About the Author

Michael Burgan has written numerous books for children and young adults during his nearly 20 years as a freelance writer. Many of his books have focused on U.S. history, geography, and the lives of world leaders. Michael has won several awards for his writing, and his graphic novel version of the classic tale Frankenstein (Stone Arch Books) was a Junior Library Guild selection. Michael graduated from the University of Connecticut with a bachelor's degree in history. He lives in Santa Fe, New Mexico, with his cat, Callie.

Reviews

Adventure seekers will enjoy the choices they are given in the fast-paced, fictional (but historically accurate) World War II scenarios in these books. Each volume has an "About Your Adventure" introduction, followed by a chapter that orients readers in the time period. Students are given three initial story paths, which lead to numerous choices and many different endings, all set in important or notable battles. The primary characters include Allied fighters (one a Tuskegee Airman) and Germans, but no Japanese fighters. Readers will quickly see that even seemingly simple choices have life or death consequences. The mostly black-and-white period photos add realism, while maps, time lines, and captions add additional facts. Though these engaging texts are not replacements for traditional nonfiction, they will help readers understand the horrors and dangers of battle.-- "School Library Journal, Series Made Simple"

Great theme for a book. I loved the different routes that you could choose and the final outcomes were very realistic. Excellent photographs.-- "NetGalley Review"

Having three initial choices is great because there are so many adventures you can try and you can read this book over and over again. Plus, aside from the history lessons at the start and at the end of the book, you learn a lot of stuff, particularly about the different types of planes. . . .READ IT IF: Your child wants to become a pilot. You want to teach your child about World War 2. Your child likes choose-your-own-adventure books.-- "Second Bookshelf on the Right blog"

I actually enjoyed going back and forth and making choices to see where each path led. I also liked the photographs that are included and relevant to the path I was following. . . .World War II Pilots is an excellent book for leisure reading as well as home schooling and classroom use.-- "The Children's War blog"

Interesting book. Recommended for my library.-- "NetGalley Review"

My students, especially the boys, enjoy the You Choose series. I have seven titles now. I guess I'll be adding number eight. I particularly appreciated the point of view from the Tuskegee Airmen. . . .It's on my to-be-ordered list.-- "NetGalley Review"

The twenty different endings make sure this is a book many will be read again and again. The page design and photographs and maps chosen add to the feel of being there. The very extensive tools make further learning easy and inviting.-- "Childish Nonsense blog"

There are always boys who, even at an early age, have an insatiable appetite for war books and there are very few good books written at an elementary level that give the detail, explanation and experience that this one does. . . .No doubt this would be a wonderful addition to any school or personal library for the young World War II reader.-- "Novel Nutritious blog"