Scholastic Canada | Dear Canada - Make History Your Own

BOOKS

Brothers Far from Home
The World War I Diary of Eliza Bates

ISBN: 978-0-439-96900-0 Hardcover
ISBN: 978-1-4431-1998-6 Ebook
224 pages | Ages 8-12 | 5 3/8" x 7 5/8"

It has been two long years since Eliza's beloved older brother, Hugo, went away to war. Caught up in his enthusiasm, she couldn't understand her parents' less-than-enthusiastic reaction. Now that her other brother, Jack, has also enlisted, she yearns for the safe return of both brothers. If only she had a friend that she could talk to about her feelings. . .

From Eliza's diary:

Sunday, January 7, 1916

War is confusing. One minute you are excited. The flags are flying and the march music makes you stride out. You can feel your eyes sparkle and your arms swing to the thumping of the drums or the drone of the bagpipes. (Father says the right word is "skirl" but I am not so sure and this is my journal.) Then you hear about the wounded men and you see the lists of missing and dead. I cannot understand how it can all be part of the same thing. Why were Hugo and Jack in such a hurry to go, as if it were all a huge adventure, when it might end so terribly? Is it the flags flying and the band music and the uniforms? God could not let anything terrible happen to Hugo or Jack or Rufus.

YOUR REVIEWS:

I love this book, it's my favorite book in all the Dear Canada series.
Sarah B., Age 12, British Columbia, Rating: 10

I read this book and loved it! I've read it so many times yet it always makes me cry. The book is well written and really portrays the emotion and grief of families suffering from a loved one being killed. Out of all the Dear Canada books this is by far my favourite.
Ann C., Age 13, Ontario, Rating: 10

It was so hard to imagine a book of both war and sadness, and drama it's really hard so that's what makes Jean Little my favourite author. I took this book from our class library at school and I never let go as you're reading this I have the book with me. I read it over 500 times by now, rock on Jean <3 =D
Ruby ray =D R., Age 12, Rating: 10

This is my favorite book of all the Dear Canada series. It really helped me to see what it would be like to be in WW1. My brother who was in the military was like Hugo when he joined but now he is a changed person. Brothers Far From Home helped me realize it can happen to other people, like it did Jack. It is an excellent book, definitely one of my favorites.
Jace C., Age 13, Alberta, Rating: 10

I love this book so much. It somewhat relates to my life. My brother is in the military and he is so dear to me. Reading this book i got to see someone else's feelings that relate much to my own.
J. Anne C., Age 13, Rating: 10

This book's so amazing that I was crying. Even though I am not an expert on history, it was fun learning history through this book. I learned a great deal about my country's history through this book.
Diluxy P., Age 14, Ontario, Rating: 10

I have never read a better book. I cried so much I was afraid the library would not take the book back. When her brother died my heart broke to pieces. Jean little is a true jean-ius. Get it? Eliza is really realistic and I hope others think so to.
Alice A., Age 9, Ontario, Rating: 10

I read this book and absolutely LOOOOOOOOOOVED it!!!!!!!!! My friend thought I was crazy until I lent her To stand on my own and now the rest of the world thinks we're crazy!!! I have also read Whispers of War.
Alison A., Age 9, Ontario, Rating: 10

I LOVED THIS BOOK! it is very sad, heartwarming tale of tragedy and togetherness it's one of my favourite Dear Canada books.
Kathy O., Age 12, Ontario, Rating: 10

Gosh, I locked myself up in my room to finish this one! It was absolutely amazing how I put myself in Eliza Bates' shoes! I could relate to her feelings, yet I've never had a brother go to war. People ask if I've gotten tired of reading these Dear Canada books for many years. Well I haven't! I love them so much and Jean Little is an amazing author whom I adore!! Thank you for introducing us to these characters and I hope to read more and more!!
Danitza R., Age 13, Alberta Rating: 10

I loved this book!!!! 5 stars!
Maddie P., Age 12, Ontario, Rating: 10

I loved this book. It was definitely one of my favorites...it must have been such a tuff time for Eliza.
Claire O., Age 10, Ontario, Rating: 10

I've been collecting this series since I was twelve years old and I will continue to collect them regardless of my age. All of these girls show such courage and tenacity in which I admire. But I have to admit that I have a soft spot in my heart for Eliza Bates and the story she tells. I am compelled to her and how honest she is in her loneliness, at times. I was so glad when I found out that Jean Little was the author, since she is my favourite in children's literature.!
Jaymi B., Age: 18, Ontario Rating: 10

I found this book second-hand, read it, and Loved IT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!.
Nadiya S., Age: 11, U.S.A., Rating: 10

This book ROCKS!!!!!! I had to stay up all night just to finish it! I Love it.
Sarah B., Age: 12, British Columbia, Rating: 10

I love this Dear Canada book! Since Remembrance Day is very close, I'm reading this book all over again... for the 5th time!! This is my favourite Dear Canada book out of the 22 books that I have! I hope that you make more Dear Canada!
Kirsten H., Age: 11, Ontario, Rating: 10

This book was so greatly written that it brought tears to my eyes (and trust me when I say I NEVER cry at books). It was so heartbreaking that I had to keep reading to see how it would all turn out, and, because of Brothers Far from Home and Orphan at My Door, Jean Little is my favourite author ever, hands down. Please make more books like this!
Nikki W., Age 13, U.S.A.. Rating: 10