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Adventures in Time: The Second World War
Take a journey to a vanished world with the ADVENTURES IN TIME series - stories so exciting you won't believe they're all truePrepare to enter the most dramatic conflict the world has ever seen, as historian Dominic Sandbrook takes us on a spine-tingling, heart-stopping adventure. We witness the Second World War first-hand through the eyes of ordinary people living in extraordinary times, from the women who worked all night in factories to the chess players who cracked unbreakable codes. Because in total war, no life is left untouched...The Adventures in Time series brings the past alive for twenty-first century children. These stories are every bit as exciting as those of Harry Potter or Matilda Wormwood. The only difference is they actually happened...
368 pages, Paperback
First published July 1, 2021
37 people are currently reading
359 people want to read
About the author
Dominic Sandbrook
46 books561 followersAn English historian, commentator and broadcaster and author of two highly acclaimed books on modern Britain: Never Had It So Good and White Heat. Their follow-up is State of Emergency.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews
December 24, 2025
very accessible book to learn history, told with story-like prose and real heroes. Incredible
July 25, 2022
Ever since I read Adventures in Time: Alexander the Great, I immediately fell in love with Dominic Sandbrooks historical storytelling. The fiction- non fiction element of this book is gripping and I immediately put his whole series on my want list.
I’ve always been an avid learner of wartime, so when I got this as a Christmas present, I was over the moon! Couldn’t wait to read it and now so have, I want to read it again! I’m so glad I have these on my shelf as I will probably go back for a reread as they’re brilliant.
It tells the story of the Second World War, from its first rumblings to the end and all in between. From key events, the turning points, voices and stories from those who fought, it really made for compelling reading.
Once I picked it up, I struggled to put it down and found myself learning an awful lot whilst also being immersed into the story telling aspect of this point in history. It’s seriously an addicting read and one I loved from start to finish. I can’t wait to read more in this series now!
I’ve always been an avid learner of wartime, so when I got this as a Christmas present, I was over the moon! Couldn’t wait to read it and now so have, I want to read it again! I’m so glad I have these on my shelf as I will probably go back for a reread as they’re brilliant.
It tells the story of the Second World War, from its first rumblings to the end and all in between. From key events, the turning points, voices and stories from those who fought, it really made for compelling reading.
Once I picked it up, I struggled to put it down and found myself learning an awful lot whilst also being immersed into the story telling aspect of this point in history. It’s seriously an addicting read and one I loved from start to finish. I can’t wait to read more in this series now!
February 2, 2022
Excellent narrative history of World War II for young readers (approximately ages 9-12). Based on good research, sound judgement and interpretation, judiciously selected and arranged episodes, and simply but elegantly written, this presents the war in its totality—from the early lives of Hitler and Churchill to the rise of the Nazis and the Japanese invasion of Manchuria all the way to VE and VJ Day and the war’s long aftermath—with both sweeping scope and immediately involving intimacy. It’s an ideal way to introduce kids to this topic through storytelling, which is the best way to do it.
There are one or two oversimplifications (eg one might get the mistaken impression from the one-paragraph explanation of the Winter War that the USSR successfully took over Finland), but not enough to detract from its overall value.
Highly recommended.
There are one or two oversimplifications (eg one might get the mistaken impression from the one-paragraph explanation of the Winter War that the USSR successfully took over Finland), but not enough to detract from its overall value.
Highly recommended.
December 10, 2021
This book was a suggested book for 9-12 year olds to learn about WWII. The author said that kids want and need a long story to read much like the Harry Potter books.(I'm paraphrasing). Each chapter in this 345 pages book highlights a different segment of the war starting with Hitler's rise to power and ending with Japan's surrender.
I've read a lot of WWII books but this was like a Cliff's notes version of the years leading to and through the War. I recommend it for all ages.
I've read a lot of WWII books but this was like a Cliff's notes version of the years leading to and through the War. I recommend it for all ages.
April 21, 2024
Book contains mostly all the key events of World war, however I was hoping to know more about Mussolini and Italy’s role in WW2 but I couldn’t find much in this book.
Authors has used lot of stories from survivors of WW2 and my heart goes out to all of them who has to suffer due to this Great War.
As Indian I am little biased against Britain and I can see hypocrisy in Churchill’s speeches - British people could not tolerate crimes against Europe but how they were so ignorant what was happening in India at the same time?
Author has rightly pointed out all the cruelties done by Germans, Japs but he should have pointed out that Allies were also not innocent- they were doing same thing in their colonies abroad…
World War Two was not happened only because of Hitlers ambition but it happened because people are not treating other people as their equals… Indian were subhuman to British, Blacks were subhuman to Americans, Chinese were subhuman to Japanese, Jews to Germans and so on and on….
