I believe to view checkin's of a user, your application will have to request for "user_checkins" access from the user. This is probably why it is coming back empty. Just add "user_checkins" as another permission you will need granted.
I cant really gove you an answer,but what I can give you is a way to a solution, that is you have to find the anglde that you relate to or peaks your interest. A good paper is one that people get drawn into because it reaches them ln some way.As for me WW11 to me, I think of the holocaust and the effect it had on the survivors, their families and those who stood by and did nothing until it was too late.