Somebody, Please Tell Me Who I Am
on Goodreads (1,190)
What’s inside...
Ben has always had it pretty easy--with no acting experience, he landed the lead in his high school musical, and he's dating the prettiest girl in school. Haunted by memories of 9/11, he makes the decision to enlist in the army--with devastating consequences. Somehow nobody ever thought Ben would be one of the soldiers affected, but after his convoy gets caught in an explosion, Ben is in a coma for two months. When he wakes up, he doesn't know where he is, and he doesn't remember anything about his old life. His family and friends mourn what they see as a loss, but Ben perseveres. Although he will never be the person he once was, this is the story of his struggle and transformation.
Age
11-12
Length
160 pages
Text complexity
Character compass
Ben Bright
Chris Bright
Niko
Ariela
Mr. Bright
Mrs. Bright
Discussion points
How did Ben's experience in the military change his perspective on life, and what emotions do you think he felt during his challenges?
What does friendship mean to you, and how can you relate to the support Ben received from his friends and family throughout the story?
Why is communication important in understanding others' feelings and situations, as seen through the characters in the book?
How do you think the characters in the book dealt with uncertainty and fear, and what can we learn from their reactions?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to express their thoughts and feelings about the book by relating personal experiences to the situations faced by Ben.
Discuss the importance of support systems, like family and friends, in overcoming life's challenges, drawing parallels to the character's experiences.
Explore the theme of resilience together by discussing how Ben and other characters adapted to new realities, and ask your child how they might handle similar situations.
After reading, help your child identify the different emotions portrayed in the book and talk about the importance of empathy and understanding.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: The importance of identity
Explanation: The protagonist struggles with memory loss following an injury, leading him to piece together his identity.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to appreciate their unique qualities and experiences that define who they are.
Example Lesson: Resilience in the face of adversity
Explanation: The main character's journey is filled with challenges that he must overcome, showcasing his resilience.
Real-World Application: This can teach children how to remain strong and persistent even when encountering difficulties.
Example Lesson: Empathy and understanding
Explanation: The story provides insight into the inner world of someone struggling with trauma, fostering empathy.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this by learning to be compassionate and supportive of peers who may be experiencing hardships.
Example Lesson: The value of friendship and support
Explanation: The protagonist experiences crucial support from friends and family which aids his recovery.
Real-World Application: This lesson highlights the importance of nurturing relationships and supporting each other through tough times.
Example Lesson: Accepting change
Explanation: The main character learns to accept and adapt to the changes in his life post-injury.
Real-World Application: It instills a mindset in children that change, although challenging, can be embraced and managed.