Terror at the Munich Olympics

May 1, 2010
Gr 5-9-These books offer vivid detail as well as historical and political context for these events. Farrell starts with the Munich Olympics but quickly backtracks to offer an explanation of the conflicts in the Middle East surrounding the creation of the State of Israel, and the rise of terrorism in response to these conflicts. The kidnapping and murder of the Israeli athletes is then described, along with the apparent bungling of rescue efforts. The book concludes with chapters on the response to the killings by Israel, as well as attempts at brokering peace in the region among the various countries in conflict. Recounting the "Hindenberg" crash, Sherman captures readers' attention with an opening chapter devoted to the actual crash. She then paints a full picture of the invention of the zeppelin and its uses and development. The author then works her way back to a full description of the crash and a discussion of the theories around its cause. Both titles have pertinent sidebars with primary source material. Archival photos add to the dramatic narratives. Good choices for any collection, both for research needs and as interesting nonfiction selections."Carol Fazioli, Gwynedd-Mercy College, Gwynedd Valley, PA"

Copyright 2010 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

May 1, 2010
Grades 6-8 Three worthwhile new additions to the Essential Events series offer insights into historical eras and associated questions. Each book begins with the event itself and then retraces its development and consequences, with additional background information provided in sidebars and images. The books in the series all include extensive and informative back matter, such as a comprehensive time line and endnotes citing the primary-source quotations that appear in the text. In Terror at the Munich Olympics, Farrell successfully handles the complex subject of the ongoing Israeli-Palestinian conflict, though a heading entitled Terrorist Attacks on Both Sides may raise eyebrows for some. Overall, the authors carefully factual approach manages to present each sides claims in a balanced way. This series continues to do an excellent job of putting historical events into a more expansive context.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2010, American Library Association.)

July 1, 2010
These volumes examine background, primary players, and lasting impact of historic events. The Munich tragedy and the Hindenburg disaster, two unexpected and shocking occurrences, are graphically but sensitively described. The readable narratives are accompanied by numerous sidebars, archival photographs, and illustrations that, while useful, tend to encroach on the main texts. Reading list, timeline. Bib., glos., ind.

(Copyright 2010 by The Horn Book, Incorporated, Boston. All rights reserved.)