I am sorry for all my ranting..
Authors has used lot of stories from survivors of WW2 and my heart goes out to all of them who has to suffer due to this Great War.
As Indian I am little biased against Britain and I can see hypocrisy in Churchill’s speeches - British people could not tolerate crimes against Europe but how they were so ignorant what was happening in India at the same time?
Author has rightly pointed out all the cruelties done by Germans, Japs but he should have pointed out that Allies were also not innocent- they were doing same thing in their colonies abroad…
World War Two was not happened only because of Hitlers ambition but it happened because people are not treating other people as their equals… Indian were subhuman to British, Blacks were subhuman to Americans, Chinese were subhuman to Japanese, Jews to Germans and so on and on….
I am sorry for all my ranting..
May 4, 2022
Dominic Sandbrook is a well-researched historian who has turned history into an engaging and easily digestible read for teenagers 11 - 15 years old. I teach KS3 history in the UK and would recommend this read to all my students. While some parts of it seems over simplified and glazed over it is to be expected because it is not a comprehensive historical text its history for the modern teenager. The story covers the entirety of the Second World War and the experiences of those who live it, relatable and understandable to today's youth. Sandbrook connects multiple diverse experiences to construct a story that flows chronologically from one event to another. He mixes the stories of leaders of the time such as Churchill, Roosevelt and Hitler and entwines then with the average person fighting in the war. It is a story of heroics and survival and of devastation and loss. I enjoyed this so very much. Highly recommended!
February 26, 2024
I read this on the Eurostar (!) between Amsterdam, Paris and London this week, this focused the subject somehow. Although a book meant for teenagers, it’s written so well and serves as a wonderful general introduction/overview of the history of WW2. I really liked the fact it wasn’t just Europe and Churchill focused and had plenty of chapters on the war in Africa, Far East etc… part of the history I knew almost nothing about. But, like anything about the period it was obviously a sobering read 😢
October 1, 2023
I can't remember where I heard about this series of books; I think it must have been on one of the History Hit podcasts I listen to (as I haven't started the podcast series hosted by the author yet!).
I had expected something a bit similar to 'Horrible Histories' but pitched at more of a young teen audience. However, upon reading I'd say it's more of a step up comprehension-wise; it's more of an overview of the history of WW2 for that age group, told via the stories of various people who were involved. The big players are all accounted for - Churchill, Roosevelt, Stalin and Hitler, but it also examines events through the eyes of 'normal' folk; the first man on the beaches at D-Day, a nurse captured by the Japanese in Singapore, and a girl who was caught in the Hiroshima blast, to name but a few. Some names you'll know, others you won't, but each story is wound together to examine the war from all sides. No gags or toilet humour to be found, just a simple, factual narrative that introduces the human aspect of warfare without being too graphic.
The writing hits that perfect sweet spot between a novel and a narrative history non-fiction book; the author has somehow managed to tell the story of 1939-45 using characters that are all real people and their own words, but doesn't deviate from the truth of the matter for entertainment purposes. For example, one of the anecdotes is about the team that land at Pegasus Bridge on D-Day. You follow one of the soldiers as they glide over the Channel, have a rough landing and move to take and defend the bridge. The author conveys the nerves and fear of the soldiers as well as any fiction writer can get into the mind of their characters, but equally doesn't succumb to temptation to turn the narrative into a 'Boys Own' adventure or fictionalise the action in any way.
I am also very impressed by the fact that it examines the war from a global perspective - the Asian war gets significant page space, which is very unusual. So often are events outside of Europe relegated to brief mentions, or soundbites about Pearl Harbor and the A bombs, so it was really interesting to read and gain a basic understanding of how the Japanese involvement ties into the larger conflict. Generally that's why I love these sort of middle grade books - if you ate just coming to a subject, they give you a grounding without bombarding you.
My only concern is that, for the most part, this does come across very strongly as a 'history is written by the winners', black and white, good v evil pitching of events. In a few places the author does take the time to recognise people that made moves to resist or help the oppressed within Germany, but in the main some of the nuances appear to have been left at the door. I'd be absolutely fine with sharing this book with a child to give them a clear and concise introduction to the period - indeed, it's one of the best books I've read on the subjectat this level. But I'd perhaps be more hesitant to supply this as a history book that might teach them to engage in critical thinking with little or no previous knowledge of the period.
I am definitely interested in reading the others in this series... my local library just needs to hurry up and deliver them!
