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Narrative Nonfiction: Kids in War
Calvin Graham's World War II Story
In November 1942, twelve-year-old Calvin Graham found himself in the midst of an intense battle on a ship in the Pacific Ocean. An explosion damaged his ship and wounded many of his shipmates, but Calvin acted quickly to do his duty and help those around him. Join Calvin aboard the USS South Dakota and experience the story of one of the youngest people to serve in World War II.
32 pages, Library Binding
Published January 1, 2018
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Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews
April 28, 2018
Marsico, Katie Calvin Graham’s World War II Story, 32 pages. NON-FICTION. Lerner, 2018. $20
This is the short biography of Calvin Graham, who is so intrigued by War War II that he joins up at the age of 12 by pretending he is 17. He ends up on the USS South Dakota which is heavily bombed by the Japanese. He proves his bravery and compassion and is awarded as hero (for a while –until his mom spoils things).
This is a short story and presented almost in an easy chapter book format, as if for 1st or 2nd graders, who do often ask for war and battle books –so this could be an option for them. The content is this book is a bit harsh (death and injury) as compared to the other one in the series that I reviewed. Contain lots of illustrations and actual photographs and a timeline at the end. Upper grade teachers presenting these wars to their class, could use this as a quick opening story to introduce a unit.
EL (K-3), EL – ADVISABLE Stephanie, Elementary School Librarian & Author
https://kissthebook.blogspot.com/2018...
This is the short biography of Calvin Graham, who is so intrigued by War War II that he joins up at the age of 12 by pretending he is 17. He ends up on the USS South Dakota which is heavily bombed by the Japanese. He proves his bravery and compassion and is awarded as hero (for a while –until his mom spoils things).
This is a short story and presented almost in an easy chapter book format, as if for 1st or 2nd graders, who do often ask for war and battle books –so this could be an option for them. The content is this book is a bit harsh (death and injury) as compared to the other one in the series that I reviewed. Contain lots of illustrations and actual photographs and a timeline at the end. Upper grade teachers presenting these wars to their class, could use this as a quick opening story to introduce a unit.
EL (K-3), EL – ADVISABLE Stephanie, Elementary School Librarian & Author
https://kissthebook.blogspot.com/2018...
May 26, 2020
One is left to ponder why President Jimmy Carter granted an Honorable Discharge and return of medals awarded to Seaman Graham, but not the Purple Heart, clearly a medal he deserved with his wounding in action aboard the battleship USS South Dakota. This award was not restored until years later by president Reagan to Calvin's widow.
Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews