Finding Alfie: A D-Day Story
What’s inside...
Finding Alfie: A D-Day Story is a historical fiction book by Michael Morpurgo that follows the story of a young boy named Barney who sets out to find his missing dog Alfie after the D-Day landings. Set against the backdrop of World War II, the book explores themes of bravery, friendship, and the impact of war on ordinary people. Through Barney's journey, readers are given a poignant and moving portrayal of the human experience during this tumultuous time in history.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
7-11
Length
176 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
How do you think Alfie felt when he was separated from his family during D-Day?
What actions show Alfie's bravery and resilience throughout the story?
How do the relationships Alfie forms with others help him cope with the challenges he faces?
If you were in Alfie's shoes, what would you have done differently during his journey?
What lessons can we learn from Alfie’s experiences and how can we apply them in our own lives?
Tip: Role play these questions
Start the conversation by asking your child what they enjoyed most about the story to get them excited about discussing the book.
Encourage empathy by asking your child how they would feel in Alfie's situations, enhancing their connection to the character and the story.
Facilitate critical thinking by discussing the decisions Alfie made and exploring alternative choices and outcomes together.
Praise your child for their insights and encourage them to express how the story's themes relate to their own life experiences.
Use follow-up questions to delve deeper into your child’s thoughts and feelings about the story, helping them articulate and process their ideas effectively.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: The importance of bravery and selflessness
Explanation: In 'Finding Alfie: A D-Day Story', the characters display acts of bravery and selflessness during the harrowing times of World War II, demonstrating courage in the face of danger.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to stand up for what is right, help others in need, and face their fears courageously in their daily interactions and challenges.
Example Lesson: Understanding historical events
Explanation: The book presents the events of D-Day through a personal narrative, providing children with a human perspective on historical events.
Real-World Application: This lesson teaches children the significance of history and its impact, encouraging them to learn more about their own history and respect different pasts encountered in diverse communities.
Example Lesson: The value of friendship and teamwork
Explanation: Throughout the book, characters rely on each other, illustrating the necessity of teamwork and the strength found in friendships.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this by working together with peers in school projects, sports, and other group activities, learning to support and rely on each other.
Example Lesson: Resilience in difficult times
Explanation: The characters in the story face many challenges but learn to overcome them through resilience and determination.
Real-World Application: This can inspire children to persevere through their own struggles, whether it’s in school, sports, or personal life, understanding that obstacles are part of growth.
Example Lesson: Empathy and understanding
Explanation: As children read about the experiences of others during a difficult period in history, they develop empathy and a deeper understanding of emotions and human experiences.
Real-World Application: This lesson helps children to be more considerate and understanding towards the feelings and situations of others around them, fostering a more empathetic community.