Written in simple language for general readers in high school and up, this book chronicles President Franklin D. Roosevelt's decisions and actions in the 24 hours after the Japanese attack on the US Navy's base at Pearl Harbor, culminating in his declaration of war to Congress on the day after the attack. Even as he declared war, FDR kept the worst details of the attack from the American public and Congress in order to boost morale and head off criticism. Focusing on the first 24 hours allows the author to provide a new perspective on the inner workings of the presidency in the face of crisis. The book's type size is larger than many books, although not officially 'large print.' The publication of the book coincides with a December 2011 TV special on The History Channel. Gillon (history, U. of Oklahoma) is resident historian for The History Channel. He has written eight other books on history for general readers. Annotation ©2011 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)