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D-Day: The Invasion of Normandy, 1944 [The Young Readers Adaptation]
Adapted for young readers from the #1 New York Times –bestselling The Guns at Last Light , D-Day captures the events and the spirit of that day―June 6, 1944―the day that led to the liberation of western Europe from Nazi Germany's control. They came by sea and by sky to reclaim freedom from the occupying Germans, turning the tide of World War II. Atkinson skillfully guides his younger audience through the events leading up to, and of, the momentous day in this photo-illustrated adaptation. Perfect for history buffs and newcomers to the topic alike!
This thoroughly-researched and documented book can be worked into multiple aspects of the common core curriculum.
This thoroughly-researched and documented book can be worked into multiple aspects of the common core curriculum.
224 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 2014
78 people are currently reading
419 people want to read
About the author
Rick Atkinson
41 books1,797 followersRick Atkinson is the #1 New York Times bestselling author of seven works of history, including The Long Gray Line, the Liberation Trilogy (An Army at Dawn, The Day of Battle, and The Guns at Last Light), and The British Are Coming, the first volume of the Revolution Trilogy. His work as a historian and journalist has won numerous awards, including three Pulitzer Prizes.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 87 reviews
March 23, 2018
I read this book for my class' 'One Pager.' I thought it was a great book! The vocabulary used was complex, and showed the author put a lot of thought into his writing. The author helps the reader really understand the book and what happened. I had heard about D-Day before, but I really didn't know much about it. So when I found this book, I thought it could really help me on learning more about World War Two. The book was very descriptive, and I could see what it was like on that June day. I do think their could have been some ways to make it easier for a young reader to understand. Overall, though, this is a great read.
November 1, 2016
D-Day: The Invasion of Normandy, 1944, explained exactly what happened on June 6th 1944. This famous battle was the key to defeating the axis powers in Europe. The book also revealed much that happened that not many know about. It opens our eyes to see what really happened and how much planning and effort went into pulling this miraculous feat off.
I really liked how well I was able to understand what was happening because the author explained every little thing so well. I love to learn about history and wars and this book was perfect for my interest. One of my favorite parts of the book was the pictures, it showed first hand what it was like out on the battle field and gave an even more in depth look to what happened.
I didn't really like how there wasn't much excitement. The author kind of just listed all the facts and what happened in chronological order and didn't have me on the edge of my seat. If the author had somehow made the novel a little more exciting and suspenseful, I would have liked it a lot more.
Overall I enjoyed the content about D day but didn't really like the bland, boringness of the book. If you enjoy learning about history and don't mind little to no excitement then I would recommend this book for you. I rate D-Day: The Invasion of Normandy, 1944, 3 out of 5 stars.
I really liked how well I was able to understand what was happening because the author explained every little thing so well. I love to learn about history and wars and this book was perfect for my interest. One of my favorite parts of the book was the pictures, it showed first hand what it was like out on the battle field and gave an even more in depth look to what happened.
I didn't really like how there wasn't much excitement. The author kind of just listed all the facts and what happened in chronological order and didn't have me on the edge of my seat. If the author had somehow made the novel a little more exciting and suspenseful, I would have liked it a lot more.
Overall I enjoyed the content about D day but didn't really like the bland, boringness of the book. If you enjoy learning about history and don't mind little to no excitement then I would recommend this book for you. I rate D-Day: The Invasion of Normandy, 1944, 3 out of 5 stars.
December 16, 2014
it was a very well done book i love learning about history as much as i can so this book was a good one for me.
February 22, 2017
If you are into history this would be a good book for you. This book has some violence it. I would recommend this book for history buffs.
February 3, 2020
This book is really good if you want to know more about world war II. This books mostly talks about D-Day. It talks about the weapons, strategies, soldiers and etc.
April 4, 2019
Wow! Kids will eat this up. Great adaptation of the adult title and a gripping and exciting read.
May 15, 2018
Atkinson, Rick D-Day The Invasion of Normandy, 1944, 202 pages. NON FICTION, Henry Holt and Company, LLC, 2014. Language: R (19 swears 15 ‘f’) Mature Content: PG13 (smoking, drinking, one reference to “naked” ) Violence: R (Graphic war descriptions and pictures)
General Eisenhower has made the decision to attack Normandy Beach in France. With his allies Britain and Canada, he decides to plan out an attack. They decide to split the beach up into five parts, Juno, Gold, Sword, Utah, and Omaha, sending troops to each of the five beaches. They also decide to send in airborne divisions from the south side of the beach. A couple of hours into the fight it is not looking good, the airborne divisions and paratroopers had not succeeded and the ground troops were getting blown to pieces with artillery. If they lose this battle then they lose the whole war.
I really liked the description the author is able to provide about the planning of the invasion, what was going through the minds of the generals, and what things the generals consider. I did not like how many pages the author reserved for the air attack. A lot of the invasion section was focused on air and I did not really enjoy that. I would have rather had it be more about the ground troops.
