What was the First World War really like? Step into the boots of 14-year-old James Marchbank and experience the most important, incredible, peculiar, poignant, remarkable and revolting bits of World War 1.

 

Inspired by the real-life diary of a Scottish boy soldier, each easy-to-read chapter mixes James's story with timelines, letters, diagrams and illustrations to create a fact-tastic account of the First World War, which is both fun and emotionally engaging for younger readers.

 

Take a journey through time to find out

 

-- Why rat hunting became a popular hobby in the trenches

-- How parachuting pigeons helped at war

-- Why a really good friend would rub whale oil on your feet

-- What it actually felt like to be a teenager at war

 

A Secret Diary of the First World War is the first in a new brilliant series, which blends together intriguing facts and fascinating fiction to bring the most exciting, gruesome and crucial moments of Scottish history alive for young readers.

 

From 7-10 years.