Oahu, 1941: Though Hank's father thinks photography is a waste of time, Hank loves to use his camera. He plans to take lots of pictures while he and his friend James go camping. The boys are enjoying their campout until they hear explosions. "It's the Japanese!" James shouts, seeing a squadron of planes attacking Pearl Harbor. James wants only to reach safety, but Hank resolves to show his father that photography is more than a silly hobby. Text interspersed with full-color graphic-novel-style illustrations. Glossary. Facts about the attack on Pearl Harbor. Discussion questions. Writing prompts.
Title alpha Captured Off Guard: The Attack on Pearl Harbor
Level Mystery/Adventure Elementary Plus
Pages Count 56
Summary After picking up some film for Hank’s Kodak Brownie, Hank and James ride their bikes to the beach to camp out. They are awakened in the morning by the sound of explosions and see planes being shot down. James is wounded by shrapnel as the boys make their way to shelter in a gas station. From there Hank climbs to a view of Pearl Harbor, where he snaps picture after picture of the attack. Mr. Jenkins sees Hank and takes him home, only to discover that Hank’s house is on fire. Hank rushes in and saves his mother and brother, but along the way he loses his camera. Hank’s father, who had disapproved of Hank’s hobby, now replaces the camera, and Hank goes on to become a Navy war photographer.
Topics Camping. Cameras. Film. Hobbies. Parental disapproval. Bombs. Airplanes. War injuries. Shelter. Radios. Choices. The attack on Pearl Harbor. Family. Fires. Rescues. Loss. Gifts. Enlistment.
Lexile GN620L
Trim Size 5 3/4" x 8 1/4"
Language English
JLG Release Date May 2008
Minimum grade 3
Maximum grade 5
Reading level Elementary
Format Print
Mystery/Adventure Elementary Plus (Grades 3-5)
Mystery/Adventure Elementary Plus
Mystery/Adventure Elementary Plus (Grades 3-5)
For Grades 3-5
Spine-tingling tales of suspense and adventure compose this 14 book category-filled with both fiction and nonfiction titles. Elementary readers who thrive on a thrill will really spark to these selections.