National Network for Equitable Library Service

A thrilling, vivid, and highly detailed account of the epic siege during one of World War II's most important battles, told by the brilliant British editor-turned-historian and author of Checkpoint Charlie, Iain MacGregor. To the Soviet Union, the sacrifices that enabled the country to defeat Nazi Germany in World War II are sacrosanct. The foundation of the Soviets' hard-won victory was laid during the battle for the city of Stalingrad, resting on the banks of the river Volga.

An extraordinary true account of the enormous tragedy of the Syrian civil conflict. Since the revolution-turned-civil war in Syria began in 2011, over 500,000 civilians have been killed and more than 12 million Syrians have been displaced. Rania Abouzeid, one of the foremost journalists on the topic, follows two pairs of sisters from opposite sides of the conflict to give readers a firsthand glimpse of the turmoil and devastation this strife has wrought. Sunni Muslim Ruha and her younger sister Alaa withstand constant attacks by the Syrian government in rebel-held territory.

The incredible, untold story behind the rise of the P-51 Mustang, the World War II fighter plane that destroyed the Luftwaffe and made D-Day possible “ Aviation buffs will cheer this high-flying saga.”— Publishers Weekly • “[A] fascinating book about passion and innovation.”—Walter Isaacson • “A n essential book for those who appreciate tales of military bravery, and also for all seeking understanding of decision-making under pressure. A major contribution. ” —E. J. Dionne, Jr.

It's up, up, and away with the Tuskegee Airmen, a heroic group of African American military pilots who helped the United States win World War II . During World War II, black Americans were fighting for their country and for freedom in Europe, yet they had to endure a totally segregated military in the United States, where they weren't considered smart enough to become military pilots.

On July 30, 1945, the USS Indianapolis was torpedoed by a Japanese submarine. Close to 900 sailors were cast into the Pacific Ocean. They struggled to stay alive, fighting off sharks, hypothermia, and hallucinations.

On May 19, 1942, the Downs family, passengers on the freighter Heredia were unaware that two German torpedoes were heading their way. This story follows the family's struggle against sharks, hypothermia, and drowning.

Perfect for middle grade readers and history enthusiasts,  New York Times  bestselling author Steve Sheinkin presents the fascinating and frightening true story of the creation behind the most destructive force that birthed the arms race and the Cold War in  Bomb: The Race to Build—and Steal—the World's Most Dangerous Weapon .

Rommel's army is a day from Cairo, a week from Tel Aviv. The SS is ready for action. Espionage brought the Nazis this far. Espionage can stop them - if Washington wakes up to the danger. As World War II raged in North Africa, General Irwin Rommel was guided by an uncanny sense of his enemies' plans and weaknesses. In the summer of 1942, he led his Axis army swiftly and terrifyingly toward Alexandria, with the goal of overrunning the entire Middle East. Each step was informed by detailed updates on British positions.

As a SEAL during a combat deployment in Iraq, Mike Ritland saw a military working dog in action and instantly knew he'd found his true calling. Ritland started his own company training and supplying dogs for the SEAL teams, U.S. Government, and Department of Defense. These specialized canines had to pass rigorous selection tests before their serious training could begin. The results were a revelation: highly trained working dogs working in the most extreme environments and the tensest of battlefield conditions.

May 10, 1940. The Netherlands was swarming with Third Reich troops. In seven days it's entirely occupied by Nazi Germany. Joining a small resistance cell in the Dutch city of Haarlem were three teenage girls: Hannie Schaft, and sisters Truus and Freddie Oversteegen, who would soon band together to form a singular female underground squad. Smart, fiercely political, devoted solely to the cause, and "with nothing to lose but their own lives," Hannie, Truus, and Freddie took terrifying direct action against Nazi targets.