What do you think?
Rate this book
Magic Tree House Super Edition #1
Danger in the Darkest Hour
Introducing the first Magic Tree House ® Super Edition—and Jack and Annie’s most dangerous mission ever! With a longer story and additional facts and photographs, this thrilling, first Super Edition in the Magic Tree House series is an adventure no reader will want to miss!
The magic tree house has taken Jack and Annie back in time to England in 1944. England is fighting for its life in World War II. Before long, Jack and Annie find themselves parachuting into Normandy, France, behind enemy lines. The date is June 5. Will the brave brother and sister team be able to make a difference during one of the darkest times in history? They don’t know, but they have to try!
In Danger in the Darkest Hour, Mary Pope Osborne introduces readers to a vitally important historical subject.
Have more fun with Jack and Annie on the Magic Tree House® website at MagicTreeHouse.com.
The magic tree house has taken Jack and Annie back in time to England in 1944. England is fighting for its life in World War II. Before long, Jack and Annie find themselves parachuting into Normandy, France, behind enemy lines. The date is June 5. Will the brave brother and sister team be able to make a difference during one of the darkest times in history? They don’t know, but they have to try!
In Danger in the Darkest Hour, Mary Pope Osborne introduces readers to a vitally important historical subject.
Have more fun with Jack and Annie on the Magic Tree House® website at MagicTreeHouse.com.
192 pages, Library Binding
First published January 6, 2015
268 people are currently reading
1096 people want to read
About the author
Mary Pope Osborne
526 books2,636 followersMary Pope Osborne is an American author of children's books and audiobook narrator. She is best known as the author of the Magic Tree House series, which as of 2017 sold more than 134 million copies worldwide. Both the series and Osborne have won awards, including for Osborne's charitable efforts at promoting children's literacy. One of four children, Osborne moved around in her childhood before attending the University of North Carolina. Following college, Osborne traveled before moving to New York City. She somewhat spontaneously began to write, and her first book was published in 1982. She went on to write a variety of other children's and young adult books before starting the Magic Tree House series in 1992. Osborne's sister Natalie Pope Boyce has written several compendium books to the Magic Tree House series, sometimes with Osborne's husband Will Osborne.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 126 reviews
January 21, 2015
This is definitely a more difficult reading level than the original series. It's nice that children who enjoy these books have a series that continues to grow with their reading level. Another nice feature about the Super Edition is that it has a nonfiction section at the end of the story, giving readers more facts about this historical event.
January 28, 2015
One warm June day, Jack and Annie, siblings living in Frog Creek, PA, receive a message via carrier pigeon. The message is from their friend Teddy, asking them to come to Glastonbury, England immediately, their help is needed.
When Jack and Annie arrive in Glastonbury, they are met by Teddy who tells them they have arrived on June 4, 1944, two days before the D-Day invasion at Normandy, France by the Allies forces and the beginning of the end for the Nazis.
Teddy and Kathleen, who iare really young enchanters from Camelot, have been made agents in the Special Operations Executive (SOE) by Winston Churchill to do undercover work in countries occupied by the Nazis. But now, Kathleen is still in Normandy, France and needs to be rescued, but they only clues to her whereabouts is a coded riddle she sent Teddy by carrier pigeon.
Jack and Annie's job is to parachute into France and find Kathleen within 24 hours - they need to be gone by the time the invasion begins. Jack and Annie are told to try to find members of the French Resistance to help them, but to avoid the Nazis, who are everywhere. But when they land in a French field, they are spotted and chased by Nazis using a dog. Jack and Annie hide in a barn, calm the dog down and are found by a man and his wife, whose sons were members of the Resistance.
The couple feeds them, and help to figure out the riddle from Kathleen, then they give Jack and Annie two bikes and some money, and send them on their way. The road to Kathleen is fraught with both friend and foe, but eventually the two find her and now, they must figure out how to get her back to England. It seems Teddy forgot to give them the magic wand Kathleen needs, since her innate magic seems to have disappeared. Not only that, but Kathleen has acquired some fellow travelers she is determined to get out of France, a group of very young Jewish orphans, which means a bigger, more noticeable plane will be needed for the rescue. Oh yes, and a large vehicle to get all of them to the pickup point. And there is only a few hours left before the invasion begins, with all its bombing and shooting.
Can everyone be rescued in time and will Jack and Annie find their way back to Frog Creek?
