Book 1

What was the First World War really like? Step into the boots of 14-year-old soldier James Marchbank and find out.
Inspired by the real-life diary of a Scottish boy soldier, each easy-to-read chapter mixes James's story with timelines, letters, diagrams and illustrations to create a fact-tastic account of the First World War, which is both fun and emotionally engaging for younger readers.
Why was rat hunting a popular hobby in the trenches?
How did parachuting pigeons help win the war?
Why would a really good friend would rub whale oil on your feet?
What did it feek like to be a teenager at war?
Take a journey through time and discover all the most important and incredible bits of the First World War.
A Secret Diary of the First World War is the first in a new brilliant series, which blends together intriguing facts and fascinating fiction to bring the most exciting, gruesome and crucial moments of Scottish history alive for young readers.

She was Queen of Scotland and of France, and a possible Queen of England; she was involved in a series of mysterious deaths; in the end she lost her head... But what was life really like for Mary, Queen of Scots?

Put on your ruff and step into the sixteenth century for a unique glimpse into the dramatic life of the infamous queen. Mary's story is told from the perspective of her young servant Alec. Each easy-to-read chapter mixes the involving story of the queen's life with timelines, charts and revealing illustrations to create a Fact-tastic account that is both educational and emotionally engaging for younger readers.

Take a journey through time and find out:
-- Why did Mary become Queen of Scots when she was just six days old?
-- What exotic animals lived with the young queen?
-- How did Mary escape from Lochleven Castle?
-- Why did Mary's cousin, Queen Elizabeth I, arrange her beheading?

The Amazing Life of Mary, Queen of Scots continues the brilliant Fact-tastic series, which blends intriguing facts and fascinating fiction to bring the most exciting, gruesome and crucial moments of Scottish history alive for young readers.