The Button War: A Tale of the Great War

By Author / Illustrator

Avi, David Dean

Genre

Historical Fiction

Age range(s)

11+

Publisher

Walker Books Ltd

ISBN

9781406380835

Format

Paperback / softback

Published

01-11-2018

Synopsis

Award-winning author Avi pens a stark, unflinching tale of ordinary boys living during WW1 as tensions - and desperations - mount among them.

The first button they found. The second button they stole... Twelve-year-old Patryk has never left his Polish village and doesn't know much about the outside world. Then one August, with the clatter-clatter of an aeroplane, the Great War explodes into his village. As the Germans and Russians fight for control, Patryk and his friends begin their own battle to find the best military button. It starts as a dare, but soon the boys find themselves trapped in a dangerous war. Just how far are they prepared to go to win?

"An excellent read" The Times

Reviews

The Button War is an original story filled with mystery, excitement and adventure, always keeping me guessing until the final sentence, 'who would be the Button King?' There are many hints and twists sprinkled throughout the book, making it an interesting read even when you may think you've got the answer (I sure did think I knew what the outcome would be, but... ). I would recommend this for anyone who's looking for something to keep you reading from beginning to the end.

Suggested Reading Age 11+

As a teacher, I am always on the lookout for gripping books to make my students think so when this book landed on my desk - based on the power struggle between the Russian and German armies during 1914 - I knew I had to make it a priority to read.

Having never read any books by Avi before, I only had the promise of being an award-winning author to go on; however, the slow beginning and the introduction of a gang of boys to try and remember began to test my focus. Now, I'll admit, I can't remember the exact point in which I became so absorbed that I forgot about the outside world, but I can remember the feeling, of turning the last page knowing I had just read a book that was unbelievably real.

Without spoilers, it is a tale of a group of ordinary Polish village boys who live their lives with Russian soldiers forever in their village. It is how they have always remembered it to be yet, one day a bomb drops and their whole world explodes with it. Soon, the German army arrive and to help escape the war, which is now firmly on their doorsteps, they dare each other to get the best button they can from a uniformed solider; the winner receives king status. Their adventure begins to rapidly spin out of control and soon it isn't just their reputations that are at stake. They quickly realise, their lives are now on the line as well.

The Button War would be a brilliant book to coincide with any War related topic (both studied or as a class read) which explores how war and the politics of war can affect everyone, regardless of age. A tale of understanding how innocence can be lost even when war has 'nothing to do with you'. Year 6 children would be able to tackle it but Years 7+ would get the most from it.

240 pages / Reviewed by Leanne Woolcock, teacher