This is an interesting chapter book. It is longer than the previous Magic Tree House books and the subject matter is much darker. And since the magic wand was forgotten, Jack, Annie and Kathleen have to rely on their own skills to solve problems and figure out how to escape France before the invasion.
Osborne gently introduces the reader to Hitler and the Nazis, and though she never uses the word Holocaust, Teddy does tell Jack and Annie that "[the Nazis] have killed countless innocent civilians, including millions of Jewish people." (pg 25) This may sound a little watered down, but consider the age of the reader and that for many this may very well be an introduction to that "darkest hour" of modern history.
i didn't expect to really like this book, but I did. With a willing suspension of disbelief, I found the story compelling and exciting, and I felt it was very clear that Osborne is comfortable with her characters and knows her audience. Things do work out nicely in the end, which is OK when you have magic on your side (and yes, there was some surprising magic used in the end).
At the back of the book, there is a "Track the Facts Behind Jack and Annie's Mission" that includes lots of information ranging from the use of pigeons in war, the German Enigma machine, and other interesting facts, all age appropriately described.
Besides the colorful cover illustration, showing Jack, in all his fear, and sister Annie parachuting into France, there are some wonderful black and white double page illustrations throughout the book, all done by Magic Tree House illustrator Sal Murdocca.
I have to confess, I have never read a Magic Tree House book before this. Sure, my Kiddo and all her cousins read and loved them when they were in elementary school. So did the kids in my classes, which made me happy since most of them were not yet reading at grade level. But I did hear Mary Pope Osborne speak at a BEA Children's Author Breakfast one year, so I knew that author Mary Pope Obsorne is a very generous donor of her books to kids who might not otherwise get copies of them. And I could help but wonder how many kids have become readers thanks to the Magic Tree House books?
This book is recommended for readers age 7+
This book was borrowed from the NYPL
This review was originally posted at The Children's War
When Jack and Annie arrive in Glastonbury, they are met by Teddy who tells them they have arrived on June 4, 1944, two days before the D-Day invasion at Normandy, France by the Allies forces and the beginning of the end for the Nazis.
Teddy and Kathleen, who iare really young enchanters from Camelot, have been made agents in the Special Operations Executive (SOE) by Winston Churchill to do undercover work in countries occupied by the Nazis. But now, Kathleen is still in Normandy, France and needs to be rescued, but they only clues to her whereabouts is a coded riddle she sent Teddy by carrier pigeon.
Jack and Annie's job is to parachute into France and find Kathleen within 24 hours - they need to be gone by the time the invasion begins. Jack and Annie are told to try to find members of the French Resistance to help them, but to avoid the Nazis, who are everywhere. But when they land in a French field, they are spotted and chased by Nazis using a dog. Jack and Annie hide in a barn, calm the dog down and are found by a man and his wife, whose sons were members of the Resistance.
The couple feeds them, and help to figure out the riddle from Kathleen, then they give Jack and Annie two bikes and some money, and send them on their way. The road to Kathleen is fraught with both friend and foe, but eventually the two find her and now, they must figure out how to get her back to England. It seems Teddy forgot to give them the magic wand Kathleen needs, since her innate magic seems to have disappeared. Not only that, but Kathleen has acquired some fellow travelers she is determined to get out of France, a group of very young Jewish orphans, which means a bigger, more noticeable plane will be needed for the rescue. Oh yes, and a large vehicle to get all of them to the pickup point. And there is only a few hours left before the invasion begins, with all its bombing and shooting.
Can everyone be rescued in time and will Jack and Annie find their way back to Frog Creek?
This is an interesting chapter book. It is longer than the previous Magic Tree House books and the subject matter is much darker. And since the magic wand was forgotten, Jack, Annie and Kathleen have to rely on their own skills to solve problems and figure out how to escape France before the invasion.
Osborne gently introduces the reader to Hitler and the Nazis, and though she never uses the word Holocaust, Teddy does tell Jack and Annie that "[the Nazis] have killed countless innocent civilians, including millions of Jewish people." (pg 25) This may sound a little watered down, but consider the age of the reader and that for many this may very well be an introduction to that "darkest hour" of modern history.
i didn't expect to really like this book, but I did. With a willing suspension of disbelief, I found the story compelling and exciting, and I felt it was very clear that Osborne is comfortable with her characters and knows her audience. Things do work out nicely in the end, which is OK when you have magic on your side (and yes, there was some surprising magic used in the end).
