BLITZ: One Family’s War – at a glance
The School Reading Lists’ five word review: blitz, vivid, historical, families, resilience.
Children’s book title: BLITZ: One Family’s War.
Children’s author and illustrator: Martin Impey.
Genre: Picture book, historical fiction.
Published by: Harbour Moon Publishing.
ISBN: 9781916062528.
Recommended for children aged: 7+ year-olds.
First published: Hardback November 2024.
This children’s book is ideal for: discussing resilience, the impact of war, displacement and conflict.
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Our review:
Blitz: One Family’s War by Martin Impey brings wartime London vividly to life through the eyes of two siblings. Set in the East End during World War II, this memorable hardback picture book is a tale of upheaval, resilience, and family bonds. The story follows the siblings’ experiences as everyday routines are turned upside down by air raids, their father leaving to fight, and, eventually, their evacuation to safety.
The book stands out for its 247 stunning watercolour illustrations: each one painstakingly detailed and steeped in historical research. These images do much of the storytelling, with the sparse text serving as a quiet guide rather than a loud narrator. Historical touches, like maps, letters, and snippets of radio broadcasts, weave authenticity into the narrative, giving readers a glimpse into the grit and determination of those who lived through the Blitz.
Award-winning illustrator Impey didn’t just rely on second-hand accounts to build his story. He explored archives, wandered the streets of Bow, and drew from his family’s history to recreate the sights and spirit of wartime London. The result? A book that feels personal yet universal, capturing both the chaos of war and the small, quiet moments of humanity.
Impey said: “Blitz: One Family’s War is inspired by my childhood stories, growing up with tale of how my Grandparent’s house in Bow, the heart of London’s East End, was destroyed by German bombs during what later became known as ‘The Blitz’.
Our verdict:
This is more than a children’s book – it’s a fascinating doorway to understanding how war reshaped the lives of ordinary families in the 1940s and a prescient warning amidst today’s increasing geopolitical tension. Perfect for readers aged nine and up, it blends personal stories with historical context, making it engaging and accessible. The illustrations, rich with emotion and detail, will grip children who love to pore over pictures while the narrative is sure to spark a thirst for learning more about this historical period.
Parents and teachers will find it an excellent conversation starter. Themes such as community resilience, the impact of war, and modern parallels with displacement and conflict are ripe for discussion. Blitz is an impressive achievement – a perceptive mix of art and storytelling that lingers long after the final page.
Blitz: One Family’s War is a masterpiece of visual storytelling that will bring to life WW2 history lessons in KS2.
Teaching points and book club discussion ideas:
- Reflect on the role of air raid shelters – what did they mean for safety and morale?
- Imagine life as a child in wartime: How did evacuation change their world?
- Dive into the illustrations to uncover hidden details like striped lampposts or helmets. What do they reveal about life during the Blitz?
- Write a diary entry or letter as if you were one of the siblings. How would you feel being separated from home?
- Can you compare the Blitz experience in London’s East End with other cities impacted by war?
- Explore the sense of community depicted in the story. How does it resonate with today’s challenges?
- Use the breathtaking watercolours as a springboard for creative writing or artwork.
Many thanks to Harbour Moon Publishing for the review copy.
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