Description: You are taking part in the daring evacuation of stranded soldiers from Dunkirk, in northern France, during 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: Jessica Gunderson grew up in the small town of Washburn, North Dakota. She has a bachelor's degree from the University of North Dakota and an MFA in Creative Writing from Minnesota State University, Mankato. She has written more than one hundred books for young readers. Her book President Lincoln's Killer and the America He Left Behind won a 2018 Eureka! Nonfiction Children's Book Silver Award. She currently lives in Madison, Wisconsin.
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"