At the back of the book, there is a "Track the Facts Behind Jack and Annie's Mission" that includes lots of information ranging from the use of pigeons in war, the German Enigma machine, and other interesting facts, all age appropriately described.
Besides the colorful cover illustration, showing Jack, in all his fear, and sister Annie parachuting into France, there are some wonderful black and white double page illustrations throughout the book, all done by Magic Tree House illustrator Sal Murdocca.
I have to confess, I have never read a Magic Tree House book before this. Sure, my Kiddo and all her cousins read and loved them when they were in elementary school. So did the kids in my classes, which made me happy since most of them were not yet reading at grade level. But I did hear Mary Pope Osborne speak at a BEA Children's Author Breakfast one year, so I knew that author Mary Pope Obsorne is a very generous donor of her books to kids who might not otherwise get copies of them. And I could help but wonder how many kids have become readers thanks to the Magic Tree House books?
This book is recommended for readers age 7+
This book was borrowed from the NYPL
This review was originally posted at The Children's War
September 6, 2017
I did NOT like this book because it wasn't funny, happy, adventurous, or a mission like all the other books in the series. The OTHER books in the series had like missions like the wand of Dianthus. >_<
May 24, 2017
It was amazing!i really recommend this book.
March 17, 2018
I read "Danger in the Darkest Hour" during spring break. My favorite character was Annie because she was brave. I want to read more Magic Tree House books.
April 20, 2017
Fans of the Magic Tree House who are looking for a more in-depth read will love Jack and Annie's adventure during the time of World War II. In this installment, the siblings must infiltrate the enemy and use their code-breaking smarts to save many lives. A wonderful introduction to historical fiction for young readers. Recommended for grades 2-4. Reviewed by: Miss Alyson, Youth Services, Vernon Area Public Library
November 19, 2015
The Magic Tree House Danger in the Darkest Hour
By: Mary Pope Osbone
Jack and Annie set off into another adventure. This adventure is very scary and sad as it takes us through the journey of the end of WW2. The day before D-Day, in this Historical Fiction book, Osbone does a wonderful job at bringing to life the emotions and fears the people faced during this time period. Jack and Annie have a mission of saving there friend Kathleen who is stranded in Normady. The kids get chased, almost arrested, and questioned by the Nazi’s all on their way to help Kathleen. When they finally got to where Kathleen was they saw that she was not alone. She was with 12 orphan children that she took in on her own to take care of and protect. Jack and Annie rescue Kathleen with no magic at all, but will they get back to the pick up zone before d-day begins? This book is worth the read!! It is educational and emotions and will reach and teach the students of today what it was like back during World War Two. This book, in my opinion, would be good for students in the 2nd-3rd grade.
Questions:
1.) When Jack and Annie first jumped out of the plane, how do you think they were feeling? How would you feel?
2.) Who were Suzzette and Gaston’s sons? What do the parents think happened to their boys and what really happened to them? (which you find out at the end of the book)
3.) Beside food, what did Suzette and Gaston give to Jack and Annie before they set off to Caen to find Kathleen? (list)
4.) Have you heard any stories from you family about things they experienced during the time of WW2? (grand-parents, great-grandparents)
5.) If you were Jack and Annie and you were on this adventure, were there any times in which you would have felt discouraged and would have wanted to give up? If so, what are some reasons that you wouldn’t have given up.
6.) Write a letter to Kathleen, Jack, or Annie, giving them advice. With you being on the outside looking in.
Citation:
Osborne, M., & Murdocca, S. (n.d.). Danger in the darkest hour.
By: Mary Pope Osbone
Jack and Annie set off into another adventure. This adventure is very scary and sad as it takes us through the journey of the end of WW2. The day before D-Day, in this Historical Fiction book, Osbone does a wonderful job at bringing to life the emotions and fears the people faced during this time period. Jack and Annie have a mission of saving there friend Kathleen who is stranded in Normady. The kids get chased, almost arrested, and questioned by the Nazi’s all on their way to help Kathleen. When they finally got to where Kathleen was they saw that she was not alone. She was with 12 orphan children that she took in on her own to take care of and protect. Jack and Annie rescue Kathleen with no magic at all, but will they get back to the pick up zone before d-day begins? This book is worth the read!! It is educational and emotions and will reach and teach the students of today what it was like back during World War Two. This book, in my opinion, would be good for students in the 2nd-3rd grade.
Questions:
1.) When Jack and Annie first jumped out of the plane, how do you think they were feeling? How would you feel?
