I’m married to a writer, but don’t think I’ve ever really blogged about his books. This perhaps makes me a bad wife.
G is a historian, so started off in the publishing industry as a researcher for Terry Deary’s Horrible Histories series. Over the years Terry became a mentor and an incredible support to G, as he took his first steps into book deals. G has had 10 children’s history books published so far (an additional 6 are being published this year), but this new series is his baby. This is the one that he didn’t give up even when lots of rubbish stuff was happening in our personal life.
This week the first two books of the Battle Books series, Hastings (EDGE - Battle Books) and Arnhem (EDGE - Battle Books) are published.
The Battle Books series is a spin on the original Fighting Fantasy or Choose Your Own Adventure style books. In this interactive series (there are 4 books to start the series, 2 published this week and another 2 in March) it’s all about making decisions as the reader takes part in epic battles from throughout history. The books include amazing black-and-white illustrations and carry a reading age of about 9–10 years, but an interest range from 8–14 years.
So, in the Hastings (EDGE - Battle Books), it’s 1066 and the reader is William the Conqueror:
“It’s 1066 and Harold Godwinson has been crowned King of England.A mighty army has journeyed from Normandy, Breton and France to crush Harold’s forces at what will become remembered as the Battle of Hastings. You are William the Conqueror, Duke of Normandy and leader of one of the largest invasion forces ever. You must command your army and position your forces to defeat the English, and claim the crown that is rightfully yours…”
And in Arnhem (EDGE - Battle Books), it’s 1944 and the reader is a Lieutenant in the 2nd Parachute Battalion:
“It is 1944 and Europe is still in the iron claw of Nazi German forces. In an attempt to end the war, British leaders have a plan to send elite troops deep behind German defences to capture key targets, including bridges. You are a Lieutenant in the 2nd Parachute Battalion. You must command your men forward through enemy territory and reach the bridge in the Dutch town of Arnhem. You must hold the bridge
at any cost…”
Terry Deary has provided a foreword and also a cover quote saying, “History does not get any more exciting than this.” I think he’s right.
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Showed these to my son after your tweet about them. He’s already had me put an order in for a couple. He’s quite into military history and likes strategy games. These look just the thing to get him reading more.
These books sound really fab fun. I have a friends in mind to recommend these to especially.
Kat X
What I meant to write is: These books sound really fab fun. I have a few friends whose children will love these books & will be recommending them to.
Sorry about that. Tired Typing syndrome. Lol.
Kat X
Excellent! Huge congrats to Mr G! They look awesome!
They both look fantastic! I can imagine the boys (and girls) at my school would love these.
Gary is so cool! N3S will love these and the Easter Bunny might just bring some for him.
I hate violence, but love history and particularly battle strategy - I would imagine that this is a dream-job for Gary.
Fantastic!!!
Congratulations G!
m x
Been waiting for these since you mentioned them to me! They look absolutely fantastic, I can’t wait to buy them for my nephews. Well done Mr S!
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