buttons on the bottom of the screen, readers can stop, go forward or back to other pages, and exit to the home page, table of contents, glossary, or review quiz. For further information, users are directed to the ABDO Web site, where links are not easy to find. Given the popularity of graphic novels with young people, and the appeal of battles among boys, this title is sure to be a hit.-MaryAnn Karre, Horace Mann Elementary School, Binghamton, NY