HS - ADVISABLE 7th Grade Student Reviewer ES
https://kissthebook.blogspot.com/2018...
General Eisenhower has made the decision to attack Normandy Beach in France. With his allies Britain and Canada, he decides to plan out an attack. They decide to split the beach up into five parts, Juno, Gold, Sword, Utah, and Omaha, sending troops to each of the five beaches. They also decide to send in airborne divisions from the south side of the beach. A couple of hours into the fight it is not looking good, the airborne divisions and paratroopers had not succeeded and the ground troops were getting blown to pieces with artillery. If they lose this battle then they lose the whole war.
I really liked the description the author is able to provide about the planning of the invasion, what was going through the minds of the generals, and what things the generals consider. I did not like how many pages the author reserved for the air attack. A lot of the invasion section was focused on air and I did not really enjoy that. I would have rather had it be more about the ground troops.
HS - ADVISABLE 7th Grade Student Reviewer ES
https://kissthebook.blogspot.com/2018...
October 24, 2019
* * * IMO -- DO NOT USE THIS BOOK * * *
I plowed through the Atkinson book seeking information toward my own research/writing. My topic is very specific and unique; I was working on a time-crunch, so I looked-up and read everything relative from the index. Ultimately, this book didn't speak to my narrow focus. Okay, not the book that helps me -- but that's not why I came away with a low opinion.
In researching my topic I have drawn from assorted recognized books/authors, movies, bona fide first-hand interviews, military documents, etc. During this I have found D-day history consistencies, inconsistencies, mistakes, apparent misunderstandings, embellishments, and important details/information that have been flat-out skipped.
My experience with Atkinson's book was akin to random sampling. Based on this 'sampling' and by contrast to the knowledge-base I have built from these other materials, it is my opinion that this book glosses over details and frequently presents (what should be) facts with gross mistakes. If there are as many issues found just in my 'sampling', then how dependable is the rest of the book?!?
History needs to be kept accurate; it is my opinion that this book contributes to skewing Normandy Invasion facts. I suggest considering the use of other D-day history materials readily available and absolutely avoiding this Atkinson book. I would prefer to see this book given a major overhaul, stringently corrected, and re-released.
I plowed through the Atkinson book seeking information toward my own research/writing. My topic is very specific and unique; I was working on a time-crunch, so I looked-up and read everything relative from the index. Ultimately, this book didn't speak to my narrow focus. Okay, not the book that helps me -- but that's not why I came away with a low opinion.
In researching my topic I have drawn from assorted recognized books/authors, movies, bona fide first-hand interviews, military documents, etc. During this I have found D-day history consistencies, inconsistencies, mistakes, apparent misunderstandings, embellishments, and important details/information that have been flat-out skipped.
My experience with Atkinson's book was akin to random sampling. Based on this 'sampling' and by contrast to the knowledge-base I have built from these other materials, it is my opinion that this book glosses over details and frequently presents (what should be) facts with gross mistakes. If there are as many issues found just in my 'sampling', then how dependable is the rest of the book?!?
History needs to be kept accurate; it is my opinion that this book contributes to skewing Normandy Invasion facts. I suggest considering the use of other D-day history materials readily available and absolutely avoiding this Atkinson book. I would prefer to see this book given a major overhaul, stringently corrected, and re-released.
December 16, 2016
I read D-Day: The Invasion of Normandy by Rick Atkinson. This book has a lexile range of 1230 for 9th grader. It is about the plan of how D-Day was going to go down and how it was executed. It tells about all the beaches like Juno,Omaha,Sword etc. It was a really bloody battle all around.
This book took place near and in Normandy. It was a battle in which the allies where trying to take over the German hard point. They essentially needed this to have any chance at winning the war. It gets much more tense during the invasion of Omaha beach. There was a point where field marshal Bernard Montgomery and General George S. Patton Jr. got into a verbal confrontation on when the operation should start.
I personally loved this book. If you love history or war you will probably love this book as well. It does get confusing in the planning area of the book but it smooths itself out. It does have some very sophisticated words that some may not know. I personally loved when they talked about how they were going to carry out the mission. This is a non-fiction book so if you are easily bored by reading facts then this book may not be for you.
This book took place near and in Normandy. It was a battle in which the allies where trying to take over the German hard point. They essentially needed this to have any chance at winning the war. It gets much more tense during the invasion of Omaha beach. There was a point where field marshal Bernard Montgomery and General George S. Patton Jr. got into a verbal confrontation on when the operation should start.
I personally loved this book. If you love history or war you will probably love this book as well. It does get confusing in the planning area of the book but it smooths itself out. It does have some very sophisticated words that some may not know. I personally loved when they talked about how they were going to carry out the mission. This is a non-fiction book so if you are easily bored by reading facts then this book may not be for you.
June 20, 2021
A good book for young readers,but with one caveat: Not too young. The vocabulary used occasionally outpaces that of a typical middle school kid, and there are depictions of graphic violence that some parents might take exception to.
