History Smashers: Pearl Harbor

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.