Language: PG (28 swears 0 'f') Mature Content: G;
Violence: PG (non-described violence. Hopkins writes "the atrocities that were committed . . ." rather than graphic depictions of what was happening to them)
BUYING ADVISORY: MS, HS - ADVISABLE
AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE
Shortly after the Japanese military bombed Pearl Harbor, they also destroyed the airbases in the Philippines, leaving the American and Filipino armed forces without adequate firepower. By April 1942, Bataan had fallen, the American generals had surrendered and thousands of American and Filipino soldiers were taken as prisoners of war. Conditions in the camps were dismal at best, and survival rates were very low, their only hope was a bold rescue.
Race Against Death is a mix of literary non-fiction and true non-fiction. Hopkins tells the stories of several who experienced the battles, were POWs, or had other involvement at that time. She has used interviews, primary sources as well as memorial and heritage sites to put together this account. I loved the vignettes but didn't love that the stories were often interrupted by historical information. However, all of that was important because the culminating rescue needed that context. I especially loved that one of the maps was labeled "Your Briefing Map" and instructions were given on how to read it - it made me feel a part of the rescue. I would recommend Race Against Death to a reader looking for a non-fiction book about World War II that isn't graphically violent but is engaging and exciting. There's dysentery, diarrhea, the presence of lice, maggots, bedbugs, eating things that are barely food, etc but no graphic descriptions of violence. I loved all the pictures, and maps. Includes a great timeline, sources, and resources for more information. The main characters are adults, mostly Americans, and some Filipino
Lisa Librarian
Posts
1 comment:
Hi. Thanks so much for reviewing my book. I appreciate your taking the time. It was not an easy topic to write about.
Might I please trouble you to ask that the spelling of my last name be corrected? No worries, but just in case a student wants to find any of my other books don't want them to be confused. Thanks!
Post a Comment