SuitabookRumblings of war
Norma Jean Lutz
- Reading
- Read alongside a conversation about unfair blame and the pressures of fitting in. Pause after the school and friendship conflicts to ask what choices are available, while leaving the ending open until it is reached.
- Themes
- Belonging and intelligence: Audrey is mocked for being intelligent and makes mistakes deliberately in an attempt to stop the teasing. The situation invites reflection on the cost of hiding ability to gain acceptance, but the book’s overall judgement is not fully established.
- Prejudice and moral courage: Frank must decide whether to defend Japanese-American friends who are blamed unfairly by other boys, while also considering acceptance by those boys. The book?s stance on this remains unclear.
- Family relationships during change: The Harrington family has settled in a new Seattle home, while several children face difficulties involving school, loneliness and changing relationships. The book?s stance on this remains unclear.
- Worth knowing
- Notice how the story handles intelligence, social acceptance and racial prejudice.