Red Randall at Pearl Harbor

Reach for this book when your child is fascinated by military history or is beginning to ask questions about the reality of heroism during times of crisis. Originally published in 1944, this story offers a unique window into how the 1941 attack on Pearl Harbor was processed by those living through the era. It follows young pilot Red Randall and his friend Jimmy Joyce as they are thrust into the chaos of the surprise attack, requiring them to use every bit of their training and courage to survive. While the book serves as a high-stakes adventure, it also touches on themes of duty, quick thinking under pressure, and the transition from training to real-world responsibility. Parents should be aware that because this was written during World War II, it contains the heavy patriotic sentiment and period-specific language common to that time. It is a compelling choice for middle-schoolers who enjoy vintage 'boy adventurer' tropes and want a story that feels like a primary source artifact of history itself.