2.) Who were Suzzette and Gaston’s sons? What do the parents think happened to their boys and what really happened to them? (which you find out at the end of the book)
3.) Beside food, what did Suzette and Gaston give to Jack and Annie before they set off to Caen to find Kathleen? (list)
4.) Have you heard any stories from you family about things they experienced during the time of WW2? (grand-parents, great-grandparents)
5.) If you were Jack and Annie and you were on this adventure, were there any times in which you would have felt discouraged and would have wanted to give up? If so, what are some reasons that you wouldn’t have given up.
6.) Write a letter to Kathleen, Jack, or Annie, giving them advice. With you being on the outside looking in.
Citation:
Osborne, M., & Murdocca, S. (n.d.). Danger in the darkest hour.
November 9, 2015
This was the first Magic Tree House book I have read in about ten years, so it was fun to revisit this favorite childhood series again with this new book. In this first "super edition," Jack and Annie (who are older than they were in the earlier books) are sent on a mission by Teddy to find and rescue their friend, Kathleen. The book is set during World War II and Jack and Annie parachute into Normandy the day before D-Day. While on their quest, they find out who the Special Operations Executive (SOE) are and, as usual, help out others along the way.
Since this was the first Magic Tree House book I've read in a while, I missed some of the underlying plot with the characters from Camelot that was developed in previous books. Although I would have perhaps understood/enjoyed it more had I known who Teddy and Kathleen were, it was still a fun read as a stand alone.
I especially enjoyed this book since it showed a less-portrayed side of WWII. I had never heard much about the SOE before, so it was neat to see this unique perspective of the WWII era. This book is also longer than the earlier Magic Tree House books; I would recommend it for third or forth grade, probably. Like the other Magic Tree House books, this one would provide a good intro to WWII without being too intense. And, as always, the "track the facts" section was very informative and interesting.
Four stars -- not my favorite children's book, or even my favorite Magic Tree House book, but a fun and interesting read nonetheless.
Since this was the first Magic Tree House book I've read in a while, I missed some of the underlying plot with the characters from Camelot that was developed in previous books. Although I would have perhaps understood/enjoyed it more had I known who Teddy and Kathleen were, it was still a fun read as a stand alone.
I especially enjoyed this book since it showed a less-portrayed side of WWII. I had never heard much about the SOE before, so it was neat to see this unique perspective of the WWII era. This book is also longer than the earlier Magic Tree House books; I would recommend it for third or forth grade, probably. Like the other Magic Tree House books, this one would provide a good intro to WWII without being too intense. And, as always, the "track the facts" section was very informative and interesting.
Four stars -- not my favorite children's book, or even my favorite Magic Tree House book, but a fun and interesting read nonetheless.
November 25, 2024
Jack and Annie time travel to WWII but they don’t kill Hitler
November 14, 2016
Summary:
The Magic Tree House gang is back -- back in time that is! In this new adventure, Jack and Annie travel back in time to World War II. Jack and Annie are in a race against time to save lives in this crucial time in history. Will they be able to accomplish their mission before the culmination of the war at the battle of D-Day? Will they learn some life lessons along the way?
Questions:
1) If you could go back in time, to what time period would you go back? Why?
2) When Jack and Annie went back in time there were many differences from that time to the present time. What were some of those differences?
3) This book was set during the time of WWII. What were some of the major events going on during this war? Who were the main people involved?
4) Jack and Annie learned that they take their freedom for granted. What is something you take for granted in your life?
5) This adventure required a lot of problem solving from Jack and Annie. Describe a time in your life where you had a problem that needed to be solved. How did you solve that problem?
Citation:
Osborne, M. P. (n.d.). Magic Tree House Super Edition #1: Danger in the Darkest Hour. New York: Random House USA.
The Magic Tree House gang is back -- back in time that is! In this new adventure, Jack and Annie travel back in time to World War II. Jack and Annie are in a race against time to save lives in this crucial time in history. Will they be able to accomplish their mission before the culmination of the war at the battle of D-Day? Will they learn some life lessons along the way?
Questions:
1) If you could go back in time, to what time period would you go back? Why?
2) When Jack and Annie went back in time there were many differences from that time to the present time. What were some of those differences?
3) This book was set during the time of WWII. What were some of the major events going on during this war? Who were the main people involved?
4) Jack and Annie learned that they take their freedom for granted. What is something you take for granted in your life?
