The Little Ships: The Heroic Rescue at Dunkirk in World War
II (ages 7-10)
by Louise Borden
In this delightful picture book, Borden describes one of the most dramatic
endeavors of World War II through the eyes of a child. A young English girl
sails with her father when he joins the daring effort. She describes
the risks along the way, as well as the awe-inspiring spectacle of more
than 300,000 troops making their way back to safety aboard small, private
vessels.
The
Wall (ages 4-8)
By Eve Bunting
A father and his young son visit the Vietnam Veterans Memorial to find the
name of the grandfather the boy never met. In this brief, richly-illustrated
story, Bunting captures the significance of the Memorial in child-like terms.
Written for the youngest audiences, this work is a must read for children
and adults alike.
(Click here for softcover edition.)
Behind the Blue and Gray: The Soldier's Life in the Civil War
(ages 10-14)
by Delia Ray
This history of the Civil War created for young readers describes the lives
of the soldiers themselves, many of them just teenagers when they took to
the front lines. It includes period photographs.
Johnny
Tremain (ages 9-14)
by Esther Forbes
Forbes' award-winning tale of a young silversmith's apprentice thrust into
the middle of the Revolutionary War has proven a favorite for more than fifty
years. The novel touches on the horrors of battle, and some scenes might
be disturbing to young readers. For older readers, however, the novel provides
an excellent glimpse into life along the battle lines. Differing from the
novel in points, but also worthwhile is
the classic Disney movie based on the book.
The Little Ships: The Heroic Rescue at Dunkirk in World War
II (ages 7-10)
by Louise Borden
In this delightful picture book, Borden describes one of the most dramatic
endeavors of World War II through the eyes of a child. A young English girl
sails with her father when he joins the daring effort. She describes
the risks along the way, as well as the awe-inspiring spectacle of more
than 300,000 troops making their way back to safety aboard small, private
vessels.
My Brother Sam Is Dead (ages 9-14)
by James Lincoln Collier and Christopher Collier
In this award-winning novel, young Tim is caught between his father's Tory
sympathies and his brother's allegiance to the Patriot cause. Young
readers see the human impact of the Revolutionary War through the eyes of a
character their own age, as Tim's father perishes aboard a British prison
ship and his brother is killed in battle.
Scholastic
Encyclopedia of the United States at War (ages 9-14)
by June A. English and Thomas D. Jones
This one-volume encyclopedia designed for upper elementary and middle school
students provides information about every conflict in which the U.S. has
participated. It includes background information on the wars, casualty totals,
photographs, time lines, maps, descriptions of weapons, eyewitness accounts,
and brief biographies of some of the best-known figures.
The Tuskegee Airmen: Black Heroes of World War II (ages
10-14)
by Jacqueline L. Harris
This volume recounts the stories of the Tuskegee Airmen, the first African-American soldiers to train and serve as air pilots during World War II. Before helping to conquer the enemy overseas, they first had to conquer deep-rooted prejudice in their homeland. The work also discusses efforts to integrate the United States Armed Forces during the years that followed.
All But My Life (ages 14 and up)
by Gerda Weissmann Klein
A young when World War II ripped through her homeland, this Jewish author
recalls her enslavement by the Nazis and ultimate liberation by American
soldiers. Originally written for adult audiences, this work has gained a
place in countless school reading programs. The non-fictional account contains
some disturbing passages that wouldn't be suitable for young audiences, however.
Going Solo (ages 12 and up)
Roald Dahl
Turning from his typical tales to a more serious topic, best-loved children's author Roald Dahl writes of his own experiences as a pilot during World War II in this book geared toward young adult readers.