One Boy's War by Lynn Huggins-Cooper

One Boy's War by Lynn Huggins-Cooper

By Lynn Huggins-Cooper (author) , Ian Benfold Hayward (illustrator)

Paperback In Stock £8.99 £8.09

View All Editions (1)

This powerful picture book captures both the optimism and the despair of the first months of the First World War. Only fifteen when the war is declared Sydney, like many other boys, longs to be old enough to have a crack at the bullying Kaiser. He watches as his father sets off for war with a spring in his step and his eyes shining.

And he also sees just how wretched it makes his mother. Nonetheless, lying about his age, he signs up and arrives in France. Sydney gives his impressions of the war in two contrasting accounts. To his mother he writes reassuringly; for himself he records the absolute horror of it all and the different kinds of terrible deaths that befall his friends.

Sixteen-year-old Sydney is overwhelmed by the excitement of the 1914 recruitment campaigns and the bravado of men leaving for the Great War. Bursting with enthusiasm, he runs away to join up, but soon finds himself a long way from home in a frontline trench where reality - and the rats - begin to bite. Told through Sydney's optimistic letters home and his journal, this is his honest portrayal of the disillusionment and degradation of life and death in the trenches of World War I.

I thoroughly enjoyed this realistic and amazing picture book which reproduces letters on some pages and has soft, glossy paper. It brings the war to life and tells the story of a real boy and many others like him who went to war in 1914. Sofia Hurtado (age 11) Ibby Link Find room for this indictment of the First World War - Bookseller

A moving depiction of the impact of war. - The Daily Telegraph

A great medium through which to develop children's empathy and understanding of an important historical event and a fantastic book with which to engage reluctant boy readers and writers. An emotionally-charged and provocative book, providing so much scope for discussion, debate, reflection and activity .- Junior Education Plus

Lynne Huggins-Cooper has published over 100 books for children including picture books, educational and non-fiction titles, craft and parenting books. She also writes regularly for the TES and Prima magazine. This is her first picture-book for Frances Lincoln. Lynne lives in Newcastle upon Tyne. . IAN BENFOLD HAYWooD studied Fine Art at the Nottingham School of Art and Design and Illustration at the North Wales School of Art & Design. He has painted in Spain, worked as a community artist and been an art teacher, been marketing manager for a Japanese company and established his own business supplying components to the major audio-logical manufacturers in Europe - as well as illustrating a number of children's books. Ian lives in Chester.

The best children's books to explore and explain The First World War

the best books for 7-9 year olds

Rosie Raja: Churchill's Spy

The Lion Above the Door

When we were Warriors

Sixteen-year-old Sydney is overwhelmed by the excitement of the 1914 recruitment campaigns and the bravado of men leaving for the Great War. Bursting with enthusiasm, he runs away to join up, but soon finds himself a long way from home in a frontline trench where reality - and the rats - begin to bite.

The LoveReading4Kids Editorial Team have read and reviewed One Boy's War and determined it is suitable for children aged 7-10 years old

One Boy's War features in the following genres: Featured Books for 7+ readers, Recommendations, Historical Fiction, Children's and Young Adult Fiction, Children’s, Teenage and Educational, Warfare & Battles, Children’s / Teenage: General interest, Featured Books for 9+ readers

Paperback. £8.09, down from the £8.99 cover price. In Stock.

One Boy's War was written by Lynn Huggins-Cooper and published by Frances Lincoln Childrens Books an imprint of Frances Lincoln Publishers Ltd

One Boy's War has 32 pages

£8.09, reduced from £8.99. In Stock.

©PTC International Ltd T/A LoveReading is registered in England. Company number: 10193437. VAT number: 270 4538 09. Registered address: 157 Shooters Hill, London, SE18 3HP. Terms & Conditions | Privacy Policy | Disclaimer

The National Year of Reading starts here. Join thousands of families and schools supporting reading for pleasure across the UK.