A Secret Diary of the First World War

£6.99

“I’m going to war. I can hardly believe it. Yesterday I was delivering rolls and newspapers as usual, and today I’ve been called up to go to France and fight.”

Step into the boots of 14-year-old soldier James Marchbank to find out what the First World War was really like.

Why was rat hunting a popular hobby in the trenches?
How did parachuting pigeons help win the war?
Why would a really good friend rub whale oil on your feet?
What did it really feel like to be a teenager at war?

Take a journey through time and discover all the most important and incredible bits of the First World War.

Inspired by the real-life diary of a Scottish boy soldier.

Reviews

'This short, accessible and extremely informative read deserves a place in the library of every school in the country... Essential reading for every Scottish pupil.'
-- Simon Lamb, North of Scotland Newspapers

'A Secret Diary of the First World War is inspired by an actual account of a teenager who fought on the Western Front. Gill Arbuthnott has used his story to make the Great War more accessible to younger readers... He kept a diary and Gill has used it as the basis for her book which also includes blocks of explanation to help modern readers. The book is illustrated by Darren Gate in a very engaging style. I'm very glad to have this book and I'll certainly add it to my collection... This is a book that deserves to be read.'
-- Jane Sandell, Young People's Librarian at Moray Council