Veterans Day/Remembrance Day is a time to honor those who fought in war. Read our reviews of some books for kids that talk about history, war and peace and remember to appreciate our soldiers and honor them every day of the year.
It's November - time to honor and remember those who fought in war, so that we can live the lives we live today. Some soldiers came home; some didn't. All are heroes. Read our reviews of some books for kids that talk about history, heroes, war and peace - things that can help us appreciate our soldiers and honor them not only on Veteran's Day and Remembrance Day, but every day of the year.
Imogene's Last Stand By Candace Fleming
Let's face it: history can be boring. Especially written down. Luckily, Candace Fleming and Nancy Carpenter have teamed up to create a for-any-age historical picture book called Imogene's Last Stand. The story goes like this: Ever since she was little Imogene Tripp's loved history. So she jumps at the chance to bring her town's historical society back to life, pouring all her effort into cleaning and organizing it. But when she discovers the mayor has plans to tear the building down to make room for a shoelace factory, there's nothing Imogene can do but try to save it. That's when she makes a discovery that changes minds and just might put Liddleville on the historical map. Along the way, Imogene teaches you about history and quotes many famous Americans (bonus: every quote is explained for you at the end of the book).
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Peaceful Heroes By Jonah Winter
Here's an amazing, beautifully illustrated (by Sean Addy) book that's all about some pretty deserving people: heroes. In its pages you'll find some of the most influential people in the world, from Jesus Christ to Mahatma Gandhi toMartin Luther King, Jr.. A short story is written on the life of each person featured so you get a clear picture on what they've done to help and better the world. Through Peaceful Heroes you'll meet heroes of the past and present; the book spans centuries in a factual and non-religious way.
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Truce By Jim Murphy
Imagine war, 1917, Europe: It's cold, dark and bloody. Soldiers are being exposed to freezing temperatures, open sewage, dead bodies and shell shock. The Allies have been in a stalemate with the Germans for months. Both sides live in fear of snipers, sharpshooters and bombs. What they thought was a honorable war fought with honorable intentions has turned into a nightmare where the old rules don't apply and have been replaced by guns, shells, mortars, barbed wire and filthy dirt trenches. But one day, against all odds, the enemies meet face to face and rather than kill each other, shake hands and celebrate. Could this be real? Author Jim Murphy uses historical photos to recreate the scene that took place during World War I and answer the question: What if war could be prevented or changed? Truce is an amazing non-fiction book full of real images, letters and facts - perfect for teens.
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Dieppe: Canada's Darkest Day Of World War II By Hugh Brewster
The story told in Hugh Brewster's Dieppe: Canada's Darkest Day Of World War II is one from Canadian history that we all need to know about. Written in a very engaging way, combining historical facts, exhibits, photos and firsthand accounts and quotes, the author does a great job of telling much of the story we don't know. He follows the survivors of the battle of Dieppe through to the end of the war and the return home. This is a great book to read as a reminder close to Remembrance Day.
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