February 1, 2010
Gr 10 Up-A comprehensive presentation on the Rangers' participation in the Allied invasion of the Normandy coast on D-Day. Facts concerning the activities at Pointe-du-Hoc prior to and following June 6, 1944, have not always been clear. The text, which is rather scholarly, indicates that thorough research has been done. The introduction does a nice job of setting the stage for readers who may not be familiar with Operation "Flashlamp". The remainder of the text covers the planning and the execution of the raid. There are several detailed color maps, though one seems to have an incomplete key. One chart contains bombing attack data and another lists the leadership of both the 2nd and 5th Ranger Battalions. Vintage black-and-white photos and a limited number of well-captioned color photos appear on almost every page. A chevron design containing time, date, and battle appears as a sidebar on occasion. An analysis and further-reading suggestions conclude this outstanding title. The only criticisms are the small size of the font and the lack of a map showing Pointe-du-Hoc in relationship to the rest of the Normandy coast. This title belongs in high school and public libraries."Eldon Younce, Harper Elementary School, KS"
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