I Survived the Battle of D-Day, 1944

Lauren Tarshis's 'I Survived the Battle of D-Day, 1944' plunges middle-grade readers into the heart of World War II through the eyes of eleven-year-old Paul. Living in a French village under Nazi occupation, Paul experiences the scarcity and fear of wartime firsthand, including the disappearance of his Jewish friend. The narrative takes a thrilling turn when Paul encounters an American paratrooper, leading him to play a crucial role in the historic D-Day invasion. This book masterfully blends historical facts with a gripping personal story, offering an accessible entry point for children aged 8-12 to understand the bravery, peril, and hope of this pivotal moment in history. It includes valuable nonfiction backmatter to deepen understanding.

It was a battle that would change the course of World War II... New York Times bestselling author Lauren Tarshis commemorates the Normandy landings in this pulse-pounding story of the largest seaborne invasion in history. Eleven-year-old Paul’s French village has been under Nazi control for years. His Jewish best friend has disappeared. Food is scarce. And there doesn’t seem to be anything Paul can do to make things better. Then Paul finds an American paratrooper in a tree near his home. The soldier says the Allies have a plan to crush the Nazis once and for all. But the soldier needs Paul’s help. This is Paul’s chance to make a difference. Soon he finds himself in the midst of the largest invasion in history. Can he do his part to turn horror into hope? New York Times bestselling author Lauren Tarshis tells the story of the battle that became the foundation for the Allied victory in World War II. Includes a section of nonfiction backmatter with more facts about the real-life event.