Allies
on Goodreads (11,433)
What’s inside...
Alan Gratz weaves an array of voices and stories into an epic tale of teamwork in the face of tyranny -- and how just one day can change the world. June 6, 1944: The Nazis are terrorizing Europe, on their evil quest to conquer the world. The only way to stop them? The biggest, most top-secret operation ever, with the Allied nations coming together to storm German-occupied France. Welcome to D-Day. Dee, a young U.S. soldier, is on a boat racing toward the French coast. And Dee -- along with his brothers-in-arms -- is terrified. He feels the weight of World War II on his shoulders. But Dee is not alone. Behind enemy lines in France, a girl named Samira works as a spy, trying to sabotage the German army. Meanwhile, paratrooper James leaps from his plane to join a daring midnight raid. And in the thick of battle, Henry, a medic, searches for lives to save. In a breathtaking race against time, they all must fight to complete their high-stakes missions. But with betrayals and deadly risks at every turn, can the Allies do what it takes to win?
Age
9-13
Length
325 pages
Text complexity
Character compass
Dee Carpenter
Dorothy
Bill Richards
James Mcleod
Henry Allen
Samira Zidane
Discussion points
How do the different characters in 'Allies' show bravery and teamwork?
What do you think you would have done if you were in the situation of one of the characters?
What can we learn from the historical events depicted in the book?
How do the characters' experiences in 'Allies' help us understand different perspectives of war?
What does this book teach us about friendship and sacrifice?
Tip: Role play these questions
Start discussions by sharing your own reflections on the book to open up a dialogue. Encourage your child to express their feelings about the story, and relate their thoughts to personal experiences or current events. Highlight the importance of history and its impact on the world today. Make connections between the book’s themes and the values of courage, unity, and resilience. Most importantly, listen actively to your child’s opinions and thoughts to foster deeper understanding and connection.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Empathy and Understanding
Explanation: In 'Allies', various characters from diverse backgrounds come together during the D-Day invasion, each with their own story and struggles. The narrative allows readers to experience the perspectives of different individuals, fostering a sense of empathy and understanding.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by learning to listen and understand people from different backgrounds and cultures, promoting inclusive behavior in their daily interactions.
Example Lesson: Courage in Adversity
Explanation: The characters in 'Allies' display bravery when faced with the dangerous and high-stakes situation of the D-Day landing. Their actions under pressure exemplify how courage can lead to overcoming challenges.
Real-World Application: This teaches children the importance of being brave in their own challenging situations, whether it’s standing up against a bully or trying something outside of their comfort zone.
Example Lesson: Teamwork and Collaboration
Explanation: Throughout the novel, successful missions are accomplished through teamwork, with characters cooperating despite their differences. This highlights the effectiveness of working together towards a common goal.
Real-World Application: Children learn that teamwork can be essential in achieving goals, be it in group projects at school or in sports, and that collaboration can yield better results than working alone.
Example Lesson: Historical Awareness
Explanation: ‘Allies’ provides insight into the events of World War II and the importance of the D-Day invasion, educating readers about significant historical events through a gripping narrative.
Real-World Application: Understanding history equips children with the context needed to appreciate the freedoms they enjoy today and fosters a deeper respect for the sacrifices made by those before them.