About This Book
In this poignant chapter book, eleven-year-old Charlie Pippin is determined to bridge the emotional gap with her reserved father. She believes the key lies in understanding his experiences during the Vietnam War, a period he rarely discusses. As Charlie delves into history books, interviews, and her own imagination, she begins to piece together the profound impact the war had on him, and by extension, on their family. This story beautifully explores themes of empathy, historical understanding, and the enduring power of family bonds, offering a gentle yet powerful look at intergenerational trauma and healing.
Spunky eleven-year-old Charlie hopes to understand her rigid father by finding out everything she can about the Vietnam War, the war that let him survive but killed his dreams.
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Discussion Prompts
1
Why do you think Charlie's father found it so hard to talk about the Vietnam War?
2
How did Charlie's research help her understand her father better? What did she learn?
3
Have you ever tried to understand a grown-up's past experiences? What did you do?
4
What does it mean for someone to have their 'dreams killed' by an experience?
5
How can learning about history help us understand people in our own lives today?
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