Boots on the Ground: America's War in Vietnam
on Goodreads (1,019)
What’s inside...
Boots on the Ground: America’s War in Vietnam provides a detailed account of the Vietnam War through the personal experiences of eight individuals, including six American soldiers, one American military nurse, and one Vietnamese refugee. Exploring the complexities and cultural impact of the war, the book alternates between personal stories and key events in America such as peace protests and presidential scandals. It includes over one hundred photographs to vividly portray this period in American history and is lauded for being as dramatic as fiction while capturing the intense and lasting impacts of the war.
Age
12-17
Length
224 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What feelings did you experience while reading about the events in Vietnam?
How do the personal stories of soldiers, nurses, and others change your understanding of the war?
Why is it important to learn about the experiences of people involved in historical events like the Vietnam War?
What can we learn from the challenges and decisions faced by individuals during the war?
How do you think those experiences shaped the lives of the people involved?
Tip: Role play these questions
Start by sharing your own feelings about the Vietnam War and encourage your child to openly express their thoughts and emotions.
Highlight the importance of understanding history from multiple perspectives to gain a more comprehensive view of past events.
Encourage your child to ask questions and express any confusion or curiosity they have about the war or the people's experiences.
Use the personal stories in the book as a way to discuss broader themes such as courage, sacrifice, and ethical decision-making.
Connect the themes of the book to current events to help your child see the relevance of history in today's world.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Empathy and Understanding
Explanation: Through personal narratives and photographs, the book offers a deep insight into the experiences of soldiers and civilians during the Vietnam War.
Real-World Application: Children learn to appreciate diverse perspectives and the importance of understanding others' feelings and backgrounds, fostering empathy in their interactions with people from different walks of life.
Example Lesson: The Impact of War
Explanation: The book depicts the harsh realities and the profound impact of war on individuals and societies, detailing both physical and emotional consequences.
Real-World Application: This lesson helps children understand the significance of peace and the repercussions of conflict, encouraging them to value and contribute to peaceful resolutions in their own disputes.
Example Lesson: Courage and Resilience
Explanation: The stories highlight the bravery of soldiers and civilians who faced challenging circumstances during the Vietnam War.
Real-World Application: Children learn the importance of bravery in the face of adversity and the power of resilience, inspiring them to tackle their challenges with courage and to always strive for recovery and progress.
Example Lesson: Historical Awareness
Explanation: By detailing significant events and personal experiences during the Vietnam War, the book enhances children’s understanding of this critical period in history.
Real-World Application: This awareness encourages children to explore more about world history and its impact on the present and future, promoting informed and thoughtful discussions about past events.