Don't You Know There's a War On? [Library Binding]

James Stevenson (Author, Illustrator)

Book Description

Publication Date: October 23, 1992 | Age Level: 5 and up | Grade Level: P and up

"Seen through the eyes of a young boy, these [are] strikingly faithful memories of the home front during World War II....The boy wants to help win the war; he collects tin foil and tin cans, buys war stamps, and plants a victory garden....But anxious times to come, too. His father goes into the army, and the boy misses him terribly....Stevenson is adept at presenting the unsettling mixture of the humorous, the day-to-day, and the serious moments....A splendid evocation of the past; a wonderful book....for everyone to share."--Horn Book.

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

This nostalgic tale by the talented New Yorker artist is more bittersweet than his previous reminiscences ( When I Was Nine ; Higher on the Door ; July ), and, as a result, is more touching. Told in Stevenson's trademark ingenuous first-person style, the story opens in 1942, when the young narrator's requests for a ride to the movies or a candy bar are answered with the oft-heard question posed in the book's title. Insisting that "I tried to help win the war," the boy chronicles his well-intentioned efforts, which include planting a victory garden, saving foil, writing a newspaper and searching for spies among the neighbors. Although matters become a bit scary when his father goes off to join the Army, the boy and his mother have a chance to visit him at Christmas, and finally greet him at the train station once the war is over. Sly humor adds immeasurably to this winning study, while distinctive pastel shades fill Stevenson's inviting, typically sketchy watercolors. The art and the endearingly personal text evoke the past in the affecting manner that Stevenson has perfected. Ages 5-up.
Copyright 1992 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

From School Library Journal

Kindergarten-Grade 4-- These reminiscences illustrate how a young American boy felt in 1942 surrounded by World War II. Small watercolor pictures float on white pages, making this a scrapbook of memories. The single objects and simplified scenes reduce the war to child-size and make its enormity manageable. Gas coupons, rationing, and air-raid wardens make their appearances. This is one boy's particular story, another chapter to follow When I Was Nine (1986), Higher on the Door (1987) and July (1990, all Greenwillow), but it is one shared by many grandparents, parents, teachers , and librarians who will enjoy using this book to show the way things were. --Anna Biagioni Hart, Sherwood Regional Library, Alexandria, VA
Copyright 1992 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 5 and up
  
• Library Binding: 32 pages
• Publisher: Greenwillow Books; 1st edition (October 23, 1992)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0688113842
• ISBN-13: 978-0688113841
• Product Dimensions: 10.1 x 8.2 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 10.4 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #688,114 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

15 of 15 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars WWII Comes Alive for Small Children, December 15, 1999

By 

Suzanne Cheek - See all my reviews

This review is from: Don't You Know There's a War On? (Library Binding)

I am a retired first grade teacher who grew up during WWII. This book is an accurate account of all the things that young children heard, saw, thought about, and participated in during this historical event. Reading it to my classes each December 7 brought back memories and tears that I had forgotten. The children were spellbound and full of questions as I read aloud, often using war mementoes-dog tags, a silver ID bracelet, ration stamps, uniform patches, saving stamps bought in school, balls of chewing gum wrappers, etc.- to help describe this time in history. The reading of this book encouraged many children to go home and question their grandparents, often finding that their grandfathers served in WWII. The book led to map studies of countries involved. I can't begin to tell you how important this book is to children who are just beginning to learn about our country. I was invited by a fifth grade teacher to present Don't You Know There's A War On? to her class. They loved it! This book should take it's place with other children's classics in every library and become a "must read" as part of a child's education about this country and its brave and patriotic citizens.

5.0 out of 5 stars Just as good for today., January 25, 2008

By 

Heidi (New Mexico) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Don't You Know There's a War On? (Hardcover)

This book looks at a boy's experience during WWII. I think it is not only a good history book but also current events. With a war going on right now it gave us lots to talk about. How does it feel to have your dad away at war? Your brother? Another family member? What do you say to people who have lost family members in a war? What can we do to help? While this book does not have the answers it does give you some things to talk about. I have it recommended for ages 4-7 years.