Author and artist Stuart Douch doesnt sugar coat what this time was like. There were feuds, there was emotive language, there was blood! The battle scenes dont leave much to the imagination. I love this. The violence is shown in a historical context and although unsuitable for younger children, Key Stage 2 will be able to understand the reasons behind showing it.
Stuart Douch has taught English and history for twenty years. He is going to know what engages children and which parts to handle with care. His educational mindset comes across, as this book is very much a teaching tool. The narrator pops up to clarify points of contention or commonly held myths.
I also loved the injection of other languages, and the footnotes which translated these words and phrases. The glossary adds to this and some words come with a pronunciation guide. This gets a thumbs up from me. The bibliography is also a great inclusion. This is a book for Key Stage 2 and above. Its both a learning resource and an engaging story. -- Roy James * Just Imagine * With incredibly distinctive illustrations and, of course, a graphic novel format this book gives younger readers a new insight into the events leading up to the infamous Battle of Hastings as well as the battle itself. See history as never before in this new book.
...this new interpretation shows readers what happened in the lead up to the battle, the battle itself and its aftermath. See the mistakes and decisions that changed the course of the battle and the history of the nation played out in front of your eyes, in full colour. Discover what the armies might have looked like, how they used their weapons and what battle tactics they used! As an added bonus you can even learn some words from the languages of the time...
* Armadillo magazine * What sets this graphic novel apart is its visual power. The illustrations are brilliantly colourful, filled with motion and emotion, turning battles and political manoeuvres into scenes of real drama. Younger readers and history enthusiasts alike will find themselves drawn into the story of ambition, bravery, and fate. 1066: The Battle of Hastings doesnt just retell history it lets you experience it. A must-read for anyone who wants to see how one battle reshaped an entire nation. * Red Reading Hub * The comic strips bring the exciting history to life. The action comes straight off the pages! It also highlights the tactics and the weapons employed, the different languages of the time as well as learning about the events and the key participants on both sides. This is a great way to learn about history! * @family_book_club_ * What sets this graphic novel apart is its visual power. The illustrations are brilliantly colourful, filled with motion and emotion, turning battles and political manoeuvres into scenes of real drama. Younger readers and history enthusiasts alike will find themselves drawn into the story of ambition, bravery, and fate. 1066: The Battle of Hastings doesnt just retell history it lets you experience it. A must-read for anyone who wants to see how one battle reshaped an entire nation. * @booksb4bedtime * "an engaging graphic novel that brings one of the most significant events in British history to life. ... The graphic novel format is a real strength, using clear comic-strip panels and dynamic illustrations to draw readers into the action. Complex ideas such as political intrigue, succession, and battle tactics are explained in an accessible way... * @_what_the_teacher_reads_ * This graphic novel brings history to life with vivid, comic-strip panels that transport readers straight into the heart of the action. This engaging book serves as an excellent resource for Key Stage 3 (11-14) students exploring the Norman Conquest. Younger readers curious about this historic battle will also find it captivating and easy to follow. Perfect for Young Historians and Enthusiasts! * @katys_book_shelf *