3rd September 1939 (Day That Made History Series) - Hardcover

Grade 7-12 Despite attempts at appeasement in the interests of avoiding war, Hitler's invasion of Poland pushed Great Britain into declaring war on September 3, 1939. Gordon's description of the events of that day and of the factors leading to the formal declaration of World War II are clear, cogent, and interesting. The background factors are discussed in the second section of the book. Beginning with the effects of the Versailles Treaty on the German economy and national morale, Gordon gives a concise recounting of Hitler's rise to power, his increasing encroachment into Eastern Europe, and the reasons why he did not meet with more resistance. Neville Chamberlain's work for appeasement, even to the point of abandoning countries that his government had agreed to defend, becomes understandable as the context for his efforts is made clear. This excellent historical investigation is complemented by numerous black-and-white photographs. Alan Saunders' The Invasion of Poland: Turning Points of World War II (Watts, 1984) covers some of the same ground, but with a different focus and less detail. Students with an interest in World War II should find this book both informative and rewarding. Ann Welton, Lake Dollof Elementary School, Auburn, Wash.
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