True Stories of World War One
Usborne True Stories Series
on Goodreads (172)
What’s inside...
Offering an approachable insight into key events of the past, this book contains true stories of courage, heroism and disaster from the First World War.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
9-12
Length
176 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What feelings did you experience while reading about the stories from World War One?
Which story in the book impacted you the most and why?
How do you think the people involved in the war felt during those times?
How is our world different today because of the events that took place during World War One?
What can we learn from the bravery and struggles shown in these true stories?
Tip: Role play these questions
Let your child express their thoughts and emotions about each story before adding your own insights. This helps them feel that their perspective is valued.
Draw parallels between the historical events in the book and current events to make the discussion more relatable and relevant.
Encourage your child to imagine themselves in the place of someone from the stories, asking how they might have felt or acted in those circumstances.
Use additional resources like photographs or documentaries about World War One to enrich the conversation and provide more context.
After discussing, encourage your child to write a short reflection or a letter from the perspective of someone in the book. This can help deepen their understanding and empathy for the people they're learning about.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Empathy and Understanding
Explanation: The book portrays the human side of soldiers from different nations, emphasizing their fears, hopes, and struggles.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to empathize with people from diverse backgrounds and understand that despite differences, common human emotions unite us all.
Example Lesson: The Impact of War
Explanation: Through personal stories, the book reveals the profound effects of war on individuals, families, and societies.
Real-World Application: This helps children grasp the seriousness of conflict and the importance of peacebuilding in their own interactions and wider community engagements.
Example Lesson: Courage and Resilience
Explanation: Characters in the book display acts of bravery and resilience in difficult situations, providing real instances of courage.
Real-World Application: Children are encouraged to be courageous in their daily challenges, whether facing a fear or standing up for what is right.
Example Lesson: Consequences of Decisions
Explanation: The narrative illustrates how the choices of leaders and individuals can lead to significant outcomes during the war.
Real-World Application: This teaches children the importance of decision-making and taking responsibility for one’s actions in both big and small matters.
Example Lesson: History’s Lessons
Explanation: By exploring the events of World War One, the book offers insights into the causes and effects of historical events.
Real-World Application: Children learn to appreciate history and its lessons, understanding how past events shape the present and future world.