Tales of World War II: Amazing True Stories from the War that Shook the World
#3 in Tales of Ancient Worlds Series
illustrations by
on Goodreads (68)
What’s inside...
In 'Tales of World War II,' war historian Dr. Hattie Hearn shares hidden stories of human spirit from the Second World War. Featuring beautifully illustrations by Margarida Esteves, this book unveils incredible true tales, such as the Canadian cabin boy who evaded German U-boats, the Navajo soldiers who developed a secret code, and an African-American jazz singer who spied for the French Resistance. Additionally, the book includes stories of a dog finding survivors in the London Blitz, a cyclist helping Jews escape the Nazis, and a bear recruited by the Polish army. The book also contains explanations of key wartime events like Pearl Harbor, Dunkirk, D-Day, and the Holocaust.
Discussion points
How do you think the people felt during World War II based on the stories in the book?
What can we learn from the courage and resilience shown by individuals during the war?
Which story in the book inspired you the most, and why?
How do you think teamwork and cooperation played a role in overcoming challenges during the war?
Tip: Role play these questions
Start by sharing your thoughts on a specific story from the book to encourage your child to express their opinions.
Ask your child to describe a favorite character and discuss the traits that make them admirable or relatable.
Connect the historical events to current events to help your child see the relevance of lessons learned from the past.
Encourage your child to ask questions about the war and look up answers together, promoting active learning.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: The value of courage and bravery
Explanation: The book details various acts of courage by soldiers and civilians alike during World War II, demonstrating how bravery can shift outcomes in dire situations.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to confront their fears and stand up for what is right, whether it's in the playground or speaking out against wrongdoing.
Example Lesson: The importance of teamwork
Explanation: Stories in the book highlight how allies from different countries came together to fight against common enemies, showcasing effective teamwork.
Real-World Application: This teaches children the importance of collaborating and working together to achieve common goals in group projects or sports.
Example Lesson: Resilience in challenging times
Explanation: Characters in the book often face significant adversities but manage to persevere through resilience and determination.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to remain determined and resilient in the face of personal challenges, such as learning a new skill or dealing with changes at school.
Example Lesson: Understanding history’s impact
Explanation: Through engaging true stories, the book educates about the events of World War II and their lasting impact on the world.
Real-World Application: This can help children appreciate history and understand the consequences of historical events, leading to a deeper respect for past occurrences and their effects on the present.
Example Lesson: Empathy for different perspectives
Explanation: The book portrays experiences of diverse people affected by the war, fostering empathy and understanding of varied human emotions and situations.
Real-World Application: Encourages children to empathize with others, understanding that people from different backgrounds may experience life differently.