The Last Mission (Laurel-Leaf Historical Fiction)
#4 in World War II Series
on Goodreads (728)
What’s inside...
In 1944, as World War II is raging across Europe, fifteen-year-old Jack Raab dreams of being a hero. Leaving New York City, his family, and his boyhood behind, Jack uses a false I.D. and lies his way into the U.S. Air Force. From their base in England, he and his crew fly twenty-four treacherous bombing missions over occupied Europe. The war is almost over and Hitler near defeat when they fly their last mission -- a mission destined for disaster. Shot down far behind enemy lines, Jack is taken prisoner and sent to a German POW camp, where his experiences are more terrifying than anything he'd ever imagined.
Character compass
Jack Raab
Discussion points
How do you think Adam felt about joining the war? What emotions might he have experienced throughout his journey?
What are the major challenges Adam faces in the story, and how does he deal with them?
Can you relate to any of the characters’ feelings or decisions? Why or why not?
What do you think about the friendships portrayed in the book? How important were they during tough times?
What lessons do you think we can learn from Adam’s experiences?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to express their own thoughts and feelings about the book’s themes, relating them to their personal experiences. Use the open-ended questions to guide an enriching conversation that goes beyond the text, exploring personal values and decision-making processes. Emphasize the historical context of the book to broaden their understanding of the character's challenges. Lastly, affirm their feelings and thoughts to make them feel heard and supported through the discussion.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Courage in adversity
Explanation: The protagonist faces numerous challenges during his time as a World War II pilot, showcasing bravery and resilience.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to face their own challenges, whether at school or in social settings, with courage and determination.
Example Lesson: Impact of teamwork
Explanation: Throughout the story, the importance of teamwork is highlighted as characters rely on each other to succeed in their missions.
Real-World Application: This can encourage children to value cooperation and collaboration, understanding that success often requires working effectively with others.
Example Lesson: Consequences of decisions
Explanation: The main character’s choices directly affect both his life and those of his comrades, teaching readers about the weight of decisions.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this by thinking through their choices and considering the potential impact on themselves and others.
Example Lesson: Dealing with loss
Explanation: The protagonist experiences loss and learns to cope with it, which is a significant theme in the book.
Real-World Application: This lesson helps children understand that loss is a part of life and learning to cope with it is crucial for emotional growth.
Example Lesson: Growth through hardship
Explanation: As the story progresses, the main character grows and matures significantly through the trials faced.
Real-World Application: This teaches children that personal development often comes through overcoming difficulties and that they can emerge stronger from tough times.