World War I

by Gail B. Stewart

At every stage in world history, a core group of individuals have been the driving force behind the most critical events. They have defined the issues, pushed for change, debated, and led others for a cause. Each title in the People at the Center of series pulls together the core collection people that have influenced, caused, and reacted to the world's most significant historical events. Each extended encyclopedic entry covers biographical details...

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1560064064
• ISBN13: 9781560064060
• Release Date: December 1991
• Publisher: Lucent Books
• Length: 110 Pages
• Weight: 1.09 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.5" x 8.3" x 10.3"
• Age Range: 10 to 13 years
• Grade Range: Grades 5 to 8

Customer Reviews

Excellent Overview

I read this book to brush up on my WWI history for some research I am doing. I found it just right for my needs. The book is simply and clearly written with sub-subject boxes scattered throughout the book with interesting tidbits of related history. This book is an excellent overview of WWI, especially if the reader wishes to avoid wading through theory and tedious extras found in other historical books. Therefore, it makes for a wonderful light read. The two negative things I would have to say about it is that I found some of the text to be a little opinionated and subjective. I also wished that there had been more scholarly citations to know where particular bits of information came from to aid readers in further research. (The author does provide a "Works Cited" page.) Overall, I definitely recommend this book, especially to those who just want a light history on WWI.

Excellent summation of a critical period in history

Gail Stewart's "World War I" continues the solid writing in the "America's Wars" series by Lucent Books. At 112 pages including index and references, this work is not voluminous. It is, though, comprehensive. Rather that strictly review the military battles alone, Stewart takes time to establish the global situation leading to the war. Her analysis of America's shifting views of it's role is superb. Her approach complements the major thread of narrative with a large amount of material encapsulating related subjects. For a work target toward late-middle school or early high school, the book is engaging and engrossing for younger minds and adults.You'll find little known facts such as the Zimmerman telegraph, saboteurs in the U.S., the role of African-Americans, effects on woman's rights alongside of familiar stories of the Lusitania, Alvin York, and Armistice Day. Fundamentally, this is not a book about the glory of military triumph. This is a carefully considered exposition of the times, events and people. And it engages the reader in the anguish of the human cost of this war and its aftermath.Highly recommended as a resource for U.S. history courses in secondary or late primary education. Homeschoolers will also find this a valuable wealth of material. On a personal note, I have enjoyed watching my nine year old son devour this book. He has chosen to re-read it many times for the sheer pleasure of learning. It has also been fun to share my well-educated wife's pleasure in finding many elements that were new to her.One note of caution: this book is a bit hard to find, and the entire series it belongs to ("America's Wars" from Lucent Books) seems to have fallen out of print. If the companion volumes are as well done, this is a grave loss.

World War I

I used this book to assist in the teaching of an 8th grade history class. The students really enjoyed learning that the ouija board was a big hit in World War I! Ms. Stewart supplies many of the "fun" facts that make history come alive for middle schoolers. As an adult, I also learned quite a bit from this book aimed at young people.