Shooting the Moon
TeachPeaceNow Book review by Maureen Gilroy
Author Frances O'Roarke Dowell
This title fits these categories
Topic: Addresses the issue of war
Classification Young Adult Novel
Acceptable grade levels Fouth grade and up
Concepts/ Topics covered in book:
“Combat Ready, Sir!” is twelve year old Jamie Dexter’s way of saying “OK.” It is the Army way and she and her family are U.S. Army through and through. Her dad, Colonel Dexter, is stationed at Fort Hood, Texas in 1969. Her brother TJ has just volunteered for the Medical Corps in Vietnam instead of going to college and Jamie can’t be prouder or more envious. Jamie would love to be old enough to volunteer for the war in Vietnam and can’t believe her Colonel father and Army wife mother have tried to dissuade TJ from enlisting. As time goes on and TJ sends film home for Jamie to develop in the fort rec –hall’s dark room, Jamie sees the horrors of the war first hand through pictures. She also connects to her brother with his favorite photography subject- the moon. Jamie begins to learn about herself, and about what her family truly values. It is a thoughtful and well crafted story that will open discussion about family, growth of characters and war. ( 4-8 grade)
Guiding Questions/Activities
Before reading:
Have you ever heard of the Vietnam War?
Do you know someone who has been in a war?
After reading:
How is looking at a photography of war different from reading about it?
How does Jamie's view of war change during the story?
How does Jamie feel when she realizes her father is unable to save her brother?
Is it fair to ask young people to fight wars for reasons they do noit fully understand?
Would you volunteer to be in the military?
About the Author
Awards: Author is an Edgar Award winner
Related reading:
A Brave Soldier by Nicolas Debon
The Last Brother by Trinka Nobel
Paths to Peace by Jane Zalben
Peace Tales by Margaret MacDonald
Potatoes Potatoes by Anita Lobel
The Wall by Eve Bunting