I can't remember where I heard about this series of books; I think it must have been on one of the History Hit podcasts I listen to (as I haven't started the podcast series hosted by the author yet!). 

I had expected something a bit similar to 'Horrible Histories' but pitched at more of a young teen audience. However, upon reading I'd say it's more of a step up comprehension-wise; it's more of an overview of the history of WW2 for that age group, told via the stories of various people who were involved. The big players are all accounted for - Churchill, Roosevelt, Stalin and Hitler, but it also examines events through the eyes of 'normal' folk; the first man on the beaches at D-Day, a nurse captured by the Japanese in Singapore, and a girl who was caught in the Hiroshima blast, to name but a few. Some names you'll know, others you won't, but each story is wound together to examine the war from all sides. No gags or toilet humour to be found, just a simple, factual narrative that introduces the human aspect of warfare without being too graphic.

The writing hits that perfect sweet spot between a novel and a narrative history non-fiction book; the author has somehow managed to tell the story of 1939-45 using characters that are all real people and their own words, but doesn't deviate from the truth of the matter for entertainment purposes. For example, one of the anecdotes is about the team that land at Pegasus Bridge on D-Day. You follow one of the soldiers as they glide over the Channel, have a rough landing and move to take and defend the bridge. The author conveys the nerves and fear of the soldiers as well as any fiction writer can get into the mind of their characters, but equally doesn't succumb to temptation to turn the narrative into a 'Boys Own' adventure or fictionalise the action in any way.

I am also very impressed by the fact that it examines the war from a global perspective - the Asian war gets significant page space, which is very unusual. So often are events outside of Europe relegated to brief mentions, or soundbites about Pearl Harbor and the A bombs, so it was really interesting to read and gain a basic understanding of how the Japanese involvement ties into the larger conflict. Generally that's why I love these sort of middle grade books - if you ate just coming to a subject, they give you a grounding without bombarding you.

My only concern is that, for the most part, this does come across very strongly as a 'history is written by the winners', black and white, good v evil pitching of events. In a few places the author does take the time to recognise people that made moves to resist or help the oppressed within Germany, but in the main some of the nuances appear to have been left at the door. I'd be absolutely fine with sharing this book with a child to give them a clear and concise introduction to the period - indeed, it's one of the best books I've read on the subjectat this level. But I'd perhaps be more hesitant to supply this as a history book that might teach them to engage in critical thinking with little or no previous knowledge of the period. 

I am definitely interested in reading the others in this series... my local library just needs to hurry up and deliver them!