Description: You are taking part in Operation Halyard, one of the most ambitious secret missions of World War II. In this interactive adventure, YOU CHOOSE the paths that will lead you and others to freedom or spell your doom!
Brief description: Allison Lassieur has never had pop-star dreams, but she once sang in a choir that went on a multi-state tour on the way to Walt Disney World. Today she's an award-winning author of more than 150 history and non-fiction books about everything from Ancient Rome to the International Space Station. Her books have received several Kirkus starred reviews and Booklist recommendations, and her historical novel Journey to a Promised Land was awarded the 2020 Kansas Library Association Notable Book Award, and Library of Congress Great Reads Book selection. Allison lives in upstate New York with her husband, daughter, a scruffy, loveable mutt named Jingle Jack, and more books than she can count.
Review Quotes: This series presents action-driven, choose-your-own-adventure narratives based on real rescue missions and escapes from World War II. Each book opens with an overview of the true historical event and its context before moving into the interactive story. Readers select from three real people involved in the event and then follow that individual's experience, making choices that affect how the story unfolds. The narratives develop realistically, and outcomes are not always successful, reinforcing the seriousness of the events and the risks involved. Writing is engaging and fast paced, with the story carrying the main appeal. Photographs support understanding and add context without overshadowing the narrative. Each book includes a table of contents, background sections on the operation and mission equipment, a timeline, glossary, and a list of suggestions for further reading. VERDICT A highly recommended series for sparking interest in World War II while introducing major historical events.--Kate Rao, Willows Community School, CA "School Library Journal"