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Terrible True Tales: Second World War

Terrible True Tales (Related to this series)

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What to expect

Bloomsbury presents Terrible True Tales: Second World War written and read by Terry Deary.

From the author of the blockbuster Horrible Histories series, which is now a TV show and movie, and has sold more than 30 million copies worldwide.
'Deary's storytelling is simple, historically accurate and compelling.' (The i newspaper on The Silver Hand)

Horrible Histories author Terry Deary presents an exciting collection of tales from the Home Front of the Second World War based on thrilling true stories – four books in one! Perfect for history fans (and those who don't know they're history fans yet) aged 7+.

The Bike Escape: Northampton, 1939. A young tearaway unwillingly evacuated to the countryside is unjustly accused of theft. He decides to make his way back home, never mind the Blitz – but he'll need to steal a bike to do it...
The Apple Spy: Scotland, 1940. A pair of children realise that the odd strangers they see in their tiny village are German spies. Can they alert the authorities or will the ruthless spies find them first?
The Barrel Burglary: Sunderland, 1941. The Home Guard of a small town need supplies but the local factory owner won't help. So they decide to use unconventional methods instead...
The Phantom Farm: Portsmouth, 1941. With food scarce and rationing taking hold, plenty of people turned to the black market to get more than their share. A girl finds herself mixed up in mysterious dealings – what is the secret of the haunted farm?

Terry Deary’s Terrible True Tales: Second World War explores the Second World War through the eyes of children and real adults who could have lived at the time. These stories feature real people and take place in some of the most recognisable Second World War settings. Featuring notes for the reader to help extend learning and exploration of the historical period.

Critics Review

Terry Deary’s Terrible True Tales: Second World War is another brilliant addition from the master of making history thrilling, funny, and deeply human. Known worldwide for his Horrible Histories series, Deary once again proves he has a unique gift for bringing the past to life in ways that feel both educational and wildly entertaining.

This collection brings together four gripping stories set on the British Home Front, each inspired by real people and real events. From daring escapes and tense spy hunts to secret thefts and black-market dealings, every tale captures the uncertainty, danger, and courage of wartime Britain—but always through the eyes of ordinary children and communities.
Dan H, Reviewer
This book of tales from the Second World War features four stories, from the escapades of a young evacuee, foiling a set of German spies, to a barrel heist and pesky rationing.

For any child with a love of history, watching Horrible Histories or adults wanting to teach a bit of the era to their kids, it’s a great read and one that can intrigue young minds.

The stories are all really well written, being both compelling, entertaining and informative without being too heavy. They also feature some capturing illustrations making it a great addition to a young and growing bookshelf.
Nicola W, Reviewer
Written by the bestselling author Terry Deary, creator of Horrible Histories, this gripping collection of four stories brings the Second World War vividly to life for young readers aged 7 and up. Told through the eyes of children and adults who lived through wartime Britain, each tale reveals courage, resilience and humanity amid the chaos of conflict. With engaging illustrations by James de la Rue, this book combines Deary’s trademark humour with fascinating historical insight, offering an authentic window into life on the Home Front. Complete with thoughtful reader notes to encourage deeper exploration, this history as it should be – thrilling, accessible and unforgettable. Parents will appreciate its educational depth, and children will be captivated by its daring adventures and real-life heroes
Preneur-World.com
Author Terry Deary
Narrator Terry Deary
Series Terrible True Tales
Duration 2 hours and 36 minutes
Release Date
ISBN 9781801999410
Format Audiobook
Publisher Bloomsbury Publishing
Genre Children’s / Teenage fiction: Action and adventure stories, Children’s / Teenage fiction: Historical fiction, Children’s / Teenage fiction: Military and war fiction
Availability AU, GB, IE, US

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