Our Own War Level 31

Our Own War offers a deeply personal glimpse into the 1918 influenza epidemic through the fictional diary of Sophie Graham, a young girl experiencing the daily struggles of life during a global health crisis. Blending fact with fiction, the book opens with a preface grounded in historical accuracy and includes powerful visual elements like period photographs and newspaper excerpts. Sophie's voice brings an emotional and human perspective to an event that changed the world, allowing readers to connect with history on an intimate level. This text is an effective tool for examining the social impact of pandemics, personal resilience, and the importance of community during times of hardship.

Educational Benefits

• Teaches students to distinguish between historical fact and fictional representation.
• Encourages empathy and personal connection with historical events.
• Develops skills in making inferences and understanding authorial intent.
• Explores the societal and personal impacts of pandemics.

Classroom Ideas

• Have students write their own diary entries from the perspective of someone during a pandemic.
• Use photographs to explore changes in health care and hygiene practices.
• Discuss the role of media and communication during health crises.
• Compare the 1918 influenza to more recent global health events.

Safety & Information

• Suitable for ages 10+
• 210mm x 148mm (portrait)
• Sensitive themes related to illness and historical suffering
• Designed for history and health curriculum connections