War Stories
on Goodreads (2,801)
What’s inside...
From the #1 New York Times bestselling author of Restart, a story of telling truth from lies -- and finding out what being a hero really means. There are two things Trevor loves more than anything else: playing war-based video games and his great-grandfather Jacob, who is a true-blue, bona fide war hero. At the height of the war, Jacob helped liberate a small French village, and was given a hero's welcome upon his return to America. Now it's decades later, and Jacob wants to retrace the steps he took during the war -- from training to invasion to the village he is said to have saved. Trevor thinks this is the coolest idea ever. But as they get to the village, Trevor discovers there's more to the story than what he's heard his whole life, causing him to wonder about his great-grandfather's heroism, the truth about the battle he fought, and importance of genuine valor.
Age
8-12
Length
240 pages
Text complexity
Character compass
Trevor Firestone
Daniel Firestone
Jacob Firestone
Discussion points
What do you think motivated the characters to make the choices they did during the war?
How do the stories of the past in the book connect with the present events the characters experience?
What lessons do you think the book teaches about bravery and fear?
How do you believe the characters changed from the beginning to the end of the book?
Can you think of a time when you had to make a difficult decision like any of the characters in the story?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to consider different perspectives by discussing each character's viewpoint and actions during the story.
Link the themes of the book to real-world events or personal experiences to make the conversation more relatable and impactful.
Ask your child how they felt during key moments in the story to foster emotional intelligence and empathy.
Highlight the historical context of the book and discuss its relevance today to enhance analytical thinking.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Understanding history through personal narratives
Explanation: In 'War Stories,' the blend of young and old characters provides different generational perspectives on historical events, making history relatable and engaging.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this by listening to family members' stories from the past, encouraging a deeper understanding and appreciation for history and its impact on their own lives.
Example Lesson: The consequences of glorifying war
Explanation: The book delves into the dangers of romanticizing war through one of the young characters, who learns that real conflict isn't like the games he plays.
Real-World Application: This lesson teaches children to critically analyze and question the portrayal of war in media and stories versus its harsh realities.
Example Lesson: The importance of intergenerational relationships
Explanation: The characters' relationships, particularly between the grandson and his grandfather, underscore the importance of wisdom and guidance passing from older to younger generations.
Real-World Application: Children can be encouraged to seek knowledge and advice from older family members, fostering bonding and respect across generations.
Example Lesson: Empathy and understanding
Explanation: Characters in the story learn to understand others' experiences and perspectives, particularly through the retelling of the grandfather's wartime experiences.
Real-World Application: This can help children develop empathy by considering others' feelings and views, promoting better personal relationships and community understanding.