A Secret Diary of the First World War
Fact-tastic Stories from Scotland's History
Published on 26. July 2018
Book
Paperback/Softback
144 pages
978-1-78250-527-3 (ISBN)
Description
What was the First World War really like? Step into the boots of 14-year-old soldier James Marchbank and find out.
Inspired by the real-life diary of a Scottish boy soldier, each easy-to-read chapter mixes James's story with timelines, letters, diagrams and illustrations to create a fact-tastic account of the First World War, which is both fun and emotionally engaging for younger readers.
Why was rat hunting a popular hobby in the trenches?
How did parachuting pigeons help win the war?
Why would a really good friend rub whale oil on your feet?
What did it feel like to be a teenager at war?
Take a journey through time and discover all the most important and incredible bits of the First World War.
A Secret Diary of the First World War is the first in a new brilliant series, which blends together intriguing facts and fascinating fiction to bring the most exciting, gruesome and crucial moments of Scottish history alive for young readers.
Inspired by the real-life diary of a Scottish boy soldier, each easy-to-read chapter mixes James's story with timelines, letters, diagrams and illustrations to create a fact-tastic account of the First World War, which is both fun and emotionally engaging for younger readers.
Why was rat hunting a popular hobby in the trenches?
How did parachuting pigeons help win the war?
Why would a really good friend rub whale oil on your feet?
What did it feel like to be a teenager at war?
Take a journey through time and discover all the most important and incredible bits of the First World War.
A Secret Diary of the First World War is the first in a new brilliant series, which blends together intriguing facts and fascinating fiction to bring the most exciting, gruesome and crucial moments of Scottish history alive for young readers.
Reviews / Votes
'This short, accessible and extremely informative read deserves a place in the library of every school in the country... Essential reading for every Scottish pupil.'-- Simon Lamb, North of Scotland Newspapers
'A Secret Diary of the First World War is inspired by an actual account of a teenager who fought on the Western Front. Gill Arbuthnott has used his story to make the Great War more accessible to younger readers... He kept a diary and Gill has used it as the basis for her book which also includes blocks of explanation to help modern readers. The book is illustrated by Darren Gate in a very engaging style. I'm very glad to have this book and I'll certainly add it to my collection... This is a book that deserves to be read.'
-- Jane Sandell, Young People's Librarian at Moray Council
More details
Series
Language
English
Place of publication
Edinburgh
United Kingdom
Target group
Children/juvenile
Interest Age: From 7 to 10 years
Illustrations
40 b/w illustrations
Dimensions
Height: 197 mm
Width: 159 mm
Thickness: 9 mm
Weight
146 gr
ISBN-13
978-1-78250-527-3 (9781782505273)
Copyright in bibliographic data and cover images is held by Nielsen Book Services Limited or by the publishers or by their respective licensors: all rights reserved.
Schweitzer Classification
Other editions
Additional editions
E-Book
07/2018
Kelpies
€9.49
Available for download
Persons
Gill Arbuthnott is the author of numerous fiction, non-fiction and picture books for children and young adults and has been nominated for a number of major UK book awards. A former biology teacher, Gill has written many non-fiction books to engage children with science. Her books include Chaos Clock, Winterbringers, The Giant Panda Party and What Makes You You? Gill lives in Edinburgh with her family and Leonard the cat. Darren Gate is an illustrator and graphic designer based in Glasgow. He won the Kelpies Design and Illustration Prize in 2016.