Child-friendly Books Based On Conflicts Past And Present
Children’s literature can provide insight for younger minds into the wars of the past, current conflicts they hear about on the news today and how people are affected by civic unrest. Here is a short list of some recent titles that deal with these topics.
Voices from the Second World War Stories of war as told to children of today By Candlewick Press
The Second World War was the most devastating war in history. Up to 80 million people died, and the map of the world was redrawn. More than 70 years after peace was declared, children interviewed family and community members to learn about the war from people who were there, to record their memories before they were lost forever. In this unique collection, RAF pilots, evacuees, resistance fighters, Land Girls, U.S. Navy sailors, and survivors of the Holocaust and the Hiroshima bombing all tell their stories, passing on the lessons learned to a new generation. Featuring many vintage photographs, this moving volume also offers an index of contributors and a glossary. Ages 10 to 14 – Publisher, Candlewick Press – $17.99 paperback
Sergeant Billy: The True Story of the Goat Who Went to War By Mireille Messier, illustrator Kass Reich
This book is inspired by a true story of a goat named Billy that was adopted by a platoon of soldiers and made his way across the ocean to be part of the war effort. The story of the goat that came back home a decorated First World War hero follows Sergeant Billy’s lively adventure that humanizes the realities of war by featuring harrowing, sad and celebratory moments along with the camaraderie experienced by the troupes. Ages 4 to 8 – Publisher, Tundra Books – $21.99 and timely story champions the power of kindness, bravery, and friendship in the face of uncertainty. Ages 4 to 7 – Publisher Putnam – $23.99
In Flanders Fields, the Story of the Poem by John McCrae By Linda Granfield, illustrator Janet Wilson
The 100th anniversary edition of this award-winning book that was originally published in 1996, came out in 2014 and features new cover art and a new introduction. The original text weaves the poem with fascinating information about the First Word War, details of life in the trenches and accounts of McCrae’s experience in his field hospital. Ages 8 and up – Publisher – Fitzhenry & Whiteside – $24.95 hardcover $12.95 paperback
A Soldier’s Sketchbook By John Wilson, illustrator R. H. Rabjohn
Just as the title suggests, this unique First World War diary is illustrated with more than 100 authentic and stunning pencil sketches by soldier Russell Rabjohn. Award-winning author John Wilson uses his skills as a historian and researcher to curate the diary and provide context to tell the story of Private Rabjohn’s war. A trained artist, Rabjohn was assigned to draw dugouts, map newly captured trenches, and sketch the graves of his fallen comrades. He defied army regulations and drew everything he saw, from the captured pilot of a downed German biplane; the horrific Flanders mud; a German observation balloon exploding in midair; and the jubilant mood in the streets of Belgium when the Armistice is finally signed. This informative and riveting book is Ideal for children learning history and also for adults interested in a new perspective on the War and authentic wartime artefacts. Ages 10 and up – Publisher Tundra Books – $22.99 hardcover
The Cat Who Lived with Anne Frank By David Lee Miller & Steven Jay Rubin, illustrator Elizabeth Baddeley
Knowing Anne Frank’s story, there could be a concern that this might be a sad story. Not to worry. This story is told from the perspective of a beloved cat that reveals Anne as a bright, kind and loving girl who dreams of freedom and becoming a writer whose words can change the world. There actually was a cat that lived with Anne in the Amsterdam annex where she hid from the Nazis. This telling of her story offers young readers a new way to learn about this tragic yet hopeful life. Ages 4 to 8 – Publisher, Penguin Random House Canada – $23.99 hardcover