#2 in War Horse Series
Listen to the Moon companion to War Horse
2007 by
on Goodreads (7,295)
What’s inside...
A girl is found adrift on a lifeboat in the middle of the Atlantic after a horrific disaster at sea. She has no memory of who she is or how she got there and is taken into the care of a young boy named Alfie and his family on the Scilly Isles. As she slowly regains her health and her memories, she reveals a tale of war, loss, and a secret connection to one of the biggest ocean liners ever built.
Why read this book
- Captivating historical fiction enriches knowledge and imagination.
- Encourages empathy through engaging and relatable characters.
- Enhances critical thinking with intriguing plot twists.
- Offers insights into World War I era effectively.
The Big Picture
- Promotes resilience through survival and recovery themes
- Fosters empathy by delving into characters' traumas
- Encourages supportive relationships for healing
- Facilitates discussions on war and displacement impacts
Diversity & Representation
- Explores historical events through diverse, impactful narrative perspectives.
- Highlights cultural impacts of WWI on varied populations.
- Encourages empathy through stories of diverse human experiences.
Book in series
#2
Age
9-12
Length
168 pages
Text complexity
proficient
Character Compass
Discussion points
How do you think Alfie and his family felt when they discovered the wounded girl on the island?
What can we learn about kindness and compassion from the way the villagers responded to the girl?
Why do you think it is important to listen and try to understand others, even when they can't communicate in the usual ways?
What similarities and differences do you see between the world in the book and our world today?
How do you imagine you would react if you found yourself in a situation like Alfie’s?
Tip: Role play these questions
Start the conversation by sharing your own thoughts on the book’s setting and characters to create an open environment for your child to express their thoughts and feelings.
Encourage your child to relate the experiences of the characters to their own life, which can help deepen their understanding and empathy.
Ask your child to think about what they might have done differently if they were in the protagonist’s place, fostering critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
Use pauses after each question to give your child time to think and encourage them to ask questions of their own, promoting an interactive dialogue.
Highlight the historical context of the story to provide a deeper understanding of the characters' actions and motivations.
What parents love
Educational yet captivating historical narrative.
Handles sensitive themes with care.
Encourages empathy and historical interest.
Great for family reading and discussion.
Key Lessons
Example Lesson: Empathy and Understanding
Explanation: The book portrays the story of a young girl found on an uninhabited island and how she affects the lives of those around her, leading to a deeper understanding of her mysterious past. The characters demonstrate empathy as they try to understand her and help her recover.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to appreciate and recognize the feelings and situations of others around them, fostering a more empathetic society.
Example Lesson: Resilience in adversity
Explanation: The main characters in the story face many challenges, including the impacts of World War I and personal hardships. Their ability to persist is a major theme throughout the book.
Real-World Application: This can encourage children to remain steadfast and resilient when facing their own challenges, whether at school, in sports, or in personal relationships.
Example Lesson: The importance of family and community
Explanation: The book emphasizes the strength and support that family and community provide to the individuals, especially in times of uncertainty and hardship.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to value and lean on their family and community, understanding the crucial role they play in personal development and support.
Example Lesson: Historical Awareness
Explanation: Through its setting during World War I, the story provides insights into historical events and their impact on people's lives, fostering an interest in and respect for history.
Real-World Application: This can lead to children developing a keen interest in learning about history and understanding its significance in shaping the modern world.