Grenade
on Goodreads (11,442)
What’s inside...
Here it is! The hugely anticipated follow-up to Gratz's NYT bestselling, critically acclaimed phenomenon REFUGEE. This is another searing and heart-pounding look at kids making their way through war. A New York Times bestseller! It's 1945, and the world is in the grip of war. Hideki lives on the island of Okinawa, near Japan. When WWII crashes onto his shores, Hideki is drafted into the Blood and Iron Student Corps to fight for the Japanese army. He is handed a grenade and a set of instructions: 'Don't come back until you've killed an American soldier.' Ray, a young American Marine, has just landed on Okinawa. He doesn't know what to expect -- or if he'll make it out alive. He just knows that the enemy is everywhere. Hideki and Ray each fight their way across the island, surviving heart-pounding ambushes and dangerous traps. But when the two of them collide in the middle of the battle, the choices they make in that instant will change everything. From the acclaimed author of Refugee comes this high-octane story of how fear can tear us apart, and how hope can tie us back together.
Age
10-13
Length
270 pages
Text complexity
Character compass
Hideki Kaneshiro
Ray Majors
Discussion points
How do the characters in 'Grenade' show resilience and courage in tough situations?
What impact does the setting of Okinawa during World War II have on the story? How do you think you would feel in that environment?
The book explores themes of survival and moral choices in war. What are some key decisions characters had to make and what would you have done in their place?
How do the different perspectives of the characters enhance your understanding of the war?
What lessons can we learn about empathy and humanity from 'Grenade'?
Tip: Role play these questions
Start the conversation by sharing your thoughts on the book, then invite your child to share their own.
Encourage your child to think about the historical context of the book; you might even look up some real history together.
Discuss the moral dilemmas in the book. Ask your child what they would do in similar situations, supporting them to think critically about right and wrong.
Focus on the development of characters throughout the story. Discuss with your child how they think the characters changed from the beginning to the end.
Use examples from the book to talk about bravery and resilience in daily life, drawing parallels to situations your child might encounter.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: The impact of war on individuals and societies
Explanation: The story of 'Grenade' vividly depicts the struggles and hardships the characters face during the Battle of Okinawa in World War II, highlighting the devastating effects of war.
Real-World Application: This lesson helps children understand the importance of peace and the consequences of conflict, encouraging empathy and a deeper understanding of history.
Example Lesson: Courage and resilience in difficult times
Explanation: Characters in the book, such as Hideki and Ray, show immense bravery and resilience in face of dire circumstances, demonstrating how individuals can persevere.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to face their own challenges with courage and not to give up easily, drawing strength from the characters' experiences.
Example Lesson: The power of empathy and understanding
Explanation: Through the interactions between characters from opposing sides, the story reveals how understanding and compassion can bridge divides, even in wartime.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to practice empathy in their relationships and to appreciate the power of understanding different perspectives.
Example Lesson: Making moral choices under pressure
Explanation: The protagonist, Hideki, often faces difficult decisions that test his morals and values, illustrating the complexity of right and wrong.
Real-World Application: This lesson can help children think critically about their choices and consider the ethical dimensions of their actions, even in challenging situations.