We read a number of books recently about the history of the Second World War. Books that taught my eldest son about why the war started, how the war was fought and how civilians coped during and after the war. We took part in an evacuees re-enactment experience, visited memorials and museums and even put ourselves on a strict ration book diet - we learnt a great deal. Yet it wasn't until my eldest read Usborne 'True Stories - D-Day' by Henry Brook that I saw the spark of enthusiasm I had been hoping for.
The book is comprised of eleven true stories which focus on the individual struggles, horrors and heroism of many brave people including paratroopers, commandos and French Resistance fighters. Each D-Day story is captivating - the bravery of the people involved brings a tear to the eye. It is truly hard to believe how heroes such as Stanley Hollis are able to exist in the real world as their stories seem only possible in the realms of fiction. For my eldest son reading these true stories was eye opening. The book isn't compiled of cold, concise facts merely to be digested and regurgitated instead it is an emotive journey through some of the events of D-Day. It grabs you and makes it near impossible to read out loud over the lump in your throat.
My eldest son learned to see Rommel, Churchill, Eisenhower and Montgomery as real people rather than as just famous historical characters with which it can be hard for children to engage. Theo realised that these characters were real men, real men with families, feelings and opinions. The conversations we had after each story proved to me that my son had gone from simply accumulating historical knowledge about the war to aquiring a much deeper human understanding, a more mature emotional response to the human costs of conflict. When a book is capable of bringing history to life in this way it has to be commended.
The Usborne Quicklinks which accompany the book are interesting and engaging. Theo listened to broadcasts made on D-Day, followed an interactive map and found out even more about the war. The Quicklinks are always a big hit with my boys as they enjoy the interactivity they get from reading from a book and then watching, playing or exploring about the topic on the computer.
We read a few of the stories out loud which allowed my four year old to listen as well. He drew pictures of tanks and asked us if his dad would have fought in the war if we had lived a long time ago. My eldest explained to him that many dads fought on D-Day and not all of them came home - he told him how lucky we are.
The book is so good that we tracked down the Usborne 'True Stories - World War 1' book by Clive Clifford and began reading it as soon as it arrived.
We recommend these books most highly and plan to work our way through the entire True Stories series.
Disclaimer: All the views and opinions in this review are my own. The product was provided to me free of charge but I was not obligated to give a positive review. I only review educationally beneficial products. My review is an honest one.
No comments:
Post a Comment