All Quiet on the Western Front facts for kids
All Quiet on the Western Front (original German title: Im Westen nichts Neues) is a very famous book. It was written by the German author Erich Maria Remarque. The book was first published in 1929. It tells the story of a young German soldier during World War I.
Contents
The Story of All Quiet on the Western Front
The book follows a German soldier named Paul Bäumer. He fights in World War I alongside his school friends. Soldiers are moved often, either to the front lines or back a few miles. At the start, Paul and his friends feel lucky because a big attack meant they got extra food.
Paul's Hospital Stay
One night, Paul and some friends get hurt. They are taken to a local hospital. While there, Paul uses a trick to make his temperature look higher. He does this so he can stay in the special care unit with his friends. The nurses sing hymns, which bothers the soldiers. Paul throws a bottle to make them close the door.
A Special Meal
One evening, Paul and his friends find two live pigs. They decide to have a big feast. Paul cooks some cakes, and they smoke cigarettes and drink coffee they found. Then, they roast the pigs. The meal is very tasty, but the pig meat makes them feel sick later.
The War's End
As World War I nears its end in 1918, the German soldiers are struggling. Food is scarce, and they are often sick. The Americans have joined the war, pushing back the German army. During this difficult time, many of Paul Bäumer's classmates die.
Paul's Final Day
At the very end of the book, Paul Bäumer also dies. The day he died was so calm and quiet that the army commander wrote a report saying, "All quiet on the Western Front." This phrase became the famous title of the book.
Images for kids
-
Cover of the first English language edition. The design is based upon a German war bonds poster by Fritz Erler.
-
Poster for the movie All Quiet on the Western Front (1930), featuring star Lew Ayres
See also
In Spanish: Sin novedad en el frente (novela) para niños
