Voices of World War 2

This book delivers an informative, relevant background for students studying WW2. Primary sources are a great feature. Visually, it is very attractive and accessible, displaying a white background overlaid with typed information, war photos, pictures of ephemera and icons. A comprehensive timeline is displayed on the front and back pages detailing significant events between 1939 to 1947. Well-known New Zealanders are also included, linked by birth date to war dates and events. The timeline complements the contents page that summarises topics explored sequentially by year.

New Zealand’s contribution to WW2 is acknowledged through various work sectors from agriculture (food, wool) to women assuming previous male roles (often the ‘silent army') in the police force, communications and education, for example.

The voices represented are unique and varied, with sources from diaries and interviews to unpublished letters. There are descriptions of war experiences: in the air, sea and on land; there is Conscription, Objectors and Pacifists, as well as politics, religion and medicine.

‘Voices’ offers rich layers of New Zealand's personal experiences and roles in World War Two. The war experiences connect directly to each local NZ region, validating and enriching information for New Zealand students.

Title: Voices of World War 2: New Zealanders share their stories

Author: Renee Hollis

Publisher: Exisle Publishing

ISBN: 9781775594314

RRP: $49.99

Format: Hardback

Publication: November 2021

Ages: Intermediate and up

Reviewer: Michele Ayres, Librarian, Motueka High School, Tasman

How are you recommending this book? Recommended

Opening sentence: Much has been written about World War II, but this book has been largely written by New Zealanders at home and overseas who lived through it, and this volume gives them a voice.

Teachers notes are available to download from the publisher’s site here

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