The Ragged Irregulars:

This is the second book in the series and it follows the story line from book 1, The Children's Crusade. The Ragged Irregulars is a fast-paced, suspenseful and often astounding novel about B-17 bomber crews in action over Europe in World War II, buttressed by enlightening technical details and multi-dimensional characterizations of pilots, bombardiers, navigators, gunners and ground crews -- all based on first-person interviews with USAAF veterans who experienced many of the actual events. It is a gripping book that I found impossible to put down, as my emotions ranged from the merely expectant to the overwhelming. It has a perfect match of idiom and tone for the historical era and for the situations that young American airmen faced.
REVIEW: Book 2, The Ragged Irregulars, takes up the story where Book 1 (The Children's Crusade) leaves off with young bombardier Kelly being shot at in the woods of occupied France. We were amazed that the young man was able to withstand his ordeal and return to active duty.

We were horrified when pilot Jack was injured and Matt had to complete flying the plane to safety and bring Jack to the medical help he needed.

Book 2 left us feeling anxious for the crew of FULL HOUSE and almost wishing they would not have to return to active duty. Matt's flying ability paid off when he was awarded his own plane. Thank goodness he finally got what he so much deserved. We could not stop reading until the end, when young Jesse went through his initiation as the bombardier of FULL HOUSE. Our hearts flew with them on that mission.

We knew the war was bad, but we had no idea of the hardships our young men endured during that time period. We look forward to Book 3 and the new adventures of the characters in the story. We feel like they are a part of us. Phyllis and Dale Robinson, Plain City, Ohio