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This is currently Pre-Order only. Will be ready to dispatch on the 09/02/2026.
The Hundred-Year-Old Tortoise is a warm and thought-provoking children’s historical fiction novel for ages 7–11, following Riley as he reluctantly takes on the care of his grandad’s much-loved tortoise. What begins as a frustrating responsibility soon becomes a journey of discovery, as Riley uncovers a bundle of wartime letters that reveal his family’s experiences during World War II.
With a blend of present-day storytelling alongside gentle historical enquiry, this engaging WW2 children’s book helps young readers connect with changes within living memory while exploring themes of family, patience, empathy and identity. It's perfect for both classrooms and home reading, as Riley’s story invites children to think like young historians, sparking curiosity about their own family histories and the world around them.
Key Features & Learning Opportunities:
- Historical Enquiry: The book provides an accessible introduction to World War II, supporting KS2 history topics and helping children explore the past through personal stories.
- Family History for Kids: Encourages children to reflect on heritage, memory and intergenerational connections.
- Emotional Literacy & Empathy: The story explores responsibility, resilience, kindness and understanding through relatable characters and situations.
- Cross-Curricular Links: Also ideal for literacy, history, PSHE and discussion-based learning in Years 3–6.
- Engaging Class Read or Independent Novel: Suitable for shared reading and guided groups as a Second World War class text, or for confident independent readers looking for meaningful fiction.
Download the accompanying KS2 resources and activities for use in the classroom and at home here.
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