World War II: Fight on the Home Front (History Comics)

I was unfamiliar with the History Comics series but I was blown away by the content of World War II: Fight on the Home Front. I have not previously read such a wonderfully thorough explanation of all that Americans did to help fight the war at home. So many everyday heroes were highlighted: women who filled jobs that servicemen had vacated, retired men who helped patrol streets, and even children who salvaged whatever metal scraps they could find. 

It was awe-inspiring to read about the sacrifices and deprivations that were willingly adhered to in order to provide needed materials for the war. One cannot read this book without being amazed by the ingenuity, creativity, and determination of citizens who formed countless support organizations, turned factories into munition suppliers, and organized book drives to ensure soldiers had things to read. I loved the excerpts from real letters (albeit, some very bittersweet as they were the last words a soldier sent). The unprecedented unity and collaboration of citizens to fight a common enemy was unbelievable but so important for children to know about.

And yet there were still areas where the war revealed long-held prejudices against women, African American soldiers, and Native Americans. The war created a forum where some of these barriers were broken but not all. And it's important for children to know about those areas where history failed some groups of people. 

The authors have created a panoramic view of the war from start to finish without glossing over the less-than-stellar parts of our history. So much careful research was put into this book and presented in a way that children can understand. And even though we are at peace at the moment, hopefully, this book will inspire children to find ways to contribute to their community at any age. I highly recommend this book for ages 8 and up. It would make a valuable addition to any school classroom or home library. 

Disclaimer: I received a free digital copy of World War II: Fight on the Home Front from NetGalley for the purpose of review. No other compensation was received.