Winston Churchill : Soldier, Statesman, Artist (Hardcover)

Publishers Weekly,In his first book for young readers, former high school teacher Severance uses simple, eloquent prose to limn Churchill and his times, offering edifying explanations of major events of 20th-century world history as well as of such arcane subjects as Britain's electoral process. While obviously filled with admiration for his subject, whom he has been studying for some 40 years, Severance doesn't lionize Churchill; his discussion of Churchill's shortcomings and controversial actions are as evenhanded as those of Churchill's many talents and notable achievements. A multitude of crisp black-and-white photographs enhance this handsomely designed volume; besides those of Churchill and his family are such arresting images as that of British schoolchildren huddled in a trench watching an air battle during World War II. The bons mots in "Winston's Wit," the concluding chapter, make a charming endpiece to a lively, informative book. Ages 10-up. (Mar.) (c) Copyright PWxyz, LLC. All rights reserved