Rags: Hero Dog of WWI: A True Story
What’s inside...
During World War I, Private James Donovan stumbles upon a stray dog named Rags in Paris, France. Despite not having an official canine division, Rags becomes a beloved companion to Donovan and the troops, delivering messages and boosting morale. Rags' battlefield exploits become legendary. However, both Rags and Donovan are wounded near the war's end, and Donovan is sent back to the U.S. Rags, with unwavering loyalty, refuses to leave his side, staying with Donovan until he passes away in a base hospital in Chicago.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
7-10
Length
32 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What do you think made Rags a hero during WWI?
How do you think the soldiers felt having Rags around?
What qualities do you admire most about Rags and why?
If you were in the story, how would you help Rags on his mission?
What lessons can we learn from Rags’ bravery and loyalty?
Tip: Role play these questions
Use expressive reading to bring the story of Rags to life, emphasizing his heroic actions and the emotions of the soldiers.
Pause after dramatic moments in the story to ask how your child feels and what they predict will happen next.
Discuss the historical context of WWI briefly to give your child a sense of time and place, enhancing their understanding of the story’s significance.
After reading, encourage your child to draw a picture of Rags or write a short letter to him, expressing their thoughts about his bravery.
Connect the themes of the book to your child’s life by discussing the importance of courage and helping others in everyday situations.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Bravery and Sacrifice
Explanation: Rags demonstrates bravery and sacrifice by serving alongside soldiers in World War I, navigating dangerous terrains to deliver messages.
Real-World Application: Children can learn the importance of being courageous and thinking of others' needs before their own, qualities that can be applied in school settings or in helping out at home.
Example Lesson: Loyalty and Companionship
Explanation: The bond between Rags and his owner highlights the loyalty and companionship animals can offer.
Real-World Application: This teaches children the value of nurturing relationships and remaining faithful to friends and family members through challenging times.
Example Lesson: Overcoming Adversity
Explanation: Despite the harsh conditions of war, Rags perseveres and fulfills his duties, showing resilience.
Real-World Application: It encourages children to stay determined and persistent no matter the challenges they face in their daily life, whether it’s completing a difficult homework assignment or resolving a conflict.
Example Lesson: The impact of service
Explanation: Rags’ role in WWI demonstrates how contributions, regardless of size, can make a significant difference.
Real-World Application: Children can be motivated to contribute to their community or household, understanding that their actions, however small, have importance.
Example Lesson: History and humanity
Explanation: Through the story of Rags, children gain insights into historical events and the human-animal bond during wartime.
Real-World Application: This lesson can help foster a deeper appreciation and interest in history and teach empathy towards animals and people alike.