Danger in the Darkest Hour

Reviewed by: Jill O'Connor - North Yarmouth Academy, Yarmouth, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: October 14, 2015

Review

This is a Magic Tree House, Super Edition. I am not sure whether to click my heels with happiness or groan in annoyance at the introduction of "Super Editions". Elementary readers adore these books, so I'll err to the side of heel-clicking. This latest Jack & Annie adventure brings with it some tricky material, especially for younger readers of the series. The topic is WWII, and Jack & Annie's mission is to parachute into enemy territory to rescue their friend, and a recurring character, Kathleen. A parent or a librarian should be ready to talk about Hitler, Nazis, the Resistance, and war outcomes. The historical angle is appreciated and I never hesitate to answer questions, but it is not easy to explain Hitler to a 6-year-old. The ultimate message that war is brutal is important for children to hear, and Osborne uses her story to evoke the emotions of horror and sadness without hitting the reader over the head with it. At the end of the book Annie says, "War really is a terrible thing" and the audience nods right along with Jack. The book includes an end note with additional information about World War II.

Overall Book Score: very good