SuitabookDon't Talk to me about the War
David A. Adler
- Reading
- Read alongside the child if possible, pausing when the war becomes more personal. Afterwards, invite reflections on what Tommy notices, rather than supplying conclusions about his feelings or the ending.
- Themes
- War becoming personal: Tommy initially avoids discussion of the war in Europe, but Beth’s interest and experiences involving a Jewish school friend make it more immediate. The story appears to explore a child’s movement from detachment towards awareness of a wider conflict.
- Family health and change: Tommy has immediate concerns including his mother’s declining health; multiple sclerosis is listed among the book’s subjects. The book’s stance on this remains unclear.
- Friendship and growing awareness: Beth wants to discuss the war, while the synopsis says that stories involving a Jewish friend at school help make the war more real to Tommy. Friendship appears to provide contrasting viewpoints and a route into subjects Tommy initially wishes to avoid.
- Worth knowing
- Be ready for discussion of war, a Jewish school friend and a parent’s declining health. The emotional weight and detail of these subjects are not clear from the available outline.