Soldier Boys by Dean Hughes

It's World War II - 15 year old Dieter lives in Germany and 16 year old Spence lives in Utah in the USA. Both are anxious to defend their own countries in this wide-ranging and complex war being fought across Europe. They both soon learn the reality and ugliness of war, no matter which side of the battle one is on. The story is told in the third person and clearly explains both boys' points of view, which makes it easy for the reader to understand why each young man feels compelled to be a solider in this war. As an American exposed to the American point of view on World War II all of my life, I found it interesting to read how a young German looked at the situation. I'm not a big fan of war stories, but this is more than just a war story. I really enjoyed this book and would recommend it to everyone.
Reviewed by Mrs. Dunaski

Library of Congress - Rare Digitized Book Collection

How would you like to go back in time to see the books people read many, many years before you were born? Have you ever explored books in a used book store and were surprised at how different they are from the books you buy new today? If you click on this link to the Library of Congress Rare Digitized Children's Book Collection, you can actually see books that are over 100 years old! When you click on the cover of the book, you will be taken to the page turner where you can "turn the page" to read the entire book. You'll also be able to zoom in on the page to view the words and illustrations up close. Imagine being your great-grandparents and holding these very books to read! How different reading a book would have been from the books you now read. There are many types of books in this digital, rare book collection. Some are A-B-C books, Aesop's fables, animal books, poetry, nursery rhymes, fables, and Mother Goose. There is even the original book of the The Raven by Edgar Allan Poe with illustrations by Gustave Doré. Be sure to zoom right in on its cover to see the worn corners and the texture of the cloth that was used to make this century old book - it's very interesting! Explore the digital version of The Raven to enjoy the illustrations that eerily depict Poe's famous poem. French students can actually read the French version entitled Le Corbeau published in Paris.
Reviewed by Mrs. Boehm