5) This adventure required a lot of problem solving from Jack and Annie. Describe a time in your life where you had a problem that needed to be solved. How did you solve that problem?
Citation:
Osborne, M. P. (n.d.). Magic Tree House Super Edition #1: Danger in the Darkest Hour. New York: Random House USA.
April 28, 2015
In this Magic Tree House book Jack and Annie are sent back to World War II in order to help one friend save another. The problems they encounter are scary, like parachuting from a plane, dangerous-avoiding Nazis, and they only have one day to find and save Kathleen before they have to escape the coming battle. Who can they trust to help them and how are they going to figure out Kathleen's riddle? Jack and Annie are downright heroic in the new book. I love that the author spins real history into a fictional story for children, interesting kids more in the topics, even more so with the extra history information on the last few pages. Books like this are the perfect way to interest kids in reading and history without it being all serious and boring. I can't wait until my kids are old enough to read so that I can introduce them to these books.
Read
October 11, 2016Osborne, M. P. (2015). Magic Tree House Super Edition #1: Danger in the Darkest Hour. New York, NY: Random House USA.
Jack and Annie are called to another time to help Teddy and Kathleen like never before. They find themselves in Europe during World War II and Kathleen is in need of rescuing. Jack and Annie must rely on friends, run from Nazis, and find Kathleen before an epic battle begins. It is a Magic Tree House adventure unlike any other.
I would ask the students the following five questions:
1) Do you know someone who served in WWII? If so who and what did they do?
2) Besides D-Day, can you name another major historical event from WWII?
3) If you were Annie would you have taken the flyers? Why or why not?
4) Coded messages were important during WWII; what would your secret code be?
5) What does freedom mean to you?
Jack and Annie are called to another time to help Teddy and Kathleen like never before. They find themselves in Europe during World War II and Kathleen is in need of rescuing. Jack and Annie must rely on friends, run from Nazis, and find Kathleen before an epic battle begins. It is a Magic Tree House adventure unlike any other.
I would ask the students the following five questions:
1) Do you know someone who served in WWII? If so who and what did they do?
2) Besides D-Day, can you name another major historical event from WWII?
3) If you were Annie would you have taken the flyers? Why or why not?
4) Coded messages were important during WWII; what would your secret code be?
5) What does freedom mean to you?
December 4, 2014
Jack and Annie find themselves in 1944 during the last days of War World II. The two time travelers have the daunting task of rescuing their friend Kathleen, a "young enchantress from Camelot". Annie and Jack have only one day to complete their mission before the Allied invasion of Normandy, France. They must accomplish their mission while navigating the French Resistance and avoiding being captured by the Nazis.
During the recent, Merlin Missions editions, Annie and Jack have relied on using magic to complete their mission. This book utilizes their bravery, intelligence and experience to save their friend. Danger in the Darkest Hour will serve as a great introduction into the subject for this age group.
Review copy provided by NetGalley.
During the recent, Merlin Missions editions, Annie and Jack have relied on using magic to complete their mission. This book utilizes their bravery, intelligence and experience to save their friend. Danger in the Darkest Hour will serve as a great introduction into the subject for this age group.
Review copy provided by NetGalley.
November 7, 2015
Sometimes I honestly don't know why I continue to read the Magic Tree House books. I'm not sure what the difference is between the the normal books and this 'super adventure' It wasn't a Merlin Mission because Merlin wasn't the reason for the journey, but could it be placed in the original 28 book series? The only problem is that Jack and Annie didn't get to know Merlin until the Merlin Missions. Anyway, this was your normal-type Magic Tree House book. I had a slight problem reading it because I know a little bit too much about WWII so Jack and Annie's carelessness (that would've gotten them arrested by the Nazis in real life), and the easily crackable code that they used, along with Teddy and Kathleen bothered me a bit. A good story for younger kids.
March 17, 2015
Tony and I listened to this on the way to and from Grandpa and Grandma's house.
He loves his Magic Tree House, and this latest one didn't disappoint.
While I find the author, Mary Pope Osborne, a less than stellar audiobook reader, she does a serviceable job sharing Jack and Annie's adventures behind enemy lines in Nazi-occupied France during World War II.
The plot moves along, and kids interested in history and adventure will enjoy these books, including this one.
I also appreciated the author's note at the end briefly explaining some difficult concepts about World War II.
Overall, a sturdy read.
He loves his Magic Tree House, and this latest one didn't disappoint.
