Early Sunday Morning: The Pearl Harbor Diary of Amber Billows, Hawaii 1941 (Dear America Series)
Dear America Series
on Goodreads (3,850)
What’s inside...
In her diary, twelve-year-old Amber describes moving to Hawaii in 1941 and experiencing the horror of the bombing of Pearl Harbor. Acclaimed author Barry Dennenberg has written a moving story of one girl's devastating experience at Pearl Harbor, on December 7, 1941. Amber's journal chronicles two months that change her life forever. In late 1941 her family moves to Hawaii, where they end up at the epicenter of the attack that plunged the United States into World War II. As she watches her world literally explode in flames, Amber demonstrates that in the face of tragedy, kids can find the courage to help and simply go on.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
9-12
Length
158 pages
Text complexity
Character compass
Amber Billows
Discussion points
How do you think Amber felt moving so often and how would you feel in her situation?
What are some ways Amber shows courage throughout her diary entries?
Why is it important to remember events like Pearl Harbor?
How do you think keeping a diary helped Amber cope with her experiences?
What can we learn from Amber's story about handling unexpected changes?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to imagine themselves in Amber’s shoes to deepen their understanding of her feelings and reactions.
Discuss the historical context of Pearl Harbor before diving into the book to provide a clearer picture of the events described.
Pose hypothetical questions to help your child consider how they might react in similar situations to those Amber faced.
Connect discussions from the book to personal experiences of change and resilience to help your child relate more deeply to the story.
Highlight Amber’s growth throughout the diary and encourage your child to talk about ways they have grown or changed recently.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Resilience in the face of adversity
Explanation: Amber Billows shows immense courage and resilience as she navigates the challenges of the Pearl Harbor attack. Despite the fear and uncertainty, she learns to cope and adapt to her suddenly changed world.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to remain strong and adaptable when faced with difficulties or unexpected situations in their own lives, understanding that they can overcome challenges and emerge stronger.
Example Lesson: Historical awareness and empathy
Explanation: Through Amber's personal experiences and observations, readers gain insight into a significant historical event and its impact on real people, fostering a deeper understanding and empathy for those who lived through it.
Real-World Application: This lesson helps children appreciate history and the experiences of others, encouraging them to be empathetic towards people in different times and situations.
Example Lesson: Importance of family and community support
Explanation: The book highlights how Amber's family and community come together in the wake of the Pearl Harbor attack, providing support and strength to each other during tough times.
Real-World Application: Children can learn the value of supporting and being supported by family and friends, recognizing the importance of a strong community network in overcoming personal and collective challenges.
Example Lesson: Journal keeping as a reflective practice
Explanation: Amber records her thoughts and experiences in her diary, which helps her process her emotions and reflect on the events around her.
Real-World Application: Children are encouraged to keep journals as a way of expressing themselves and reflecting on their own lives, which is beneficial for emotional growth and literacy skills.
Example Lesson: Adaptability to change
Explanation: Amber and her family move frequently, and she learns to quickly adapt to new environments and situations, demonstrating flexibility.
Real-World Application: This lesson teaches children the importance of being open and adaptable to new experiences, whether it's moving to a new place, meeting new people, or adjusting to changes in their daily routines.