What’s inside...
Two teen-age runaways who refuse to be evacuated from London struggle to survive the blitz of 1940.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
9-12
Length
140 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
How do you think Bill and Julie felt when they had to make decisions on their own? Can you recall a time you felt the same?
What does the title 'Fireweed' symbolize in the story? What do you think it represents about the characters' journeys?
What role do friendship and trust play in the book? How did it affect the characters' survival?
How do Bill and Julie change by the end of the story? What do you think led to those changes?
If you were in Bill or Julie’s shoes, how would you have handled the challenges they faced?
Tip: Role play these questions
Start the discussion by sharing your own thoughts on the book’s characters or setting to create a comfortable space for open conversation. Encourage your child to compare their own experiences with those of Bill and Julie to deepen their understanding and empathy. Praise their insights and maintain eye contact to show genuine interest in their perspectives. Ask follow-up questions based on their responses to encourage deeper thinking and connection to the book's themes.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Resilience in the face of adversity
Explanation: The protagonist, Bill, exemplifies resilience as he navigates the challenges of living in war-torn London and later fending for himself in the countryside.
Real-World Application: Children learn the importance of perseverance and adaptability when faced with difficult situations, fostering a mindset that can overcome obstacles.
Example Lesson: The value of friendship
Explanation: Throughout the story, Bill forms profound friendships that provide him support and comfort, illustrating how relationships can be a source of strength.
Real-World Application: This teaches children the importance of building and maintaining relationships, and how friends can help us through challenging times.
Example Lesson: Self-discovery and personal growth
Explanation: As Bill faces various hardships, he learns more about himself and grows as a person, highlighting the journey of self-discovery.
Real-World Application: Children are encouraged to reflect on their own experiences and challenges as opportunities for personal development and understanding themselves better.
Example Lesson: Empathy towards others
Explanation: Bill shows empathy by caring for other characters who are also affected by the war, promoting an understanding of other people’s feelings and situations.
Real-World Application: This lesson helps children understand the importance of considering others' perspectives and being supportive in their interactions.
Example Lesson: Courage to make tough decisions
Explanation: The story portrays Bill making difficult decisions, such as leaving his familiar surroundings to seek safety, emphasizing the courage it takes to do so.
Real-World Application: It teaches children that sometimes making the right decision requires bravery and stepping out of one’s comfort zone.