
Reach for this book if you are parenting a child who feels a growing emotional distance from a parent or is struggling to understand why an adult in their life is so rigid and strict. It is an essential choice for families navigating the bridge between a child's natural independence and a parent's protective, sometimes painful, past. Through the eyes of eleven-year-old Charlie, the story explores how history and trauma, specifically from the Vietnam War, can ripple through a family. While it tackles serious themes of war and generational conflict, it remains a hopeful middle-grade novel that emphasizes empathy and the power of asking questions. It is a beautiful tool for normalizing the complex feelings of wanting to love a parent while also wanting to challenge their rules.
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Sign in to write a reviewDepicts the lasting psychological trauma and grief associated with war and loss of friends.
The book deals directly with the trauma of war and the death of soldiers. The approach is realistic and secular, focusing on the psychological impact of combat. The resolution is realistic: it doesn't solve every family problem overnight, but it opens a door for communication and mutual respect.
A 10 to 12 year old who feels like they are constantly 'in trouble' or misunderstood by an authority figure. It is perfect for a child who is naturally curious about family secrets or history.
Parents should be prepared to discuss the Vietnam War, including the reasons why some Americans protested the war and the lasting impact it had on soldiers. There are descriptions of the emotional toll of war that may require a brief historical context for younger readers. A parent might see their child pulling away, acting out in school, or asking difficult questions about 'why' rules exist that the parent isn't ready to answer.
Younger readers (age 8-9) will focus on Charlie's school life and her business ventures. Older readers (11-12) will better grasp the nuance of Oscar's PTSD and the weight of the social justice themes.
Unlike many books about war which focus on the front lines, this story focuses on the 'after' and how the silence of a veteran affects the next generation. The story offers a unique perspective on the long-term impact of war.
Charlie Pippin is an enterprising girl whose entrepreneurial spirit often clashes with her father Oscar's rigid, disciplinarian nature. When she decides to learn about the Vietnam War for a school project, she discovers that her father's cold demeanor is rooted in his traumatic experiences as a soldier. The story follows her journey of reconciling her own identity with her family's unspoken history.
This overview was generated by AI based on the book's content and reviews, and may not capture every nuance.