The Wall

Information for students
Author: Bunting, Eve Title: The Wall
Book Genre: Realistic Fiction Publishing Info: Clarion Books; 42 pp.

Summary: A boy and his father visit the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington, D.C. to find the grandfather’s name on the wall. It is intriguing to observe the actions of other visitors who pass by.
Eve Bunting gingerly explores the feelings of war and its consequences through the eyes of this young boy. You will feel as if you are right there with the young boy as he questions if his grandfather will know who he is by the picture he leaves for him. The Wall is a story of honor.

Personal rating: ****

Rationale: suitable topic for the intended audience; interesting story; credible plot; convincing characters; no stereotyping; theme emerges naturally; worthwhile theme

Information for teachers
Reading level: 3.1 Interest level: 3rd-5th

Thematic Areas: symbols; flags; monuments; grief; death; Vietnam War

Content Areas: social studies

Potential Problems or Difficulties: strong emotional content

Possible use in classroom: use in a social studies unit about the Vietnam War; name rubbing in art; do an author study on Eve Bunting; locate Vietnam on a map, identify the continent it is on, do a quick continent/map review; discuss the reasons countries go to war and what they can do to settle their own differences; discuss the importance of honoring soldiers (Veteran’s day, Memorial Day); write a thank you letter to a decided upon veteran; read on Veteran’s Day and/or Memorial Day