Wednesday, May 27, 2009

Archie's War and My Secret War Diary by Flossie Albright

I am recommending two books this time, both by Marcia Williams. They are picture books, but not really. Both are aimed more at middle school aged children, the age of the children "writing" these books.
Archie's War: My Scrapbook of the First World War
  • Marcia Williams
  • Candlewick Press, 2007

Archie's War is done as a scrapbook by a boy, starting at the age of 13 in 1914 and following through until the end of the First World War. Through drawings, comics, mementos, writing and more, the reader gets a feel for life in England, first London and then the countryside at this time in history. One gets glimpses, too, into life at the front through letters and the reality of returning soldiers. Through Archie's family, one experiences different viewpoints regarding the issues around the war.

My Secret War Diary by Flossie Albright
  • Marcia Williams
  • Candlewick Press, 2008

My Secret War Diary by Flossie Albright is written in the style of a diary of a girl (actually Archie's daughter) during the Second World War. Begun at the age of nine in 1939, it concludes with the end of the war. When Flossie's father leaves to join the army, she is left to take care of her baby brother and uncle, her mother having died the previous year. Through her eyes, the reader lives through the war, gaining an understanding of life in the countryside with land girls helping the local farmers, evacuees from London and more. Letters, photographs, postcards and other memorabilia are pasted into the diary fleshing out the story from others' point of view.

I found both these books to be jewels. Both really give the feel of history through the eyes of a child.
  • It might be interesting to use them both in a class and compare and contrast the experiences during the two wars.
  • They can also serve as models for students to create their own scrapbooks or diaries about events in their own lives. They can think about the many ways to tell their stories, through visual and written representations. They can extend that to digital storytelling. If one of the children were keeping a record of their experiences now, this may be the medium they would use.
  • In addition, there are many issues to discuss. For example, in Archie, there is a sister who opposes the war. It is a great opportunity to look at opposing views. It could be a great starting point for a discussion on the demands of life in society and diverse ways of thinking, part of the ERC programme.
  • Choose one of these books to read along with a real diary of war (e.g. Anne Frank, Zlata's Diary) - compare and contrast.
Visit Marcia Williams' website.
Share your experiences with these books here. Who else has recommendations?

1 comment:

  1. I really like the hyperlink to Marcia's website. I like the whole idea of actual artifacts being pasted in the book to create the story. Kids would have a great time collecting their own artifacts.
    Suzy B

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