I had expected something a bit similar to 'Horrible Histories' but pitched at more of a young teen audience. However, upon reading I'd say it's more of a step up comprehension-wise; it's more of an overview of the history of WW2 for that age group, told via the stories of various people who were involved. The big players are all accounted for - Churchill, Roosevelt, Stalin and Hitler, but it also examines events through the eyes of 'normal' folk; the first man on the beaches at D-Day, a nurse captured by the Japanese in Singapore, and a girl who was caught in the Hiroshima blast, to name but a few. Some names you'll know, others you won't, but each story is wound together to examine the war from all sides. No gags or toilet humour to be found, just a simple, factual narrative that introduces the human aspect of warfare without being too graphic.
The writing hits that perfect sweet spot between a novel and a narrative history non-fiction book; the author has somehow managed to tell the story of 1939-45 using characters that are all real people and their own words, but doesn't deviate from the truth of the matter for entertainment purposes. For example, one of the anecdotes is about the team that land at Pegasus Bridge on D-Day. You follow one of the soldiers as they glide over the Channel, have a rough landing and move to take and defend the bridge. The author conveys the nerves and fear of the soldiers as well as any fiction writer can get into the mind of their characters, but equally doesn't succumb to temptation to turn the narrative into a 'Boys Own' adventure or fictionalise the action in any way.
I am also very impressed by the fact that it examines the war from a global perspective - the Asian war gets significant page space, which is very unusual. So often are events outside of Europe relegated to brief mentions, or soundbites about Pearl Harbor and the A bombs, so it was really interesting to read and gain a basic understanding of how the Japanese involvement ties into the larger conflict. Generally that's why I love these sort of middle grade books - if you ate just coming to a subject, they give you a grounding without bombarding you.
My only concern is that, for the most part, this does come across very strongly as a 'history is written by the winners', black and white, good v evil pitching of events. In a few places the author does take the time to recognise people that made moves to resist or help the oppressed within Germany, but in the main some of the nuances appear to have been left at the door. I'd be absolutely fine with sharing this book with a child to give them a clear and concise introduction to the period - indeed, it's one of the best books I've read on the subjectat this level. But I'd perhaps be more hesitant to supply this as a history book that might teach them to engage in critical thinking with little or no previous knowledge of the period.
I am definitely interested in reading the others in this series... my local library just needs to hurry up and deliver them!
February 20, 2025
I have never been a big podcast listener, but over the past 6 months or so I have been obsessed with The Rest is History with Tom Holland and Dominic Sandbrook. I’ve really grown to love Dominic and wanted to see what his writing was like. He said he wanted to buy his son a straightforward narrative middle-grade children’s book about the Second World War (British for World War II), and when he couldn’t find one he decided to write one himself.
He definitely succeeds in that task! Dominic writes with an admirable balance. He balances stories about the “great men” of the war with stories about average people trying to do their bit for a cause they believed in. This book has a good narrative structure and covers all of the major events, and there are also well placed personal records from real people involved. All of the classic figures are here: Churchill, Anne Frank, Schindler, Oppenheimer, Hitler, Stalin, but I was also introduced to some people I hadn’t heard of before. He presents the horrors of war and the holocaust in a way that is real and devastating but not too gory or brutal for his young target audience.
There is definitely a need for this kind of book, and I’m happy Dominic saw that need and filled it. It’s a well-researched, well-written, and sometimes moving narrative history of the Second World War for kids that are interested in history and a good introduction/overview for adults like me who have little knowledge of the war.
He definitely succeeds in that task! Dominic writes with an admirable balance. He balances stories about the “great men” of the war with stories about average people trying to do their bit for a cause they believed in. This book has a good narrative structure and covers all of the major events, and there are also well placed personal records from real people involved. All of the classic figures are here: Churchill, Anne Frank, Schindler, Oppenheimer, Hitler, Stalin, but I was also introduced to some people I hadn’t heard of before. He presents the horrors of war and the holocaust in a way that is real and devastating but not too gory or brutal for his young target audience.
There is definitely a need for this kind of book, and I’m happy Dominic saw that need and filled it. It’s a well-researched, well-written, and sometimes moving narrative history of the Second World War for kids that are interested in history and a good introduction/overview for adults like me who have little knowledge of the war.
Read
May 21, 2025While preparing for my History A-Levels, I chose to re-read the two books, Dominic Sandbrook wrote about the Two World Wars.
What I enjoyed most about this one specifically was the way the author chose to handle the order in form of chapters about all the things that where going on. It can sometimes be confusing to keep an overview about the many different battles in all the parts of the world, but the author organized them in a way, where I could fully immerse myself in the pov, which was going on and still didn't forget that there weren't just battles on the European mainland, but also in Africa, Asia and in the Pacific. I especially liked the chapter about the tragedy that is the Holocaust, where Dominic Sandbrooks' writing style made me shed some tears, even though I didn't expect to.
