PERHAPS A GIFT VOUCHER FOR MUM?: MOTHER'S DAY
"Lisa M. Bolt Simons has published more than 60 nonfiction children's books, as well as four middle grade ""choose your path"" novels and an adult history book. She's twice received an Honorable Mention for the McKnight Artist Fellowship for Writers in Children's Literature. She's also received two Minnesota State Arts Board grants and other accolades for her writing. Lisa is a proud mom to her science- and math-minded twin daughter and son. Originally from Colorado, Lisa lives in Minnesota with her husband, who also loves to read."
"Various World War II scenarios are explored in these volumes, placing readers on the front lines in Africa, Europe, the Pacific, and Russia and allowing them to choose their roles and subsequent actions in these combat zones. Choices include nurse, saboteur, pilot, scout, and photographer. The narratives for each option describe the circumstances the protagonist (the reader) finds themselves in and the decisions readers makes can end in success, disgrace, or death. The authors do a fine job creating suspense and presenting the grizzly details of the realities of war, with characters being shot, injured in bomb attacks, captured, and even killed. More importantly, they demonstrate how critical and necessarily spontaneous decisions can determine the outcome of life and death situations. However, the value of readers' experiences is dependent on their appreciation for the ""You Choose"" construct, and while many will enjoy this format, others may find the constant flipping of pages a nuisance and be confused or discouraged from continuing, despite the intriguing narratives. Maps at the conclusion of each volume provide locations, although the map in What If You Were on the European Front contains glaring errors, labeling the Battle of the Bulge as being in south central France. VERDICT The engaging tales provided will intrigue and inform readers who enjoy the ""You Choose"" series and selectors should base their purchase decisions on the popularity of the titles, although the erroneous map in The European Front makes it a questionable choice.--Margaret Nunes, formerly at Gwinnett Public Library, GA ""School Library Journal"""
