Under Fire : Children of the Second World War Tell Their Stories
on Goodreads (12)
What’s inside...
Using taped interviews from the Imperial War Museum's extensive Sound Archive, Phil Robins has gathered together a compelling collection of first-hand accounts from people who grew up during the Second World War. The book, titled Under Fire, includes stories from British children about evacuation and the Blitz, as well as memories from Holocaust survivors in Europe and German children who witnessed the near-total destruction of their country. The book is illustrated with many contemporary photographs and includes a glossary, a timeline of the War, and an index, providing a vivid insight into childhood experiences of wartime.
Age
12-16
Length
272 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
How do you think the children in the book felt during the events of the Second World War?
What similarities and differences can you see between your life and the lives of the children in the story?
Why is it important to learn about the experiences of children from the past?
How did the children in the book show courage and resilience?
Which story in the book impacted you the most and why?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage empathy by asking your child to imagine themselves in the shoes of the children depicted in the book. Discuss the concept of resilience, highlighting how the children in these stories overcame difficult situations. Use the stories as a springboard to learn more about history, possibly extending the discussion to include family stories from that era if applicable.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Empathy and Understanding
Explanation: Through first-hand accounts, the book provides insights into the experiences of children during World War II, allowing young readers to understand and empathize with the emotions and struggles faced by people their age in a different era.
Real-World Application: Children can apply empathy learned from the book to better understand peers who may come from different backgrounds or are facing challenges, fostering a more inclusive and supportive environment.
Example Lesson: Resilience in Adversity
Explanation: The stories showcase how children coped and adapted during the harsh times of war, demonstrating resilience and the ability to overcome difficulties.
Real-World Application: This can inspire children to develop resilience in facing their own challenges, whether it's dealing with academic pressures, personal issues, or broader societal problems.
Example Lesson: Historical Awareness
Explanation: By learning about the personal experiences of children who lived through World War II, readers gain a deeper understanding of historical events from a humanistic perspective, which textbooks might not fully convey.
Real-World Application: This awareness can encourage a more informed and thoughtful perspective on current events and history, enhancing their academic and social studies engagements.
Example Lesson: The Importance of Peace
Explanation: The book illustrates the drastic impacts of war on everyday life, highlighting the value of peace and the consequences of conflict.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to appreciate peace and be motivated to contribute positively to their communities to prevent conflicts, promoting harmony and understanding.
Example Lesson: Value of Storytelling
Explanation: Through personal narratives, this book demonstrates how individual stories can provide powerful insights and emotional connections, unlike general historical summaries.
Real-World Application: This can encourage children to value and share their own stories and listen to those of others, enhancing communication skills and emotional intelligence.