World War I Topic (WW1)

Best-selling author Tom Palmer has a track record of bringing together his passions for sport and history in popular stories with a high appeal in primary schools. His gripping story, Armistice Runner, brings into the spotlight messenger runners on the front line of World War I. As with all of Tom’s books published by Barrington Stoke, these books are ‘super-readable’ due to their accessible layout including a dyslexia-friendly font and tinted paper. This is a wonderful story to use in KS2 classrooms to explore the history of the World War 1 Armistice.

What do you do when you find out that your mother is a spy? This is exactly what happens to Aimee, a young French girl in the year 1918. Aimee befriends a German boy called Marius and what follows is a thrilling adventure of a friendship that survives despite the heavy shadow of war that poses danger at every turn. A gripping story suitable for upper KS2.

The Skylarks’ War by Hilary McKay is a lovely story set in the midst of the First World War. We know how harrowing this war was and how tough it was on the men sent to the front lines, but also for those at home. Clarry is a wonderful main character who has boundless hope. She shows true determination throughout the story of her, her brother Peter and her cousin Rupert.

Most suitable for ages 10-13, this is such a beautiful story of love and hope in the face of adversity. I was laughing in places with the stories from Rupert and had tears streaming down my face in others. The author captures some intense moments of battle, fear and agony in such a way as to make it understandable for children reading the book. I was captivated throughout the whole book. I loved the characters, the storyline and the ending!

Based on a fascinating real-life story, this recreated autobiography from the Voices series tracks the life of Hardit Singh Malik. Aged fourteen, he travels to England to study. With the outbreak of the First World War in 1914, he is as keen to join up as his friends are. Astonishingly, as a British Indian, he cannot. It is only through the intervention of some well-connected English friends that exceptions are made for this exceptional young man, and he can fulfil his dream to become a pilot. Adventures and jeopardy follow. Hardit will need all his resourcefulness, courage and training to survive.

Hardit’s resolution to overcome difficulties (he even has a special flying helmet made to fit over his turban, for example) and to stay true to his sense of honour are inspiring. His narrative illustrates and explains the values of Sikhism and celebrates the historic contribution made by British Indians to the Great War. It is simply written in a straightforward style, which makes it an accessible read.

This is an excellent book to help deepen and round out the study of both World War I and also Sikhism.

Nominated for a number of prestigious awards, this poetic new book brings the memories associated with World War I to a level suitable for younger children. Perfect for use around Remembrance Day, Where the Poppies Now Grow tells the story of best friends Ben and Ray, who swap their simple lives on countryside farms for the raging battlefields of France. This book is rare in its ability to make both the narrative and illustrations poignant and evocative without being too frightening or graphic for young children. You may also like Flo of the Somme and The Christmas Truce by the same authors.

From the author of the popular story Vlad and the Great Fire of London comes the next adventure of Vlad the flea, this time set on the Western Front in 1918. Vlad helps a carrier pigeon to deliver a top secret message from behind enemy lines, taking in the sites of the war as they travel.

This classroom classic by award-winning Michael Morpurgo is an animal story set in World War 1. We love this new abridged edition of Morpurgo’s classic text, with colour illustrations by Tom Clohosy Cole.

This moving story explores the themes of military animals, conflict, peace and friendship. Some readers may be surprised to discover how horses were used in the war, and the mirrored experiences of the human and the animal reflect the consequences of conflict for both humanity and the wider natural world.

Older readers might like to use this as a companion to the original, longer text, or to explore it as a standalone. The combination of words and pictures is brilliantly brought together, with the use of light and dark in the illustrations bringing the story to life in an almost cinematic way.

Part of the very popular Horrible Histories series, this book allows children to uncover all of the gory and foul facts about the First World War. This edition has been redesigned in 2016, giving a fresh appeal to a classroom classic.