
Reach for this book when your teen is grappling with a major life decision that feels at odds with your family's history or expectations. This poignant novel follows Jake Forrest, a teenager from a family with a deep military legacy, who is expected to enlist just like his older brother. However, after his brother returns home from war with life-altering injuries, Jake begins to question the true cost of heroism and whether he has the right to choose a different path. It is a deeply reflective look at the weight of duty, the complexity of patriotism, and the courage it takes to define one's own identity. Strasser handles these heavy themes with nuance and respect, making it an excellent choice for 14 to 18-year-olds who are learning to navigate high-stakes peer and family pressure while developing their own moral compass.
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Sign in to write a reviewChallenges the concepts of traditional heroism and family obligation.
Occasional realistic teen and military dialogue.
Descriptions of war-related injuries and combat flashbacks.
The book deals directly and realistically with the physical and psychological toll of combat (PTSD and limb loss). The approach is secular and grounded in contemporary reality. The resolution is realistic and bittersweet, focusing on personal integrity rather than easy answers.
A high schooler who feels trapped by a 'pre-destined' career path or a student in a military family who is struggling with the discrepancy between public honor and private sacrifice.
Parents should be aware of the descriptions of combat injuries and the psychological strain on the brother, Brad. It is helpful to read this alongside the teen to discuss the difference between 'quitting' and 'choosing a different path.' A parent might notice their teen becoming unusually withdrawn or argumentative when discussing college applications or future plans, or perhaps expressing cynicism toward long-held family traditions.
Younger teens will focus on the tension of Jake standing up to his grandfather. Older teens will better grasp the societal pressures and the nuance of what it means to serve one's country.
Unlike many YA books that are either pro- or anti-military, Strasser offers a balanced, human-centric look at the personal cost of duty without devaluing the service itself.
Jake Forrest is a high school senior in a town where military service is the ultimate badge of honor. His grandfather is a retired general, and his brother, Brad, is a celebrated war hero. But when Brad returns from overseas with a prosthetic leg and severe emotional trauma, the family's 'duty first' narrative begins to crack. Jake must decide if he will follow the prescribed path to West Point or risk his family's disappointment by forging a different life.
This overview was generated by AI based on the book's content and reviews, and may not capture every nuance.