Fixes facts and story to engage children in history; world war one.What was the First World War really like? Step into the boots of 14-year-old James Marchbank and experience the most important, incredible, peculiar, poignant, remarkable and revolting bits of World War 1.Inspired by the real-life diary of a Scottish boy soldier, each easy-to-read chapter mixes James's story with timelines, letters, diagrams and illustrations to create a fact-tastic account of the First World War, which is both fun and emotionally engaging for younger readers. Take a journey through time to find out. - Why rat hunting became a popular hobby in the trenches - How parachuting pigeons helped at war - Why a really good friend would rub whale oil on your feet - What it actually felt like to be a teenager at war A Secret Diary of the First World War is the first in a new brilliant series, which blends together intriguing facts and fascinating fiction to bring the most exciting, gruesome and crucial moments of Scottish history alive for young readers.