By Bianca Schulze, The Children’s Book Review
Published: December 4, 2009
by Jim Murphy
Reading level: Teens/Young Adult
Hardcover: 144 pages
Publisher: Scholastic Press (October 1, 2009)
Source: Publisher
What to expect: Christmas Truce, World War I, Western front
Moving and empowering … War in the Western Front region pauses—if only briefly—to honor the true spirit of Christmas, with a Christmas Truce. Two-time Newbery Honor Book author Jim Murphy’s bold and brave narrative reveals the power of communication and shows us that peace is possible—even in the hardest of times.
Although Truce makes a worthy holiday book, its message goes above and beyond a particular season. Murphy has presented these events of World War I in an incredibly gratifying but accurately informative way. This is a very educational read. Included throughout and in the end pages: a time line; maps; photographs and artwork from war museums; lists of additional books, movies, and websites enabling readers to continue their own learning and research on World War I.
Emotionally, Truce offers up lessons in honor, virtue, and integrity. A very powerful and effectual read!
Publisher’s synopsis: On July 29th 1914, the world’s peace was shattered as the artillery of the Austria-Hungary Empire began shelling the troops of the country to its south. What followed was like a row of falling dominoes as one European country after another rushed into war. Soon most of Europe was fighting in this calamitous war that could have been avoided. This was, of course, the First World War.
But who could have guessed that on December 25 the troops would openly defy their commanding officers by stopping the fighting and having a spontaneous celebration of Christmas with their “enemies”? (cont’d)
In what can only be described as a Christmas Miracle, this beautiful and heartrending narrative will remind everyone how brotherhood and love for one another reaches far beyond war and politics.
Add this book to your collection: Truce
You may also enjoy these books by Jim Murphy: The Great Fire and Blizzard.
Link of interest: Five questions for Jim Murphy.