Picture a history teacher who turned his son’s book allergy into a literary revolution—meet Joe Giorello! This Seattle-based author and educator crafted the 'Great Battles for Boys' series, a collection of action-packed nonfiction books that make military history leap off the page for young readers. With a knack for transforming reluctant readers into history buffs, Giorello’s work has sparked a love for learning in countless boys.
Giorello’s mission began with a personal challenge: his youngest son couldn’t stand reading. Determined to change that, Joe tapped into his lifelong passion for military history and started writing stories that would captivate young minds. The result? A bestselling series that’s now a staple in homes and classrooms, proving that history isn’t just dates—it’s epic tales of courage and strategy.
The Making of Joe Giorello
Born into a large Italian family in Queens, New York, Joe Giorello was hooked on military history from a young age. Veterans’ stories and tales of valor turned him into a voracious reader, a trait he later sought to pass on. After a successful career in sales, Joe moved to Seattle, where he spent nearly a decade teaching middle schoolers about historic battles. His popular class, 'Great Battles for Boys,' became the blueprint for his writing career, blending his love for history with a teacher’s knack for engaging young minds.
When Joe noticed his son’s disinterest in books, he didn’t just shrug it off. Instead, he saw an opportunity to bridge a gap in children’s literature. Studies, like one from the Center on Education Policy in 2010, highlighted a growing reading gap among boys, and Joe set out to fix it with stories tailored to their interests—nonfiction, action-packed, and just for them.
Joe Giorello’s Unforgettable Stories
The 'Great Battles for Boys' series is Joe’s crowning achievement, spanning eras from ancient times to modern warfare. Each book is written for boys aged 8–14, with short, suspenseful chapters, vivid historical photos, and maps that bring battles to life. His conversational style makes complex events accessible, while biographies of figures like George Washington or John Basilone add a human touch.
Key works include 'Great Battles for Boys: WW2 Europe,' which dives into clashes like Stalingrad and D-Day, and 'Great Battles for Boys: The Civil War,' covering 20 pivotal battles with gripping detail. 'Ancients to Middle Ages' explores warriors like Spartans and Crusaders, while 'Bunker Hill to WWI' traces America’s early conflicts. Praised for their accuracy and engagement, these books have earned thousands of five-star reviews, with parents noting their kids now beg to read.
Joe’s style is direct and thrilling, avoiding dry textbook vibes. He weaves in lesser-known anecdotes—like Polish soldiers facing tanks with swords in 1939—to hook readers. His books aren’t just for boys; girls enjoy them too, but Joe’s focus on 'reluctant readers' has made him a champion for young male readers struggling in a video game-dominated world.
Why Joe Giorello Matters
Joe Giorello’s impact goes beyond bookshelves. By tackling the reading proficiency crisis among boys—where studies show they lag behind girls in every state—Joe has reshaped how educators and parents approach literacy. His series fills a critical gap in children’s literature, offering high-interest, age-appropriate nonfiction that sparks curiosity and builds confidence. Teachers rave about its classroom potential, with some calling it a 'treasure trove' for engaging students.
Now retired in Arizona, Joe continues to write, explore battle sites, and advocate for boys’ reading. His legacy is a generation of young readers who see history as an adventure, not a chore. By showing that 'freedom isn’t free,' he’s not just teaching history—he’s inspiring future leaders.
- Key Works: 'Great Battles for Boys' series (WW2 Europe, The Civil War, Ancients to Middle Ages, Bunker Hill to WWI)
- Hometown: Queens, New York; later Seattle, now Arizona
- Mission: Turning reluctant readers into history enthusiasts
Ready to ignite a love for history? Snag 'Great Battles for Boys: WW2 Europe' and dive into Joe Giorello’s thrilling world of courage and strategy!