A parent might reach for this book when their curious child begins asking complex questions about war, history, or World War II specifically, perhaps after an initial introduction at school. This Usborne overview provides a comprehensive yet accessible guide to the causes, key events, and consequences of the conflict. It directly addresses the war's difficult themes, including the Holocaust, with factual sensitivity, fostering empathy and an understanding of justice. For children ready to move beyond simple historical narratives, this book offers a structured, visually supported foundation for understanding one of the most significant events in modern history.
Directly addresses the racist ideology of the Nazis and the persecution of Jewish people and other groups.
Sensitive Topics
The book deals directly with war, violence, death, and genocide. The approach is factual, historical, and secular. Descriptions of battles, bombings, and casualties are included but are not gratuitously graphic. The Holocaust is explained directly, covering ghettos, concentration camps, and the 'Final Solution' in a somber, age-appropriate manner. The resolution is historical: the Allied victory is presented as a triumph over tyranny, but the immense human cost is never downplayed, leading to a realistic and somber conclusion.
Ideal Reader
The ideal reader is a 10 to 14 year old with a strong interest in history who is ready for a fact-based, comprehensive introduction to a complex topic. This child may have been introduced to WWII at school and now has many questions. They prefer nonfiction and appreciate information presented clearly with visual aids like maps and photos.
Parent Prep
Parents should preview the sections titled "The Holocaust" and "The 'Final Solution'" (pages 90-93) to prepare for difficult questions and conversations. While the book can be read independently by an older child, these topics are best discussed together to provide emotional support and context. A parent hears their child ask a specific, challenging question like, "What was the Holocaust?" or "Why was there a second World War?" The parent wants a reliable, well-structured resource they can use to answer these questions accurately and sensitively.
Age Experience
A younger reader (9-11) will likely focus on the major events, key figures, and military technology. The scale of the human loss may be difficult to fully grasp, and they will benefit from adult guidance. An older reader (12-14) will be better able to understand the political complexities, the moral questions raised by the war, and the long-term geopolitical consequences discussed at the end of the book.
What Makes It Special
Its key differentiator is the classic Usborne format. It breaks down an immense and intimidating subject into manageable, visually engaging two-page spreads. This structure makes it far more accessible than a text-heavy adult history book, serving as a perfect 'first serious book' on WWII without sacrificing factual integrity. It provides a superb survey of the entire conflict.
Read plot summary
This book is a chronological and thematic overview of the Second World War. It covers the rise of dictators in the 1930s, the outbreak of war, major campaigns and turning points in both the European and Pacific theaters, life on the home front in various countries, the Holocaust, resistance movements, and the war's conclusion and lasting consequences. The content is broken into digestible two-page spreads featuring text, photographs, maps, and illustrations.
This overview was generated by AI based on the book's content and reviews, and may not capture every nuance.
Discussion Prompts
1
The book shows many examples of propaganda posters. What makes a message 'propaganda'? Why was it such an important tool for both sides during the war?
2
On pages 84-87, the book discusses resistance movements. What were some of the different ways ordinary people resisted, and why do you think they chose to take such enormous risks?
3
The end of the book explains that the United Nations was created after the war. After reading about the conflict's devastation, why was an organization like this so important to world leaders?
4
The book describes life on the 'Home Front' in different countries. What surprised you the most about how the war affected the daily lives of children and families far from the battlefield?
