Different Days
on Goodreads (71)
What’s inside...
Twelve-year-old Rosie is fiercely proud to be an American, living with her family in sunny Honolulu, Hawaii. However, on December 7, 1941, after the Pearl Harbor attack, her life is turned upside down when her parents, both of German descent but American citizens, are wrongfully accused of being German spies, interrogated, and imprisoned by the military. Rosie and her brother are left abandoned and homeless, later taken in reluctantly by a relative until their aunt, who was also detained but released, can care for them. As they struggle with discrimination and fear for their parents' safety, Rosie's family faces the dark side of wartime suspicion. 'Different Days' highlights the little-known history of the internment of German Americans during World War II.
Age
8-12
Length
280 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
How do you think Sam felt when he had to move to a new city? Why do you feel that way?
What did Sam learn about making new friends and trying new things?
Why is it important to understand and respect differences in others?
If you were Sam, how would you handle meeting all the different people in the book?
How do you think the story would change if it took place in our hometown?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to express their thoughts and feelings about the book, relating it to their own experiences. Validate their feelings and provide insights to help them understand different perspectives. Use the story as a springboard to discuss broader themes like change, friendship, and diversity. Assist them in making connections between the story and their own life, which can help deepen their understanding and empathy. Misunderstandings and differing views can be useful areas to explore, helping your child to think critically about the world around them.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: The value of acceptance and empathy
Explanation: In 'Different Days', the story highlights the friendship between characters from diverse backgrounds, demonstrating the importance of accepting and empathizing with others despite differences.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by being open and understanding towards peers who may come from different cultural or social backgrounds, fostering inclusive school and play environments.
Example Lesson: The impact of historical events on individual lives
Explanation: Through the narrative, the book introduces children to how significant events, like World War II, affect people's lives, encouraging a deeper understanding of history.
Real-World Application: This lesson helps children grasp the importance of history in shaping lives, leading to a greater appreciation and interest in learning about past events that shape the present.
Example Lesson: Resilience in the face of adversity
Explanation: The characters in 'Different Days' encounter challenges and disruptions caused by wartime circumstances, showing how they adapt and persevere.
Real-World Application: Children learn that overcoming difficulties is possible and can apply this resilience when dealing with personal challenges, whether in academic settings or in personal relationships.
Example Lesson: The importance of critical thinking and decision-making
Explanation: As the characters make tough choices about friendship and loyalty under difficult conditions, the book showcases the necessity of critical thinking.
Real-World Application: This prepares children to face decisions thoughtfully and critically, enhancing their problem-solving skills in everyday situations.