Two high-interest war stories by two talented Scholastic writers are coming soon. It is a nice thing to see Scholastic offer other books on war other than World War II and the Holocaust. It appears that the Vietnam era is finally being addressed for younger readers. Scholastic is marketing these titles for age twelve, but both books are gritty, and Unconventional Warfare has an older main character. I think the reading level is okay for younger readers and reluctant readers, but the content and gore may be better suited for high school readers, especially those reluctant readers who need a fast read. Both books are quick reads and few pages.
On Blood Road is a grittier read. Taylor Sorenson is not a soldier; he's in Vietnam to visit his father who works at the U.S. Embassy. When Taylor sneaks away from a fancy dinner to go see the Tet celebrations, chaos erupts and he is captured by the North Vietnamese Army. Younger readers may find this book too gory for their tastes, but Watkins delivers on details and panic.
Give these reads to readers who have enjoyed Lynch's WWII series and non-fiction fans who read about war and warfare.
Both books are recommended grade 9 and up. In my community, these titles would not be in the middle school library.
288 pages 978133819013 Ages 14 and up (Grades 9 and up) Gore, Violence, Older Content
Editor's Note: The second book mentioned in the recommendation is Special Forces: Unconventional Warfare by Chris Lynch.
