World War 1 and World War 2 are important topics to cover in your homeschool. However, they are also very heavy topics to discuss. I always find it easier to use books as a way to cover difficult topics. It is a great way to open the door for conversations and further discussion. Here we have gathered some Canadian books to help you teach your children about the World Wars.
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Books to Use as Spines for Teaching About the World Wars
The Kids Book of Canada at War
Author: Elizabeth MacLeod
Age Group: 8-12 years
The Kids Book of Canada at War is part of the Kids Book of Canada series. This series overall is excellent and this one is no exception! Author Elizabeth MacLeod’s books never disappoint. Full colour photos and relevant, engaging text make this book a great spine to help you teach about the World Wars as well as other wars with Canadian involvement.
The Great War
Author: Robert Livesay
Age Group: 8-12 years
Robert Livesay, the author of The Great War, is passionate about Canadian history. The Great War is part of the Discovering Canada series. Details about World War 1 as well as hands-on activities make this book a great read to include in your studies about World War 1.
Books for Younger Children to Teach About the World Wars
Younger children need a gentle approach when teaching about the World Wars. This age group needs picture books and lots of colour! Here we have a few picture books perfect for this age group.
Bunny the Brave War Horse
Author: Elizabeth MacLeod
Age Group: 6-8 years
Bunny the Brave War Horse is based on a true story during World War 1. This picture book uses the story of Bunny as a way to teach young children about the hardships of war. The end of the book has a section on the history of Bunny. Another great book by author Elizabeth MacLeod.
A Bear in War
Author: Stephanie Innes and Harry Endrulat
Age Group: 6-10 years
A Bear in War is a picture book about the true story of a teddy bear that was sent by a young girl overseas to her father in the war. Today, the bear is in the Canadian War Museum in Ottawa.
Just Like New
Author: Ainslie Manson
Age Group: 6+
Just Like New is a sweet book about a girl during World War 2 who chooses to send one of her dolls oversees to a child who doesn’t have one. This book shows how children can make a difference in helping other children.
Chapter Books for Teaching About the World Wars
There are some great chapter books to use as read-alouds or to give to children to read on their own. Keep in mind that all children are ready for topics about war at different ages. Some of these books might be too detailed for some sensitive children. Consider pre-reading and be ready for discussions!
No Safe Harbour
Author: Julie Lawson
Age Group: 8-12 years
No Safe Harbour is part of the popular Dear Canada Series. This series is written in fictional diary form. No Safe Harbour is set in the months before and after the Halifax Explosion, an event during World War 1. I love how the Dear Canada series is written in diary form. It really makes the book come alive for the reader.
Do you want to learn more about the Halifax Explosion?
We have a mini unit all about it as part of My Canadian Time Capsule.
You can buy a unit individually or buy the whole curriculum!
Exiles from the War
Author: Jean Little
Age Group: 8-12 years
Exiles from the War is also part of the Dear Canada series. Exiles from War focuses on the story of the War Guests, who were children sent to Canada from overseas to escape the dangers of the war.
Shot at Dawn
Author: John Wilson
Age Group: 9-12 years
Shot at Dawn is part of the I Am Canada series. This book focuses on the experiences of a Canadian soldier during World War 1.
Behind Enemy Lines
Author: Carol Matas
Age Group: 9-12 years
Behind Enemy Lines is another book in the I Am Canada Series. This book is written about a Canadian soldier during World War 2.
The Sky is Falling
Author: Kit Pearson
Age Group: 8-12 years
The Sky is Falling is part of a trilogy about the British children war guests Norah and Gavin. Norah and Gavin are sent to Toronto and have to adjust to life in Canada apart from their parents back in England. This is one of my personal favourite books about the World Wars! I read it as a child (including the rest of the series). It has stood the test of time.
A Final Note About Teaching About the World Wars
Hopefully this list of great reads for studying about World War 1 and World War 2 are helpful in your homeschool journey!
While you are learning about World War 1 and World War 2, why not also discuss Remembrance Day? We have some book recommendations for you in our post 5 Great Books to Read This Remembrance Day. We also have a post about Remembrance Day resources.
Do you want more book ideas for studying Canadian History?
Check out Canadian History through Living Books. Over 100 pages of book recommendations about Canadian history!
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