Sonny's War
on Goodreads (34)
What’s inside...
In the late 1960s, fourteen-year-old Cori's life is greatly changed by the sudden death of her father and her brother's tour of duty in Vietnam. After her father's death, Cori relies heavily on her brother, Sonny, who provides her with comfort and support. However, when Sonny is drafted to fight in Vietnam, Cori is devastated and left to navigate life with her mother. Amidst her struggle, Cori finds solace in her new history teacher, Lawrence, who is against the war and provides her with emotional support. As Cori grapples with feelings of loss, betrayal, and love, she experiences the tumultuous emotions of the 1960s.
Age
12-18
Length
224 pages
Text complexity
Character compass
Cory Taylor
Sonny Taylor
Discussion points
How do you think Sonny felt when he had to face challenges during the war? Can you relate to any of his feelings in your own experiences?
What do you think about Sonny's relationships with other characters in the book? How do they help each other during tough times?
What lessons do you think Sonny learns by the end of the story? How can we apply these lessons in our own lives?
How do you think the setting of the war affects the story? What impact does it have on Sonny and the other characters?
Tip: Role play these questions
Use empathetic listening when discussing Sonny’s feelings and experiences; this encourages children to express their own emotions and thoughts openly.
Draw parallels between the book and real life to make the themes more relatable and meaningful for the child.
Encourage children to reflect on the character development throughout the story and think about how they have also grown or changed over time.
Discuss the historical context of the war in the book to deepen their understanding and enhance their learning experience.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Empathy and understanding
Explanation: In 'Sonny's War', the protagonist learns to understand and empathize with different perspectives, particularly through the challenges faced by his brother affected by the war.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by learning to listen and understand their friends' and classmates' views and situations, fostering a more inclusive and supportive environment.
Example Lesson: Resilience in adversity
Explanation: The story showcases how the main character copes with hardships and uncertainty during turbulent times, highlighting the importance of perseverance.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to remain strong and persistent when facing their own challenges, whether they are academic, social, or personal.
Example Lesson: The impact of war on families
Explanation: Through the changes in Sonny's family dynamics and relationships, readers gain insight into the deep effects that war can have on family units.
Real-World Application: This lesson can help children understand historical events and their profound effects on people's lives, promoting a deeper appreciation for peace and stability.
Example Lesson: Importance of communication
Explanation: Communication becomes a central theme as the family navigates through their struggles, allowing them to strengthen their bonds.
Real-World Application: Children learn the significance of expressing themselves and discussing their problems with family members, which can lead to better problem-solving and emotional support within the family.