As November approaches, remembrance day starts to become a prominent idea throughout schools across the country. Remembrance day marks the end of the First World War; it is a day when we remember the sacrifices our ancestors made during the war. It remains one of the most important days in world history.
These are some of the books that authors have written to emphasize these sacrifices and thank the brave soldiers fighting for their country.
Elementary - Fiction
Proud as a Peacock, Brave as a Lion by Jane Barclay
Here’s a short description from Google Books…
“Much has been written about war and remembrance, but very little of it has been for young children. As questions come from a young grandchild, his grandpa talks about how, as a very young man, he was as proud as a peacock in uniform, busy as a beaver on his Atlantic crossing, and brave as a lion charging into battle. Soon, the old man’s room is filled with an imaginary menagerie as the child thinks about different aspects of wartime. But as he pins medals on his grandpa’s blazer and receives his own red poppy in return, the mood becomes more somber.”
The book uses illustrations to describe the pride that comes with being a soldier. This book relates to people worldwide as there are many people across the world whose grandparents or great-grandparents were soldiers in the World Wars. The illustrations make it easier for kids to understand the importance of appreciating the great efforts and sacrifices of soldiers. Also, the book does a good job with not only focusing on the good parts of war such as pride and bravery, but also the bad parts, such as death and destruction. It deals with the bad parts in a way that makes children more prone to understanding, rather than scaring them away.
Elementary - Nonfiction
A Poppy is to Remember by Heather Patterson
Here’s a short description from Google Books…
“With soothing words and illustrations aimed specifically at younger readers, children will learn how the bright red poppy became the symbol for honouring those who fought for freedom.”
On November 11, we wear poppies to thank the soldiers who gave up their lives for the betterment of their nation. This picture book explains the tradition of Flanders Field and the importance of the poppy in a way that is easily understandable for students in elementary grades. Knowing about historical events as kids is important as this can help students understand how people lived in the past. It starts providing kids a foundation of who we are and where we come from.
Middle School - Fiction
As Long as the Lemon Trees Grow by Zoulfa Katouh
Here’s a short description from Google Books…
“An epic, emotional, breathtaking story of love and loss set amid the Syrian revolution. Burning with the fires of hope and possibility, AS LONG AS THE LEMON TREES GROW will sweep you up and never let you go.”
Salama Kassab, the main character, is conflicted between her love for her country and living her life. She is a doctor who wants to help the people of her country during a time of need (a revolution), but living in her country is dangerous for her, therefore, she also wants to leave for her safety and wishes to live her life in the best way possible. Middle school is a time of change for students; their personalities change, their likes and dislikes start to develop, and they start to develop their wants and needs. Many times, during middle school, students are conflicted. This book helps students figure out the best possible way to figure out their decisions; a decision that will help them in the future, but also something they want to do.
Middle School - Nonfiction
Impossible Escape: A True Story of Survival and Heroism in Nazi Europe
Here’s a short description from Goodreads…
“A true story of two Jewish teenagers racing against time during the Holocaust—one in hiding in Hungary, and the other in Auschwitz, plotting an escape. This is the true story of one of the most famous whistleblowers in the world, and how his death-defying escape helped save over 100,000 lives.”
During Nazi Germany, many Jews tried to escape from the concentration camps as they knew how bad things were for them. A lot of these Jews were killed while trying to escape, or the cold weather destroyed their bravery. However, there were some Jews who were successful in their mission to escape. Not only did they escape and save themselves, but they also saved others around them. This is a book which shares the message of fighting through your challenges and achieving your dreams despite what everyone says. This is an important message for students in middle school, as these students are starting to decide their future goals and dreams. Sometimes, students think they won’t be able to achieve their dreams, however, this book tells them otherwise.
High School - Fiction
The Fault in Our Stars by John Green
Here’s a short description from Goodreads…
“Insightful, bold, irreverent, and raw, The Fault in Our Stars is award-winning author John Green's most ambitious and heartbreaking work yet, brilliantly exploring the funny, thrilling, and tragic business of being alive and in love.”
This book teaches us the meaning of “life is short.” The book is about two teenagers who were diagnosed with cancer. Instead of giving up, they decided to embark on a journey to meet a world-renowned author. The teenagers go through many difficulties while dealing with their medical issues, however, they never give up hope, which is a very important factor to have in high school. In high school, students go through many ups and downs and having hope is so important. Remembering that high school is a very small chapter in our lives can go a long way in figuring out how to live life to the fullest. The book is very good at keeping readers engaged in the storyline and making readers fall in love with the characters.
High School - Nonfiction
The Boy Who Followed his Father into Auschwitz by Jeremy Dronfield
Here’s a short description from Goodreads…
“Based on the secret diary that Gustav kept as well as meticulous archival research and interviews with members of the Kleinmann family, including Fritz’s younger brother Kurt, sent to the United States at age eleven to escape the war, The Boy Who Followed His Father into Auschwitz is Gustav and Fritz’s story—an extraordinary account of courage, loyalty, survival, and love that is unforgettable.”
This book sheds light on many controversial issues on the concept of concentration camps, and the Nazi regime. The book concentrates on love, family, and bravery that keep people alive in the worst conditions and times. Since it is a true story, it is written after the collection and analysis of many different pieces of evidence. This creates a sense of trust between the author and readers. The message of this book is similar to the previous one in the sense that high school students are struggling to juggle everything and maintain a good work/life balance things can get stressful, which might lead them to do things they are not proud of, however, reading books that boost bravery and familial love is important as this can change thoughts, opinions, and ideas.
Written By: Krisha L
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