World War I Tales: The Pigeon Spy - Softcover

Deary, Terry

Softcover

ISBN 10: 1472941985 ISBN 13: 9781472941985

Publisher: Bloomsbury Education, 2016

Synopsis

From the bestselling author of Horrible Histories, named ''the outstanding children''s non-fiction author of the 20th century'' by Books For Keeps
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Ideal for readers aged 7+

Stories of the First World War from the bestselling Terry Deary, author of the hugely successful Horrible Histories. Flanders 1918. The extraordinary true story of a pigeon who saved nearly 200 lives.

A troop of Americans are trapped behind enemy lines. Not only are their German enemies firing at them but so are their own side. Somehow they have to get a message to their comrades. The only way is by pigeon. But every time a pigeon rises in the air it is shot down. The last pigeon, a black bird called Cher Ami, flies with bullets zipping through the air all around him, covering 25 miles in just 65 minutes, helping to save the lives of the 194 survivors.

In his epic journey he is shot through the breast, blinded in one eye, and left with a leg hanging only by a tendon. Army medics save his life. They can''t save his leg, so they carve a small wooden one for him. When he recovers, the pigeon is put on a boat to the United States, a hero. Astonishing true tale of animals at war from master historical storyteller Terry Deary.

Book Band: Grey
Quizzed for Accelerated Reader
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‘Bubbling with wit, language play and robust dialogue....just the right mix of ingredients to trigger young readers'' interest in all things historical’ - Books For Keeps

About this title

About the Author

Terry Deary is the author of over 200 fiction and non-fiction books, which have been published in 40 languages. His Horrible Histories will celebrate their 25th anniversary in 2018, and have sold over 25 million copies worldwide and been adapted as television series, theatre tours and museum exhibitions. 2018 will also be the 40th anniversary of his first children's book. Terry Deary was voted "Outstanding Children's Non-Fiction Author of the 20th Century" by Books for Keeps magazine.

Review

another fascinating insight into the lesser-known aspects of the War - this time, a homing pigeon charged with carrying a vital message. An excellent series. * Parents in Touch * An exciting and entertaining short read. * Irish Examiner * An exciting story which brings alive a little known aspect of World War I. -- Julia Eccleshare * Lovereading4kids * a lively story which is based in fact and engagingly illustrated by James de la Rue. * The Historical Novel Society * Overall, it's a good read. The characters are interesting, the vocabulary is rich and the author deals realistically with the issues involved. * Primary Teacher Update *

Edition details

• Publisher: Bloomsbury Education
• Publication date: 2016
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 1472941985
• ISBN 13: 9781472941985
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 64