Did you know that kids read these books during WWI?
Many children’s books and novels that are still read today were common reads for children during the Great War. Some have even been turned into famous films!
Pollyanna
by Eleanor H. Porter
The Secret Garden
by Frances Hodgson Burnett
The Wonderful Wizard of Oz
by L. Frank Baum
Anne of Green Gables
by Lucy Maud Montgomery
The Magic Pudding
by Norman Lindsey
How Girls Can Help Their Country: Handbook for Girl Scouts
by W. J. Hoxie
Did you know that kids played these games during WWI, too?
Dominoes
The game has been around since the 12th century in China but might date back further to even the ancient Egyptians! During WWI, playing with dominoes was a common pastime.
Cribbage
Created by an English poet in the early 17th century and has continued to be a popular game in the English-speaking world ever since. The game was played by people at home and deployed servicemembers!
"Monopoly"
Based off a game published in 1906 called "The Landlord’s Game." Lizzie Magie, the original designer, wanted the game to help educate players about realty and taxation.
Chess and checkers
Both games have a very long history and have been played across the globe in various forms since their creations. Chess has its roots in a game from India called chaturanga and has been around since before the 600s C.E. Checkers as we know it has been around since the 12th century, but evidence of a game potentially similar to checkers has been found that dates back to 3000 B.C.E.
Are you looking for some great books about WWI to read with kids?
Find a wide variety of children’s books available at the Museum and Memorial store! Here are a few staff favorites:
Finding Winnie:
The True Story of the World’s Most Famous Bear
by Lindsay Mattick
Cher Ami:
Based on the World War I Legend of the Fearless Pigeon
by Mélisande Potter
Grace Banker and Her Hello Girls Answer the Call
by Claudia Friddell
