World War II
Learn about World War II from the perspective of America. You will read books, learn stories, listen to music, participate in a simulation and more as you learn about the sacrifices different groups of Americans made.
This unit is written to cover 26 school days. You will need the required workbook and books below. In addition, you will also need to pick a historical fiction and biography to read while you study about World War II. We have a list to choose from, but you can always read a family favorite.
This curriculum is written with students 4th-8th grade in mind. You can always scale down to fit your needs, but we don't recommend trying to use it for high school age students.
Free!
Required Materials
Workbook
This workbook is written to the student. It will guide them through the daily reading and activities with minimal parent involvement.
Answer Key
The answer key is not necessary to complete the unit. It is identical to the Student Workbook, but with answers in red.
This complete encyclopedia of American history showcases the incredible journey the United States of America has made to become the major 21st-century power it is today.
Every American History unit uses this encyclopedia.
An accessible and thought-provoking introduction to the First World War and the Second World War, stunningly illustrated with dramatic contemporary photographs, paintings, posters and maps. This beautifully presented hardback book tells the story of both conflicts, from the trenches of the First World War to the battles and Blitz of World War Two.
This book will also be used in the WWII unit.
During World War II U.S. forces had to keep battle plans and other top secret information out of the enemy's hands. Coded messages were often used, but secret codes could be broken. To solve this problem, the U.S. military turned to an unexpected source to create an unbreakable code. Learn all about the brave Navajo Code Talkers and how their unbreakable code helped defeat the enemy and win the war.
Students will be creating a biography poster. These premade templates are an excellent tool.
Every American History Unit will have a biography poster project.
Other supplies
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Historical Fiction from the list below
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Biography books from the list below
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Our family loves the game Undaunted. You play scenarios based on real WWII battles. It is not used in the unit, but is a fun way to learn more about WWII.
Historical Fiction Options
You will read one historical fiction book for this unit. There are several great historical fiction books to choose from. Listed below are a few at different reading levels.
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Projekt 1065- Alan Gatz
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Heroes- Alan Gatz
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Brave Like my Brother- Marc Tyler Nobelman
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I Survived the Nazi Invasion- I Survived Series
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I Survived the Battle of D-Day- I Survived Series
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I Survived the Bombing of Pearl Harbor- I Survived Series
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The Secret Cave- Claire Huchet Bishop
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Number the Stars- Lois Lowry
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The Boy in the Striped Pajamas- John Boyne
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The Book Thief- Markus Zusak
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Soul Lanterns- Shaw Kuzki
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Boy at War: A Novel of Pearl Harbor- Harry Mazer
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The War That Saved My Life- Kimberly Bradly
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The Night War- Kimberly Bradly
Non-Fiction Options
There are many great nonfiction books and biographies about this time period. You will need to pick one to read.
Ghosts in the Fog- Samantha Seiple
Dairy of a Young Girl- Anne Frank
Bomb- Steve Sheinkin
They Called Us Enemy- George Takai
The Hiding Place- Corrie Ten Boom (There is also this graphic version)
Agent Most Wanted Sonia Purnell
Unbroken-YA version- Laura Hillenbrand
If the above non-fiction books don't interest you, you can choose to read a biography about one of the people below. Make sure you pick a biography that matches your family values.
Winston Churchill
Franklin Delano Roosevelt
Albert Einstein
Joseph Stalin
Adolf Hitler
Hideki Tojo
Dwight Eisenhower