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Topic: World War I

Chapter book

The war is won but for Tony there is little to celebrate. His brother never returned from no man’s land and has died not as a hero but executed as a coward. Refusing to believe that his brother was a traitor, a grief stricken Tony is pushed to the edge in his dark quest to uncover the horrifying truth. A thrilling narrative of intertwining perspectives, particularly suitable for struggling, reluctant or dyslexic readers aged 8+

Picturebook

It began 100 years ago. They said it would be over by Christmas. They were wrong! Read about the tanks and trenches, bombs and battlefields that make up the chilling story of World War One.

Did you know that German Zeppelins were made from cow intestines, the same material as sausage skins, so sausages were banned in Germany? Or that the fighting was stopped on Christmas Day 1914, so that German and British soldiers could play football in no man’s land? Discover these facts, and so much more, in this fascinating book.

Richard Brassey, author of the successful THE STORY OF THE OLYMPICS, brings World War One to life in this unique take on the history and events of one of the 20th century’s most important episodes. Full of wonderful, full-colour illustrations and interesting stories, this is a timely addition to existing books on the subject that will interest even the most reluctant readers.

Graphic Novel

A funny and moving story of life during the First World War, told through the eyes of schoolboy Archie Albright.

When 10-year-old Archie Albright is given a scrapbook for his birthday in April 1914, he thinks he’ll fill it with comics, souveniers and funny stories about his family. But then, on 3 August 1914, war breaks out, and his life changes for ever. Archie tells the story of the First World War from his point of view, filling his scrapbook with anecdotes about life in London’s East End, newspaper clippings, letters from his dad and uncle who are fighting in France, and his own war-inspired comic strips. Archie’s War is funny, touching and accessible, and gives a unique insight into what life was life for a child during the First World War.

Picturebook

On 25th March 1918 Vlad the flea and his friend Crisp VC the carrier pigeon, are on a mission to deliver a secret message from behind enemy lines. They must dodge the dog-fights, survive the trenches and seek help from the staff of the hospital tent as they race to reach Britain safely. In this adventure Vlad encounters Skipper Thomas Crisp, Second Lieutenant Walter Tull, Dr Phoebe Chapple and the Red Baron. Once again Vlad narrates a key moment in history as he experiences it with his friend. This picture book also includes a map, glossary and fact file to put the story in context.

Picturebook

It’s 1914 when everything changes for a group of bys growing up and playing football in the Suffolk countryside. Far away, in a place called Sarajevo, an Archduke has been killed and a web of global events results in a call for all British men to do their duty ‘for King and Country’ and join the army to fight the germans overseas. The boys sign up for what sounds like an adventure and a chance to see the world.

After basic training the boys sail to France where they find themselves fighting on the front line. Living in the trenches in constant fear for their lives is nothing like they expected and only a bombed-out wasteland, no-man’s-land, separates their trences from those of their German enemies.

Then, on Christmas Day, something remarkable happens as the German and British armies stop fighting and meet in the middle of no-man’s-land. The enemies talk, play football and become friends. But the war isn’t over, the two sides resume fighting and the group of Suffolk lads are ordered to charge across no-man’s-land…

Short story collection

The story of the war of 1914-1918 told through the experiences of twelve children and young people. From the efforts on the Home Front in both Britain and Germany, to the young soldiers in the trenches at the Western Front and from the horrors of Gallipoli to the naval battle of Jutland.

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

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