Intended for younger readers, this volume gives a concise overview of the June 6, 1944 invasion of France by Allied Forces. Includes photos of some of the action. The author provides information about the training of the troops and the many obstacles that had to overcome in just a couple of years of planning and preparation.

He includes many first hand accounts of individual heroism especially of American troops. The British and Canadian contributions are given one chapter. The author was there on June 6 so he is describing what he experienced. ( )

I loved the Random House Landmark Books series when I was a kid...this book would have been no exception. Aimed at the grade schooler, it provides a easily understood picture of the assault. Keeping in mind its target audience, it doesn't attempt to explain the larger context of the war or campaign strategies. Instead, it lays out the major events of the assault, gluing them together with colorful stories of individuals that will engage the reader's imagination and keep their attention.

The book treads lightly on the gore, merely noting, for example, that, "Omaha beach had cost a lot. Two thousand men were killed, wounded or missing." I'm sure the Ryan book—aimed at adults—will portray that side of things more fully. I stood in the German positions overlooking Omaha Beach many years ago and still cringe to think what it must have been like to slog through the water and up that unprotected sand.

A well-done book for a child to learn about that day. ( )