While I find the author, Mary Pope Osborne, a less than stellar audiobook reader, she does a serviceable job sharing Jack and Annie's adventures behind enemy lines in Nazi-occupied France during World War II.
The plot moves along, and kids interested in history and adventure will enjoy these books, including this one.
I also appreciated the author's note at the end briefly explaining some difficult concepts about World War II.
Overall, a sturdy read.
Want to read
February 20, 2017Magic Tree House books were my son's favorites when he was in elementary school! This CD version is the perfect length for road trips! Two characteristics that make this audio book outstanding: 1) This book is the first super edition of the Magic Tree House books. Jack and Annie return so this new edition is a perfect step for those who have read the other books and need the next reading level. 2) Being available as an audio book, children can experience the book before reading, or check both out from their local library and follow along in the book while the audio version plays. Using it in this way will help children learn to read new words and understand new vocabulary.
September 7, 2021
A longer book with heavier subject matter than previous titles. This time Teddy is the one sending the tree house and Jack and Annie go to France right before D Day. This shows the toll war takes on citizens without being too gruesome. This one has afact tracker as well, World War II: A Nonfiction Companion to Magic Tree House Super Edition #1: World at War, 1944
February 26, 2015
This was the Magic Tree House book I had been waiting for my whole life! About halfway through the series I realised that Jack and Annie had never travelled to WWI or WWII, and after studying both extensively in high school, I knew that I wanted them to. A real treat for those who have grown up with the brother and sister duo, this book can be enjoyed by children, teens, and adults alike!
November 19, 2020
Really strange, illogical, superficial story. Very little of substance when it comes to elementary kids about WWII. And there’s a weird vibe with the whole “not-particularly-talented white kids with access to magic transcend time and distance to save poor kids in another country.”
Dry, boring dialogue.
Dry, boring dialogue.
December 26, 2014
The super edition features a longer story and a more sophisticated plot that should please Magic Tree House fans and perhaps keep them loyal to the series as it now matures with them. The author uses a nice light touch to deal with the serious dangers of World War II without over simplifying.
December 13, 2017
Jack and his pesky little sister, Annie are magically transported to WWII France, where they help magically smuggle orphan Jewish children into England.
This book contains many facts about the war.
This book contains many facts about the war.
September 11, 2018
Good book for novice readers
for ages between 8-12 readers
for ages between 8-12 readers
March 31, 2020
Action packed! Exciting!
November 13, 2019
This book was was recommended to me by a public library librarian who said it is not only a good transitional reader but also a popular series. This is a good transitional reader for students moving from easy-readers to chapter books. The story line is fast-paced, engaging, with large, limited text on each page, short chapter, and scattered illustrations. I remember reading books from the Magic Tree House Series in elementary school, and this is a newer edition to the series published in 2015. This story sends Jack and Annie behind the enemy lines of World War II in 1944 France. They meet Teddy, a boy sent by Merlin along with Kathleen to bring hope to British leaders. The children must find Kathleen and deliver the message before the D-day battle. They are pursued by Nazis, meet members of the French Resistance, and rescue Jewish children against all odds. The story ends as the children and Merlin spread hope across France, and Annie and Jack are returned to present-day in Frog Creek. The book jacket depicts Jack and Annie, scared expressions, parachuting down into France, explosions lighting the night sky behind them. There are six detailed full spread illustrations about every 2-3 chapters that reiterate important plot events. I would recommend this book for second and third graders, currently transitioning to reading chapter books. I do not think I would use this book as a read aloud, not because it is not a good read aloud book, but because I would chose something at a higher level than my students were on. In the classroom this book could be used for literature groups or as a recommended independent reading book. I would add this book along with other Magic Tree House books to my future classroom for students to check-out for independent reading.
January 30, 2019
When I tried to describe what my boys and I were reading o my boyfriend, his reaction was "How in the world do you explain World Ware II and D-Day to kids?!"
And that's part of what I love so much about The Magic Treehouse Series. The entire series is set around historical or scientific events and happenings. But it's all explained through adventure and magic, so there is a pull for younger readers.
The pace of the story was perfect for The Smallest Reader and while The Bigger Reader (11) and I were rolling our eyes at some parts, it was a great one for The First Grader.
I've seen a lot of criticism about the book because it didn't "dig in" to the holocaust or the real dangers of the war.
Listen: for a first grader, this was pretty decent, especially coming from someone who read Anne Frank, Number the Stars, and Night in elementary school.
