Book details
The Orphans of Normandy : A True Story of World War II Told Through Drawings by Children
Description
When the Allies invaded Normandy on June 6th, 1944, one hundred orphaned girls were forced to flee their orphanage in Caen, the only home many of them had ever known. They began a long trek to safety, to Beaufort-en-Vallee, a town one hundred and fifty miles away. As the war raged on all sides, the girls, led by their teachers, bravely marched south, keeping one step ahead of the fighting and waving little white flags for protection. Told through their own coloured-pencil drawings and words, this moving and timely book details their experiences on their journey to safety.
Age
8-12
Text complexity
proficient
Length
48 pages
Why to read
- Historical Insight: The book provides a unique perspective on World War II through the eyes of children, offering readers a poignant and often overlooked view of the impact of war on the youngest members of society.
- Emotional Connection: The drawings and stories of the children from the orphanage in Normandy create an emotional connection with the reader, fostering empathy and a deeper understanding of the human cost of war.
- Educational Value: 'The Orphans of Normandy' serves as an educational tool that can be used to teach both young and adult readers about history, resilience, and the power of art as a form of expression during times of hardship.
- Artistic Expression: The book showcases the raw and powerful drawings created by the orphans, providing an artistic lens through which to view history and the personal experiences of those who lived through it.