At one point Atkinson describes a soldier’s rather gory death—a sergeant has his shoulder blown off, exposing his beating heart that pumped until he bled out. Atkinson mentioned the soldier by name, which I question. Relatives who knew the man might still survive. He did this as well in his Pulitzer winning “An Army At Dawn”, describing how an officer—who he named—was decapitated by an enemy shell.
But for all that, this was a good book. The audiobook was narrated well and there was a brief interview with Atkinson at the end. Atkinson’s superior prose didn’t shine in this one, probably because of his adapting it to a younger audience, but it was nevertheless solid.
At one point Atkinson describes a soldier’s rather gory death—a sergeant has his shoulder blown off, exposing his beating heart that pumped until he bled out. Atkinson mentioned the soldier by name, which I question. Relatives who knew the man might still survive. He did this as well in his Pulitzer winning “An Army At Dawn”, describing how an officer—who he named—was decapitated by an enemy shell.
But for all that, this was a good book. The audiobook was narrated well and there was a brief interview with Atkinson at the end. Atkinson’s superior prose didn’t shine in this one, probably because of his adapting it to a younger audience, but it was nevertheless solid.
September 24, 2019
I love the saying on the back by the b-17 pilot. It just kind of gives you a great look on how life during the war was. I love the book because of how the author gave you the view on almost every detail on the situation. When it talked about the maximum conditions of 25 percent and a third of that would be killed which kind of scared me and gave me a view on how many people actually die from our country we just don’t realize it. But overall the book was great, especially for me because I love history. Especially on america.
October 9, 2019
I'm not really sure why this is a young reader's book as it seems to be quite detailed and doesn't skimp on information. I didn't like the format of this book. I tried to start from the beginning but it's all pretty much info at the beginning and in the end I just started with the narratives. This book is just ok for me. I couldn't really get into it and I think there are better D-Day books out there at this level.
September 1, 2017
Listened to the audiobook. Finished whole thing in a 5 hr road trip. Reader did a great job in using voice variations when speaking in 1st person for some of the various real-life personalities of this heroic, yet horrible event from Eisenhower to less known soldiers from all sides.
January 9, 2018
Great 200 page book that is really taken from his excellent The Guns at Last Light. This book continues from photo's of the events that happened and such. It is always great to touch up on history and things that have already been read.
October 6, 2018
Good book to get a run through of the events of D-Day. It's a quick read with enough detail to understand the efforts and dedication of those involved. Now on to the more detailed books on the topic...
June 7, 2019
It is a good, engaging book.
But, I would not recommend it for the officially suggested age range of 8-12. Some of the descriptions are unsuitably graphic for young readers and there are a few quotes which contain strong language. The Lexile measure is also much higher than typical (1290L).
But, I would not recommend it for the officially suggested age range of 8-12. Some of the descriptions are unsuitably graphic for young readers and there are a few quotes which contain strong language. The Lexile measure is also much higher than typical (1290L).
June 7, 2020
A solid, expedited overview of D Day by noted historian, Rick Atkinson.
Obviously so much had to be omitted.
The narrator was subpar, his accents of German and British military officials were terrible.
Obviously so much had to be omitted.
The narrator was subpar, his accents of German and British military officials were terrible.
Want to read
December 26, 2020A very short review. Seems Atkinson used pictures and abbreviated texts from other books he had already written and released
Save your time and read one or all three of his Trilogy books on WWII. Great reads.
Save your time and read one or all three of his Trilogy books on WWII. Great reads.
July 24, 2017
it is a great history book you should read it
December 29, 2017
The story grabbed my attention and showed me what America had endured on D-Day.
October 13, 2018
Articulate and concise. A good read for me after returning from France and wanting to refresh my memory on key happenings especially at Omaha Beach having visited the site in Sept. Sobering.
April 11, 2019
I thought this book was very good and really went into detail on how the actual invasion went down. The authors choice to put each essential this right next to another is very impressive.
April 15, 2019
It's good... I REALLY like the descriptions, very in depth! ...and I just finnished... great Accuracy!
September 10, 2019
This was a great book to read it was factual, had real pictures & was just interesting if you like war or historical books I would recommend this book to anyone.
January 26, 2020
Even for a pretty short book I was bored half the time. Not what I was hoping for.
June 6, 2020
This book is a good start for those who are unfamiliar with D-Day but do not want to read his more extensive work, " The Guns at Last Light."
June 11, 2020
Short sweet. Not too much new information
May 26, 2021
realyy good
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 26, 2021
War War 2 History. 60 million died 😢
People rising above themselves.
Young Men and women asked to do things they couldn't imagined. Risked there life and gave there life.
People rising above themselves.
Young Men and women asked to do things they couldn't imagined. Risked there life and gave there life.
September 26, 2021
My son enjoyed listening to this history of the Invasion of Normandy
Displaying 1 - 30 of 87 reviews