“Give me a hand!” stands out because it’s not about battles and strategies. Instead, each story-skit in the book focuses on true events of compassion, friendship, and survival.

• How did an Oregon farmer help Japanese internees?
• Who inspired a wounded soldier to live and how does the field of audiology tie in with that?
• Where did an Italian “enemy alien” fall in love?
• When did a German POW realize that enemies can be friends?

BACKGROUND: Each story-skit comes with substantial background information on the event and the characters. You will also find four pages of fabulous teaching ideas for history, English, drama, and music teachers.

SUMMARY: If you plan to study World War II, this resource is a great asset for engaged learning. Students will understand issues with clarity and emotionally connect with people – people who didn’t end up in history books but whose actions shaped the times.

NOTE: Many thanks to the veterans who shared their stories and to the High Desert Museum in Oregon for asking the author to write this book.

10 skits. 51 pages. Grades 8-12.

For more information, read my blog post, Introducing “Give me a hand!” and click the LOOK INSIDE! button to the left!

REVIEWS

✎“These uplifting story-skits include vivid pictures of compassionate interactions between enemies, strength and fortitude among survivors, and light-hearted pranks. Students are captivated.” -Linda P., middle school teacher

✎“I highly recommend this book for use in the classroom. These story-scenes are particularly useful with group work. … The stories gave students the freedom to speak about issues from the point of view of the character they played, and that in turn, helped them relate to real world scenarios. I have used several resources by Ms. Locklear. They are all well-researched and well-written. This book is one of her best.” – Amazon customer

✎“History books give readers a vast overview of the events of World War II, which may be hard to relate to on a personal level. This book details the life and experience of several ordinary people and offers engaging skits for students to actually experience true but essentially unknown moments from the war. These skits and the detailed background information on them will enrich a reader’s understanding of regular people’s unique experiences and relationships. Fascinating and well-researched.” – Mary C., educator

✎“I love the short length of the skits, which allowed for me to choose the time spent in class using this resource.” – Gwen H., educator

✎“Programs Rebecca Locklear has conducted featuring these skits are unique and refreshing for the audience, and obviously stimulating and loads of fun for students.” Dr. Clyde T., choral director