Ghosts in the Fog

September 15, 2011

A little-known story from World War II shows the unique role played by a small group of military personal and native civilians in a remote region of the county. 

The role of Alaska in World War II following the attack on Pearl Harbor is not often told. "Decades after World War II, the U. S. government kept the documents about the Japanese invasion of Alaska classified, and the Americans who were there when it happened didn't want to talk about it." The Pearl Harbor attack left the western coast vulnerable, and the decision-making concerning defense of the Alaska's Aleutian Islands revealed many military, geographic and social issues. Problems included unpredictable foggy weather at a time of limited satellite technology and what to do about the Aleutian islanders, who had never been away from their isolated homes. The story illuminates the cultural differences between the American and Japanese cultures at that time as well as the reluctance of the U.S. government to treat the native Alaskans as full citizens. The narrative is full of details, and there are times when it is difficult to follow all the threads. Fortunately, the text is supported by many photographs of those involved. Maps, including a strategic military map, increase the level of specificity.

An enlightening account full of compelling stories of survival and perseverance. Pair this with Karen Hesse's fictional account, Aleutian Sparrow (2003). (sources, index) (Nonfiction. 11-14)

(COPYRIGHT (2011) KIRKUS REVIEWS/NIELSEN BUSINESS MEDIA, INC. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.)

November 1, 2011

Gr 6-8-Though a plethora of World War II titles exists, very little has been written about the invasion and occupation of Alaska by Japanese forces in June 1942. At first denied by the U.S. Navy, and then kept in a cloud of secrecy to avoid embarrassment and panic, details of "one of the bloodiest and deadliest hand-to-hand combat battles" between the U.S. and Japan in sealed documents for decades to come. This title shows how the country was unprepared for an invasion, how the "Ghost Warriors" of Japan gained territory, and how American soldiers fought to reclaim the westernmost section of Alaska. The well-written text reads easily, focusing on various individuals and military units and the feats they performed. The cooperation of the native Aleuts is well documented. Sadly, so is their callous treatment at the hands of the U.S. government (e.g., removal from their lands under the pretext of evacuation, substandard living conditions, and many years of waiting for reparation). The text is liberally illustrated with black-and-white images. The quality is not exceptional, as most were likely taken with a vintage personal box camera. They are, however, unique.-Eldon Younce, Anthony Public Library, KS

Copyright 2011 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

December 1, 2011
Grades 5-8 With the seventieth anniversary of Pearl Harbor sparking renewed interest in WWII, this meticulously researched look at Japan's secret and oft-forgotten invasion of the Aleutian Islands (a 1,000-mile chain of volcanic islands off the western coast of Alaska) will find an attentive audience. From cryptanalysts working around the clock to piece together Japan's next move, members of the military's weather team, and American pilots turned dive-bombers to the elite Alaska Combat Intelligence Platoon and native Aleuts, the book weaves numerous firsthand accounts with the surprising events. Despite the simple text, readers may have trouble keeping track of these various participants at times. Elements that will grab students' attention include the fascinating role weather played in this remote area (unrelenting fog led to hand-to-hand combat) and the Japanese Bushido code, which led to mass suicide rather than surrender. Seiple also gives careful consideration to the Aleut's evacuation, mistreatment during the war, and eventual restitution. A perfect accompaniment to Karen Hesse's fictional Aleutian Sparrow (2003).(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2011, American Library Association.)