This informational book provides a play-by-play of the month-long battle between German and U.S. forces in World War II. Detailed maps, legends, timelines, and lists help the reader understand the scope and intensity of the fighting. Glossary, Places to Visit, For More Information, Bibliography, Index.

Once again, I am blown away by what a gifted writer Rick Atkinson is. Like his Young Adult book “D-Day,” this book is adapted from “The Guns at Last Light,” a nearly 900-page tome for advanced readers (i.e. adult). I loved reading this book and I hope he continues to publish adaptations of his adult books for a younger audience. A YA book about Operation Torch would be important to have in his publishing plans. Like when I read “D-Day,” I learned a lot from this book that I can link to my regular life. For example, Louisiana State University’s library is the Troy H. Middleton Library. I learned that he was a Major General who helped lead the Allies to victory in the final great European battle of WWII, known as the Battle of the Bulge.

The exact same author’s note to readers that is in “D-Day” is found here, which is appropriate as these YA books become a series. Also like in “D-Day,” he offers English translations immediately following any foreign phrases in this book, such as on page 14, where he writes of the German code name for their offensive: Herbstnebel (Autumn Mist).

There exists a splendid dance of images throughout the pages. The cover is riveted and depicts photographs of tanks and infantry trudging through the snow. Popular propaganda posters fill the interior covers and punctuate the main text (exactly like those in “D-Day). Illustrated silhouettes of things like bombs, tanks, gas masks, and soldiers appear throughout the book, especially at section transitions. Dozens of photographs bring the book to life, enhanced by riveted captions and borders. Atkinson again neither condescends to nor sugar-coats for young people. Both pages 56 and 58 contain pictures of the bodies of Allied soldiers after the war atrocities committed by the Nazis at Malmédy. On page 172 is a close-up photograph of the face of a suited-up German pilot. His eyes are nothing less than haunting.

Here the reader also finds a plethora of supporting sections, lists, appendices, and illustrations. From the Contents page: List of Maps; Map Legend; Allied and Axis Commands and Armies Engaged in the Battle of the Bulge; World War II Timeline; Key Players; A Note to Readers; The European Theater: September 1939-November 1944; Epilogue; The End of the War; Charles De Gaulle; Changing the U.S. Draft Laws to Supply Reinforcements; U.S. Winter Battle Clothing; Radio Communications on the Battlefield; Tracks, Tanks, and Planes at the Battle of the Bulge; Napalm and Poison Gas; Winter Takes Its Toll; “Kilroy Was Here”; Horses, Mules, and Dogs of War; Signal Corps; Weapons Used by Infantry; Numbers Tell Part of the Story; Battle of the Bulge Timeline; Glossary; Places to Visit; For More Information; Bibliography; Image Credits; Index. Many of these are also found in “D-Day,” while others explain the same topic in different scenarios, such as “Clothing and Equipment Issued to a New GI in 1943” as found in “D-Day” and “U.S. Winter Battle Clothing” as listed here. I wish I had read all of these “extras” before I delved into his adult books, for certainly they would have greatly enhanced my understanding. This author is amazing and I emphatically endorse his Young Adult books for nearly any human to read. ( )