Similar to how I felt about the novel of the First Wolrd War, this one was suspensefully written, inlcuded many different personal stories while also balancing general information and 'fun' facts about battles or invasions and had me thinking about the horror that war is in general for weeks.
I can't wait to re-read this in a year or so, to remind myself how lucky I am to not live in this time and remember that it's not just others, but also my responsibilty to stand up against mankind's wrongs.
PS: I can't wait to check out, Dominic Sandbrook's and Tom Holland's podcast, 'The Rest Is History'.
What I enjoyed most about this one specifically was the way the author chose to handle the order in form of chapters about all the things that where going on. It can sometimes be confusing to keep an overview about the many different battles in all the parts of the world, but the author organized them in a way, where I could fully immerse myself in the pov, which was going on and still didn't forget that there weren't just battles on the European mainland, but also in Africa, Asia and in the Pacific. I especially liked the chapter about the tragedy that is the Holocaust, where Dominic Sandbrooks' writing style made me shed some tears, even though I didn't expect to.
Similar to how I felt about the novel of the First Wolrd War, this one was suspensefully written, inlcuded many different personal stories while also balancing general information and 'fun' facts about battles or invasions and had me thinking about the horror that war is in general for weeks.
I can't wait to re-read this in a year or so, to remind myself how lucky I am to not live in this time and remember that it's not just others, but also my responsibilty to stand up against mankind's wrongs.
PS: I can't wait to check out, Dominic Sandbrook's and Tom Holland's podcast, 'The Rest Is History'.
February 15, 2024
I finished reading this book within two days and was not bored for a moment. Though its target group is (pre-)teens, it is just as good a read for adults. The author did an excellent job keeping the story going while moving from one part of the world to another, really painting the picture of a war that encompassed the whole world. This is not something that I've ever come across in novels about the war. I learned many new things too. There were segments I was expecting to come across, of course. An overview or introduction to World War Two must surely include the events surrounding Anne Frank and the White Rose you would say. But there were other segments that highlighted powerful and moving events that I had not heard about before. Especially the story behind Shostakovich's 7th Symphony touched me. I kept looking up names of people the author mentioned, just to see what they looked like and what else was known about them. This book really gives a human face to all the events of World War Two. As a whole, it gives an excellent overview of the times. Highly recommended.
February 5, 2023
Interessantes Buch, das jedoch größtenteil recht auf die europäische Sicht und besonders die britische Seite des Krieges beschränkt ist. Ob die Erklärung des Autors, dass seine Herkunft einen Fokus auf Großbritannien rechtfertigt, hier akzeptierbar ist, ist eine andere Frage... Sandbrooks Kommentar, dass das Buch mit Quellenangaben bestimmt langweiliger gewesen wäre, kann ich jedoch nicht zustimmen. Erstens sollen Sachbücher bilden, anstatt nicht spannend wie ein Roman zu sein, und zweitens gehört es meiner Meinung nach zum guten Ton, auf die eigenen Quellen zu verweisen- besonders, wenn man stark mit Zitaten arbeitet! Wäre dieses Buch eine Hausarbeit, hätten meine Professor*innen es aufgrund eines fehlenden Literaturverzeichnisses bestimmt mit einer 6,0 bewertet.
April 18, 2024
Another great children's history book. I love the way he identifies individuals and tells the story from their perspective, real people. Some of them live to tell the story and others must have left letters and diaries. The only bit I didn't like was his retelling of the Pacific War where Australians were pretty much written out of the story. I would have like their story to have had a more prominent place. Even the bombing of Darwin on Feb 19th, 1942, didn't get a mention. I know the date because it was my Dad's 21st birthday and he was in Darwin, in the army.
March 29, 2025
Adventures in Time: The Second World War is an exceptional and captivating exploration of one of history’s most significant periods. This book brings the Second World War to life through vivid storytelling, rich details, and an engaging narrative that makes the complex events accessible and exciting for readers of all ages. Dominic Sanbrook's ability to blend historical facts with personal stories from those who lived through the war gives the reader a sense of both the grand scope and the intimate experiences of this global conflict.
October 10, 2025
As the 2 of them - Dominic Sandbrook and his co-host Tom Holland - often say in their fabulous podcast “The rest is history” - this is a real tour de force!
