The Blitzed Brits (Horrible Histories)
Horrible Histories Special Series
on Goodreads (1,649)
What’s inside...
Part of the 'Horrible Histories' series, this book presents some foul food facts about rotten rationing, awful evacuation tales and the terrible truth about London's bloodthirsty blackout murderer. The book also describes the challenges faced by the blitzed Brits during World War Two, including life without television, road signs, and bananas, limited clothing due to ration coupons, and enduring late-night bombing raids.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
7-12
Length
128 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
How do you think daily life changed for children during the Blitz compared to today?
What are some ways people showed resilience and strength during wartime?
Why is it important to learn about historical events like the Blitz?
How do the humorous elements in the book help us understand serious topics?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to express their thoughts on how they might feel in the situations described in the book. Draw parallels between the historical content and current events to deepen understanding. Highlight the importance of learning history to appreciate the present and build empathy for different human experiences. Use humor from the book to tackle difficult topics comfortably.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Resilience in the face of adversity
Explanation: The Blitzed Brits showcases how British people, including children, remained strong and resilient during the hardships of World War II.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to face their own challenges, whether at school or in social settings, with courage and a positive attitude.
Example Lesson: The importance of community support
Explanation: The book illustrates how communities came together during air raids and blackouts to support each other.
Real-World Application: This lesson encourages children to value and contribute to teamwork and communal efforts in group projects or community service.
Example Lesson: Historical awareness and empathy
Explanation: Through engaging narratives and facts, the book provides insights into the lives of those who lived through the war, fostering empathy and understanding.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this understanding by showing empathy towards people from different backgrounds and recognizing the importance of history in shaping our world.
Example Lesson: Critical thinking about war
Explanation: By presenting historical events in an accessible way, the book encourages young readers to think critically about the causes and effects of wars.
Real-World Application: Kids are inspired to analyze conflicts in history lessons or current events critically, understanding different perspectives.
Example Lesson: The value of perseverance
Explanation: Characters in The Blitzed Brits demonstrate perseverance as they navigate daily life under difficult circumstances.
Real-World Application: This teaches children the importance of perseverance in overcoming obstacles in their academics, hobbies, or personal goals.