My Daddy Is My Hero
What’s inside...
On June 14, 2012, Sgt. Joseph Lilly was killed in Afghanistan during Operation Enduring Freedom. He left behind a son who adored him. Lilly loved his son deeply and sacrificed his life to keep him safe. He was not only a hero to many for his ultimate sacrifice, but also a hero to his son by being a loving father. This book honors not just Lilly and his son, but all military parents who lost their lives and the children they left behind.
Age
6-10
Length
20 pages
Text complexity
Character compass
Child
Daddy
Discussion points
What are some ways that the daddy in the book shows he is a hero? Can you think of any ways your own daddy (or a father figure) is like a hero to you?
How do you think the child feels when they are with their daddy in the story?
What are some things that the daddy and the child do together in the book? What activities do you enjoy doing with your daddy or a father figure?
What does being a hero mean to you? Do you have heroes in your life?
How does the book make you feel about the relationship between the child and their daddy?
Tip: Role play these questions
Use expressive reading to convey the emotions of the characters, enhancing the storytelling experience.
Relate the story to your own family experiences, sharing personal stories of times when a father figure was a 'hero' in everyday situations.
Ask your child to draw a picture of a special moment they have shared with their daddy or a father figure, discussing the elements that made it memorable.
Encourage empathy by discussing how the child in the book might feel in various scenarios and asking your child how they would feel in similar situations.
Finish your reading session by talking about the importance of appreciation for family members and how we can show gratitude towards them.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Value of Family Bonding
Explanation: The story emphasizes the special relationship between a child and their father, showcasing moments of support, care, and adventure.
Real-World Application: Children learn the importance of family connections and spending quality time with loved ones, reinforcing emotional security.
Example Lesson: Appreciation of Everyday Heroes
Explanation: The father in the book is portrayed engaging in various forms of everyday heroism, such as helping with homework and comforting the child.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to recognize and value the heroism in daily acts of kindness and support from people around them.
Example Lesson: Bravery and Problem Solving
Explanation: Scenes depict the father bravely handling situations that might seem challenging to a child, such as fixing a broken toy or dealing with a spider.
Real-World Application: Children are inspired to face their fears and develop problem-solving skills by mimicking such behaviors.
Example Lesson: Expression of Love and Gratitude
Explanation: The child expresses love and admiration for their father throughout the book, demonstrating the importance of expressing feelings.
Real-World Application: It teaches children to openly express love and gratitude towards their family members, fostering a nurturing home environment.
Example Lesson: Role Modeling
Explanation: The father's actions in the story serve as a role model for positive behavior and responsibility.
Real-World Application: Children learn to emulate respected traits and behaviors observed in their parents, aiding in character development and ethical growth.