Sure, it was light and not focused on the adventure aspect than the deeper stuff but there's a fairly hefty section in the back that gives plenty of additional, real life service to the harder parts of the war.
Overall, I'm giving this one a thumbs up because, if nothing else, it got the conversation started around the heavier aspects of the war.
The pace of the story was perfect for The Smallest Reader and while The Bigger Reader (11) and I were rolling our eyes at some parts, it was a great one for The First Grader.
I've seen a lot of criticism about the book because it didn't "dig in" to the holocaust or the real dangers of the war.
Listen: for a first grader, this was pretty decent, especially coming from someone who read Anne Frank, Number the Stars, and Night in elementary school.
Sure, it was light and not focused on the adventure aspect than the deeper stuff but there's a fairly hefty section in the back that gives plenty of additional, real life service to the harder parts of the war.
Overall, I'm giving this one a thumbs up because, if nothing else, it got the conversation started around the heavier aspects of the war.
October 3, 2017
This is the first book in the series of “Magic Tree House” books. Throughout the book series, two children go to missions in other realms or periods of time through the use of the magic tree house in their backyard. On these missions, they — along with some of their magic companions — solve tough problems and work towards the greater good. In this book, they went to 1944 France to save a friend and help her with a special project to save people before D-Day. These books are very popular among elementary schoolers of both genders. I personally did not enjoy this book. However, it seems like something a 3rd, 4th, or 5th grader would love and could really get into. I would book talk this book and mention that it’s a whole series. Both the girl and the boy are depicted as heroes so I would maybe have class activities with this book. I may also read a chapter of it a day to my class during the winter when its a little too cold to be outside for a super long time.
March 28, 2018
I haven't been a big reader of Magic Tree House. Some of my kids read and listened to them a lot when they were 7 or so, but I didn't really join in. So I don't have an attachment to Jack and Annie. The book was good in that it introduced some topics of World War II to younger readers. There was just a little bit of magic which was OK with me. For this reading level, it's probably a good choice for independent reading about WWII. But I would definitely match it with other more realistic books, like The Big Lie: A True Story,The Little Ships: The Heroic Rescue at Dunkirk in World War IIand Number the Stars.
December 10, 2020
As a granddaughter of a German who survived through WW 2 I am all for this book. My Oma and her family were against Hitler and suffered for it. This story does an excellent job tackling a very heavy subject. Osbourne used historical facts and made them understandable to kids. At the end of the book she wrote sections about history in that time so kids can learn a little more on that time period such as the planes used, enigma machines and codebreaking, etc. were subjects used in the story. The story touches on the heartbreak of war without getting into the gore and trauma. She includes loss, fear, and victory throughout. My 8 year old son was completely invested when I read it to him and asked great questions leading to a deeper, teachable conversation. I enjoyed it as an adult and my son said it's 5 stars and I agree.
August 30, 2020
3.5 rounded down
I listened to this outloud with my two seven year old sons, who loved it. It's a more complex plot than the usual Magic Tree House books, but my boys could follow it and while I had to suspend my disbelief a lot, they had no problem. I liked that it was straightforward about what was frightening and upsetting about this time period (Why were people mean to Jews? Why are they hurting that man who isn't doing anything? etc) but without it being traumatic. I also liked the non-fiction section at the end that gave more context and information about some things that are discussed in the book. I sorta wished there wasn't actual "magic" in it, because this is a pretty somber subject, but I get that it's for the kids.
I listened to this outloud with my two seven year old sons, who loved it. It's a more complex plot than the usual Magic Tree House books, but my boys could follow it and while I had to suspend my disbelief a lot, they had no problem. I liked that it was straightforward about what was frightening and upsetting about this time period (Why were people mean to Jews? Why are they hurting that man who isn't doing anything? etc) but without it being traumatic. I also liked the non-fiction section at the end that gave more context and information about some things that are discussed in the book. I sorta wished there wasn't actual "magic" in it, because this is a pretty somber subject, but I get that it's for the kids.
June 28, 2023
We homeschool and every summer I read several of the magic tree house books so I can create lesson plans for the following school year. I don't include them on my books read list, but I have to include this one! It's for older kids, it's more indepth and the longest in the series, but also it was such an engaging story that had me emotional several times throughout the book, knowing how terrible war is and how so many suffered. It is a hard subject, but one that everyone should know about. Highly recommend for teens and even adults who wouldn't want a lengthy historical fiction adult novel on the subject.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 126 reviews