
"Sonny's War" is a powerful historical fiction novel set in the late 1960s, focusing on fourteen-year-old Cori's coming-of-age amidst significant family upheaval and national turmoil. The story begins with the sudden death of Cori's father, plunging her family into grief. Simultaneously, her older brother is serving in the Vietnam War, adding a layer of constant anxiety and fear for his safety. The book sensitively explores themes of loss, the impact of war on families, and the resilience required to navigate such profound changes. It offers a window into a specific historical period while addressing universal emotions of sadness, worry, and the enduring strength of family bonds. This book is suitable for middle school readers, approximately ages 10-14, who are ready for a thoughtful and emotionally rich narrative.
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.