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Topic: World War I

Chapter book

November 1920. The body of an unknown soldier is to be buried at Westminster Abbey. The war has claimed the lives of thousands of men whose bodies will never make it home, and the Unknown Warrior will represent them all. As hundreds of people crowd to Westminster Abbey, Daisy knows she has to make it to the ceremony. Because although they call the warrior ‘unknown’, she is sure that he is her father…

Picturebook

A richly illustrated gift picture book edition of Michael Morpurgo’s classic wartime story War Horse.

This powerful book for younger readers tells the enduring story of a friendship between a boy and his horse amid the turmoil of the First World War. For 40 years, War Horse has been helping children understand conflict. As we move beyond centenary commemorations and continue to strive for peace across the world, it remains an important book for young readers learning about the past.

Chapter book

It’s 1917. Lily spends her days working in a munitions factory, her nights picking metal out of her hair, and her lunchtimes kicking a ball with her workmates.

Together they form a football team, the Rockets, and a league soon follows. But when the war ends, the girls lose both their jobs and their football.

Not Lily. If her only chance of being a goalie is to play with the men, then that’s what she’ll do …

Chapter book

In the seaside town of Whitby, when the United Kingdom is on the cusp of World War One, Evie and her family are touched by tragedy when Evie’s younger brother Alexander dies unexpectedly.

As Evie’s mother and father struggle in their own ways to come to terms with their loss, Evie’s older brother David distracts himself with the ever-growing threat of war and Evie and her sister Kitty find ways to keep their spirits up.

But when the threat of war turns into reality and David enlists in the army, Evie’s mother is truly heartbroken. And as the family does their best to contribute to the war effort, they also struggle with the sacrifices each of them are forced to make.

Non-fiction

Discover all the foul facts about the ‘Great’ War with history’s most horrible headlines: Frightful First World War edition. The master of making history fun, Terry Deary gives us all the facts on the First World War including what the ‘Fat King’ did with food scraps and dead horses, how sniffing your own pee could save your life in a gas attack and why a pair of old socks gave away top German secrets. It’s all in Horrible Histories: Frightful First World War.

fully illustrated throughout and packed with toe-curling stories- with all the horribly hilarious bits included

with a fresh takeon the classic Horrible Histories style, perfect for fans old and new

the perfect series for anyonelooking for a fun and informative read

Horrible Histories has been entertainingchildren and families for generations with books, TV, stage show, magazines, games and 2019’s brilliantly funny Horrible Histories: the Movie – Rotten Romans.

Get your history right here and collect the whole horrible lot.

Read all about it!

Chapter book

This brand new, thrilling adventure from bestselling ‘Horrible Histories’ author Terry Deary brings the closing days of the First World War to life. Perfect for fans of Michael Morpurgo and John Boyne.

It’s 1918 and the Great War is entering its final phase. In northern France, young Aimee has just found out that her mother is part of a spy network working with the British. After reluctantly befriending Marius, a German boy who has been left behind by his countrymen, she must try to help him get back behind German lines while evading a traitor she has helped to discover.

This page-turning adventure sheds new light on the First World War and will have readers gripped from start to finish.

Chapter book

One morning in the woods of France, a blinded soldier is found by two sisters, Coco and Marcelle. In return for their kindness the soldier tells the sisters marvellous tales, connected with the keepsake he carries in his pocket: a tiny silver donkey. As the days pass and they struggle to help the soldier reach home, the sisters learn the truth behind the silver donkey and what the precious object means: honesty, loyalty and courage.

Chapter book

Told in the voice of Private Tommo Peaceful, the story follows twenty-four hours at the front, and captures his memories of his family and his village life – by no means as tranquil as it appeared.

Full of vivid detail and engrossing atmosphere, leading to a dramatic and moving conclusion, Private Peaceful is both a compelling love story and a deeply moving account of the First World War.

Extra material:

– Introduction by Michael Morpurgo
– Inspiration letter by Michael Morpurgo
– Background on the execution of British soldiers in WW1 for cowardice, including personal testimony from soldiers

Picturebook

In 2014 the world will mark the 100th anniversary of the outbreak of the First World War. Internationally acclaimed author, Gary Crew, and multi-award-winning illustrator Shaun Tan have created a powerful picture book to help us all remember.

When the soldiers return in 1918, a memorial tree is planted… ‘Lest we forget’. But generations later, what do those who pause in the shadows of the tree’s immense branches remember? A message we should never forget.

Memorial serves as a reminder of the lessons to be gained from the past and examine the significance of conservation, respect and remembrance.

Chapter bookDyslexia-friendly

Lily has lots of worries. She’s struggling to compete in her fell-running races and, worse, she’s losing her gran to Alzheimer’s. But then she discovers her great-great-grandfather’s diaries from the First World War. Could his incredible story of bravery help her reconnect with her gran and even give her the inspiration she needs to push through and win?

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