Sink or Swim
on Goodreads (930)
What’s inside...
Inspired by the true story of the youngest boy who served in World War II, Steve Watkins weaves a story of courage in the face of danger and hope in the face of defeat.It's been a month since the bombing of Pearl Harbor. America is officially at war with Germany and Japan, and everyone wants to do their part. In twelve-year-old Colton's case, that means stepping up at home once his older brother, Danny, ships out with the navy. But before Danny leaves for boot camp, the brothers are fishing on the Atlantic Ocean when Danny's boat is capsized by a Nazi U-boat, nearly killing him.When more U-boats start attacking the next day, Colton realizes just how close the enemy is to American shores. With Danny's life in the balance, Colton does the only thing he can think of to help his family and his country: He steals his brother's enlisting papers and joins up instead.Colton's bold decision leads to a deadly journey. Even if he can keep his age a secret and survive boot camp, he'll have to face Hitler's ruthless submarines. But the longer he's on the seas, the less sure Colton is that he and his shipmates can stop such a relentless enemy . . .
Why read this book
- Adventure-filled story enhances critical thinking.
- Characters exhibit resilience and teamwork.
- Engages young readers with dynamic storytelling.
- Supports developmental learning in a fun manner.
Age
9-12
Length
272 pages
Text complexity
Character compass
Discussion points
What would you do if you were in Abby’s position when faced with tough choices?
How do you think teamwork helps Abby and her friends during their adventure?
Why is it important to stand up for what you believe in, like the characters in the book?
What did you learn about friendship from Abby's interactions with her friends?
How do you think the setting of the story affects the decisions the characters make?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to express their ideas and opinions about the story, validating their thoughts to foster a deeper understanding of the book’s themes.
Connect the challenges faced by characters in the book to real-life situations your child might encounter, to enhance personal connections with the story.
Discuss the moral dilemmas presented in the book and ask your child how they would handle similar situations, promoting critical thinking skills.
Point out moments of character development in the story to spotlight how characters grow from their experiences, paralleling these lessons to your child's own growth.
Use dramatic moments in the book to engage your child's empathy, asking how they would feel and react if they were in the characters' shoes.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Courage in Adversity
Explanation: In 'Sink or Swim,' the protagonist faces challenging situations that require bravery and resilience, demonstrating how to confront fears head-on.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this by learning to manage their fears and take on challenges at school or in social situations with confidence.
Example Lesson: Value of Teamwork
Explanation: The story showcases characters working together to overcome obstacles, emphasizing the importance of cooperation and collaboration.
Real-World Application: This can encourage children to participate in group activities and understand the importance of cooperating with others to achieve common goals.
Example Lesson: Importance of Perseverance
Explanation: Characters in the book persist through difficult times, illustrating that persistence can lead to success despite setbacks.
Real-World Application: Kids can learn to not give up easily on their tasks, whether it’s completing homework, learning a new skill, or building relationships.
Example Lesson: Empathy and Understanding
Explanation: Through interactions between characters, the book teaches empathy and the importance of understanding others’ feelings and perspectives.
Real-World Application: Children can use this lesson to better relate to peers and siblings, fostering a more compassionate community environment.
Example Lesson: Problem Solving
Explanation: The narrative puts characters in situations where they must think critically and devise solutions, highlighting effective problem-solving strategies.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to think creatively and apply logical reasoning to their problems, whether academic or personal.