Knutson, Julie. World War I: The Great War to End All Wars. Illustrated by Micah Rauch. Nomad Press, 2022. 118 p. $17.95 978-1-619-30972-2. Grades 5-12. 

As a title in the aptly named “Inquire and Investigate” series, Knutson presents World War I in all its complexity. The book opens with a timeline and a map to orient readers in the world before, during, and after the war. Illustrator Rauch’s characters guide readers by asking questions they might not think to ask; each chapter opens with these illustrations. QR codes are liberally sprinkled throughout the book, leading to primary sources, articles, photographs, and more. Nearly every page spread includes sidebars with critical thinking questions and QR codes linking to effective videos which deepen understanding. Ideas presented include propaganda, technological advances, experiences of nurses, soldiers and more on the Eastern and Western fronts, genocide, communism, nationalism, and neutrality. The readable text, combined with effective sidebars and photographs, draws in the reader to better understand this devastating war in which 9 million died and 12 million were wounded. 

THOUGHTS: Highly recommended for its success in making understandable a key time period in the history of the world, for engaging readers with sharp questions, and for pointing to helpful related resources. See nomadpress.net for full series list.

940.3 World War I          Melissa Scott, Shenango Area SD