For children navigating feelings of being different or facing prejudice, this story explores courage, identity, and resilience during a challenging historical period.
A parent might reach for this book when their child is grappling with what it means to belong, especially if they are being singled out for their family's background. Set during World War I, this story follows a young German-American boy who suddenly finds himself viewed as an enemy in his own town. It powerfully explores the fear and confusion of being targeted by prejudice, while also highlighting the immense courage it takes to maintain one's identity and stand up for what is right. For ages 9-12, this historical novel provides a safe, compelling way to open conversations about patriotism, xenophobia, and the true meaning of friendship and character.
The protagonist deals with significant fear, social isolation, and feelings of loneliness.
Sensitive Topics
The book deals directly with xenophobia, prejudice, and bullying. The discrimination is overt: characters use slurs (like 'Hun'), socially ostracize the family, and commit acts of vandalism. The approach is secular and historically grounded. The resolution is realistic and hopeful. While the underlying societal prejudice is not magically erased, the protagonist achieves personal growth, solidifies true friendships, and develops a more resilient and nuanced understanding of his identity.
Ideal Reader
This is for a sensitive 10-12 year old who is beginning to notice social injustices. It's especially suited for a child who feels like an outsider because of their family's culture, language, or background and is struggling to reconcile different parts of their identity.
Parent Prep
Parents should be prepared to provide historical context about World War I and the anti-German sentiment in the U.S. at the time. The book benefits from a pre-reading conversation. Parents may want to preview chapters that depict bullying and the family being threatened to prepare for their child's questions and emotional reactions. A parent has just heard their child say something like, "They made fun of the food I brought for lunch," or "They said we aren't from here." The child is feeling confused or hurt by being treated as 'different' for the first time.
Age Experience
A 9-year-old will connect strongly with the themes of fairness, friendship, and the clear wrongness of the bullying Ben endures. A 12-year-old will be able to grasp the more complex themes: mob mentality, the meaning of patriotism, propaganda, and the internal conflict of having a dual identity in a hostile environment.
What Makes It Special
While many historical fiction books for this age focus on World War II, this book's WWI setting offers a less-explored perspective. It uniquely examines the experience of a white, European-descended child being 'othered,' providing a powerful and accessible entry point for discussions about insider/outsider dynamics that is distinct from stories centered on racial prejudice.
Read plot summary
This historical novel is set on the American home front during World War I. The protagonist, a young boy from a German-American family, experiences a swift and painful shift in his community's attitude towards him and his family after the U.S. enters the war. He faces suspicion, bullying at school, and social isolation, forcing him to question his own identity and loyalty. The story follows his journey as he navigates this new hostility, finds unexpected allies, and learns about different forms of courage and patriotism.
This overview was generated by AI based on the book's content and reviews, and may not capture every nuance.
Discussion Prompts
1
Before the war, Ben felt completely American. What specific events and interactions in the story made him start to feel like an outsider?
2
Ben’s father says that true courage is doing what's right even when you're afraid. When does Ben show this kind of courage? Were there other characters who also showed courage?
3
The townspeople react to Ben's family in very different ways. Why do you think some people chose to be cruel, while others, like his best friend, chose to be loyal?
4
The title of the book is 'A Real American'. After reading the story, what do you think the author believes makes someone a 'real American'?
