Frequently Asked Questions

What is Great Battles for Boys?

Great Battles for Boys is a military history book series by Joe Giorello, written especially for boys who are reluctant readers. Short, action-packed chapters explore real battles, military leaders, weapons, and strategies through historical stories, photographs, and maps.

Author and history teacher Joe Giorello was the father of a boy who was a reluctant reader. The Great Battles for Boys series was a rescue mission for his own family.

Who are these books for?

The series is designed for boys who enjoy action and adventure but may not enjoy traditional reading assignments. Parents, grandparents, homeschool families, and teachers can use the books for independent reading, reading aloud, or exploring history together.

Sample chapters are available so you can judge whether the writing and subject matter are a good fit for your child.

Are these books fiction or nonfiction?

They are nonfiction. The books tell the stories of real battles and historical figures in a conversational style intended to make history engaging and accessible.

Which books are included in the nine-book collection?

The nine-book collection includes:

Ancients to Middle Ages
Bunker Hill to World War I
The American Revolution
The Civil War
World War I
World War II Europe
World War II Pacific
The Korean War
The Vietnam War
Check the product description before ordering to confirm the format and what is included in your chosen collection.

Which book should my child read first?

Start with the historical period that interests him most. A child fascinated by World War II may want to begin with World War II Europe or World War II Pacific. Someone interested in George Washington and America’s founding may prefer The American Revolution.

Reading a sample chapter together is a helpful way to choose.

Do the books need to be read in order?

Each book focuses on its own historical period and can be enjoyed independently. You can follow your child’s interests rather than treating the series as a required reading sequence.

What formats are available?

The series is available in paperback, ebook, and audiobook formats. Collections and bundles offer different combinations, so check the individual product description to see exactly what you will receive.

How do I receive my ebooks and audiobooks?

Digital books are delivered by email through BookFunnel. Your delivery email includes instructions for accessing your books and downloading the files.

If you don’t see the email, check your spam or junk folder and contact us for help.

What is Listen & Learn?

Listen & Learn means reading a book while listening to its matching audiobook. Your child can follow the printed or digital text while hearing the words read aloud by a professional narrator.

For the nine-title collection, that means nine books with nine matching audiobooks, not 18 different stories. Check your selected offer to confirm whether the audiobook collection is included or offered as an optional addition.

Can my child listen without reading along?

Yes. Audiobooks can also be enjoyed on their own. Reading along is an option for families who want to combine listening with time spent following the text.

Are these books suitable for children with dyslexia or ADHD?

Some parents have shared that their children enjoy following the books while listening to the audiobooks. Every child’s needs are different, so we recommend trying a sample first.

The books and audiobooks are educational resources, not a treatment for dyslexia, ADHD, or other learning differences.

Do the books describe violence?

The series covers real military conflicts, including combat and loss of life—without gratuitous or salacious violence. Parents should review sample chapters before choosing a book, especially for younger children or children sensitive to war-related subjects.

Can we use the books for homeschooling?

Yes. The books can support history reading, discussion, and projects. Curriculum resources include chapter questions, teacher answers, and activities that encourage children to think about what they have read.

Review the curriculum product description to confirm which resources are included and whether the books must be purchased separately.

Do the books have Accelerated Reader quizzes?

Our current FAQ lists an Accelerated Reader quiz for World War II Europe:

Quiz number: 520587
Book level: 7.4
Points: 5
Interest level: MG

Please check with your school or Renaissance for current quiz availability. A quiz’s book level is not the same as a recommended reader age.

Can I read or listen to a sample before buying?

Yes. Our Sample Chapters page offers book excerpts and audiobook samples to help you choose a title and format.

When will my paperback books arrive?

Paperback orders are dispatched through USPS within 1-3 business days of purchase. Dispatch time is different from delivery time; arrival depends on transit and your destination.

How can I contact you?

If you need help choosing a book or accessing your order, email Joe at Joe@GreatBattlesForBoys.com.