Shrapnel Boys by Jenny Pearson is a gripping and accessible historical novel for young readers, set during the Second World War and seen through the eyes of a spirited boy named Ronnie Smith.
This free resource pack is designed to enrich the reading experience, making the novel not just an engaging story but also a powerful learning tool.
Developed with school use in mind, the resource encourages pupils to connect emotionally and intellectually with the events of 1939 through thoughtful discussion and creative activities.
At its heart, Shrapnel Boys balances the everyday life of children in wartime London with thrilling secrets and family drama. Ronnie is a relatable and likeable protagonist who navigates the challenges of air raids, shifting family dynamics and suspicions about his younger brother’s mysterious new activities.
The story captures both the excitement and the danger of the time, helping young readers imagine what it might have felt like to grow up in such uncertain times.
Reviewed by the Imperial War Museum for historical accuracy and published in the 80th anniversary year of the end of WWII, Shrapnel Boys is ideal for UKS2.
Shrapnel Boys resource pack contents
Introduction
- Overview of the novel and its themes
- Background on the author, Jenny Pearson
Discussion notes
- Guided questions to support classroom discussion
- Prompts to encourage pupils to explore:
- Ronnie’s character and relationships
- Family dynamics during wartime
- Themes like bravery, loyalty and secrets
- The impact of war on everyday life
Activity 1 – A day in the life
Fill out the table with the activities you carry out during a regular day in your life, then fill out the column for Ronnie’s life. How different does a day look for a child living through World War Two?
Activity 2 – Reporting on the war
Use the given prompts to plan a newspaper article reporting on the bombing that took place in London.
Activity 3 – Images from wartime London
Choose a scene from the book and add sights, smells and sounds you’d experience there on the included worksheet. Then use this to create a piece of art depicting the scene, such as a drawing, collage or poem.
Browse more of the best WW2 books to use in your classroom.
