Stories of the First World War by Jim Eldridge

 

  

2014

This is neither an easy nor comfortable read.  It includes twelve short stories about the Great War. Each one is told from the point of view of a young person.  Most of them are to do with combat and many feature death. A couple of civilian stories are also quite grim. One involves a bombing, anxious parents and the rescue of a friend and a dog. The other is about a much-changed young man who at first cannot face going home; he was one of only seven of the Accrington Pals who survived. He is different now also because he has been a prisoner of war.   

      

Jim Eldrige writes a few of the stories from a German point of view.  The British and the German experiences are very similar. He even tackles the conscientious objector – the “conchie” and invites the young reader not to see this just in black and white. 

The stories are in chronological order and there are sections between them that give historical contexts.    

This would be an extremely useful book for teachers or parents wanting to study the Great War with   children. The child probably needs some adult guidance.  

Goodnight Mister Tom by Michelle Magorian

Set in World War II, this story brings us the themes of war, death, abuse, friendship and growth. Young William Beech poses reclusive set-in-his ways Tom Oakley a challenge when he arrives as an evacuee in Little Weirworld. There are some grim scenes and both Will and Tom have a hard time of it but the ending is upbeat.   

This is perhaps the best known of Magorian's books, many of which are set in this era. This one could be described as a modern classic.  

This is clearly suitable for the fluent ready in the latter stages of Key Stage 2 and the last two classes of junior school, ages 9-11. It would also appeal to slightly older readers and adults. 

Magorian's characters are richly drawn. She uses a close third person point of view and we get to know each one of them really well. She does flit from head to head a little which may disturb the modern reader somewhat but nevertheless we remain gripped until the end. 

I was very happy to reread this book.         
      

Only Remembered edited by Michael Morpurgo

2014

This is an edited collection of commentary on World War I, or the Great War. It consists of short articles by influential people such as politicians, writers, actors and producers – and most quote some fiction though this is rarely children’s fiction.  

It is a little surprising , then, to find it in the children’s  section of the local library and one can’t help wondering whether it is simply the name Michael Morpurgo that has caused that to happen. 

On the other hand, this is still very readable by the upper primary and lower secondary child. Each section is short and thought-provoking.  The book would also be useful in the classroom where the Great War is being discussed.   

The articles are grouped into three sections:  At War, At Home and After.  

Ian Beck’s illustrations enliven the text. 

Between them, the texts offer a balanced view.

Ender’s Game by Orson Scott Card

2010, first published 1985  

This is a little curious.  The book feels right for a teen, yet the protagonist Ender is only six and the beginning of the story and eleven by the end.  He has to deal with a hostile world and he and older siblings Valentine and Peter between them take charge of this world though do not work cooperatively.  They all seem much older than their actual physical age.    

Ender is involved in practice battles. He is getting ready to fight the buggers, an alien insect-like race that threatens life on earth.  Then he is tricked into taking part in an actual battle where he annihilates the enemy.  He is manipulated by adults throughout. 

Ender is pushed to the limit. He has no real friends and no real contact with his family though is reconciled with Valentine at the end and does have some awkward contact with Peter. He also gains some insight into the species he has fought partly because of an interesting twist at the end of the novel.     

There is a lot of fighting and violence in which Ender is very involved yet we get to know him so well that we begin to understand.  

This is 326 pages long and presented in blocked text and a small font.

Click on image to view book on Amazon.