Inspired by his son, Sandbrook’s book (along with the First World War in this series) is an effort to demystify the twin tragedies of 20th century for a younger audience. But even for older readers, it offers a sweeping view of the war across years and continents. It comes at a timely moment when peace around the world has never been more vulnerable since WW2
Inspired by his son, Sandbrook’s book (along with the First World War in this series) is an effort to demystify the twin tragedies of 20th century for a younger audience. But even for older readers, it offers a sweeping view of the war across years and continents. It comes at a timely moment when peace around the world has never been more vulnerable since WW2
March 1, 2025
Very impressed with how Sandbrook is able to summarize this conflict so neatly in a way that is both easy to understand but also very interesting and entertaining. I was particularly gripped by the true accounts and true characters interspersed throughout the narrative. Very well done and I’m tempted to buy a copy to own, as it would be the perfect book for my teenager to read one day. Better than any school history lesson!
July 11, 2024
The Book was nice to learn something, but it isn’t really interesting if you read it. It’s like: 1935 (I know it’s wrong) There was an atom bomb on Japan. It’s not written interesting, so that you want to read it. I know there are a few mistakes in my text but I’m a child
November 18, 2024
brilliant
Although I know this book is aimed at children and young adults it is a really impressive read , with some very moving stories. It covers all the main points of the Second World War but also has a very human aspect, very good .
Although I know this book is aimed at children and young adults it is a really impressive read , with some very moving stories. It covers all the main points of the Second World War but also has a very human aspect, very good .
April 20, 2025
What a wee gem of a book! Perfect blend of history and personalised stories that build a picture of WWII that is accessible without glossing over the horror of war.
CW; body horror, war atrocities
Y9 Y10 Y11
CW; body horror, war atrocities
Y9 Y10 Y11
January 7, 2023
I bought these narrative histories for my boys, but I have enjoyed them. Very accessible introductions.
October 24, 2023
A child friendly approach to WWII. I've read excerpts to my class of 10 year olds and recommended the book to them.
July 2, 2024
Boring
1 chapter on the holocaust.
19 chapters in the book (very long and dull)
Very patriarchal. Where were the women!
Do not recommend this torture.
1 chapter on the holocaust.
19 chapters in the book (very long and dull)
Very patriarchal. Where were the women!
Do not recommend this torture.
August 31, 2024
I read this to my 11 year old son. Masterful storytelling- I highly recommend this to anyone interested in an overview of WW2.
May 14, 2025
So good and bloody perfectly described
June 14, 2022
Gute Geschichten der einzelnen Personen und gut zu lesen
December 25, 2024
This book is a captivating collection of real-life encounters and experiences, skillfully narrated by the author. The blend of personal stories with historical context adds depth and keeps you engaged throughout. A simple yet powerful read that stays with you long after finishing.
December 27, 2021
Ich fand es toll, das im Buch mehrer Sichten geschildert wurden und nicht nur jene von den „Machthabern“. Ich fand es sehr spannend gestaltet auch Überlieferungen von Soldaten, Krankenschwestern, Gefangen genommen Soldaten aber auch von den Bewohnern/innen Englands und Deutschlands. Ich fand diese Vielfalt toll und dadurch wurde das Buch für mich auch wesentlich interessanter da ich so auch vieles erfahren konnte, das mir davor nicht ganz so Präsenz war.
✨
Mir hat das Buch sehr gut gefallen und ich werde definitiv auch die anderen Werke des Autors lesen, da sie sowohl lesenswert aber auch zur Weiterbildung beitragen.
5 Sterne ⭐️
✨
Mir hat das Buch sehr gut gefallen und ich werde definitiv auch die anderen Werke des Autors lesen, da sie sowohl lesenswert aber auch zur Weiterbildung beitragen.
5 Sterne ⭐️
February 20, 2022
Informativ, spannend und sehr empfehlenswert! Das Buch frischt nicht nur das Wissen aus dem Geschichtsunterricht auf, sondern liefert auch einiges an neuem oder bis dahin weniger bekanntem Wissen dazu. Man begleitet verschiedene Persönlichkeiten durch diese schwere und traumatisierende Zeit und staunt nicht nur einmal über ihre immense innere Stärke. Dominic Sandbrook hat hier eine tolle Mischung aus Sachbuch und Roman geschaffen und wird damit bestimmt sogar den ein oder anderen Lesemuffel zum Lesen bringen können. Sehr empfehlenswert auch als Schullektüre oder Refaratstitel.
March 8, 2022
Hab viel erfahren, es ist toll geschrieben und gibt einen guten Überblick über den Zweiten Weltkrieg (wobei der Fokus allerdings auf den großen Gefechten liegt). Besonders mag ich an diesem Buch, dass es eine Sammlung aus so vielen persönlichen Erinnerungen von vielen verschiedenen Menschen ist. Auf jeden Fall eine Empfehlung!📚
Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews