What Are We Fighting For?
#1 of 10 in MacMillan Poetry Series
on Goodreads (29)
What’s inside...
The book 'What Are We Fighting For?' by Brian Moses is a collection of poems that explore the theme of war from various perspectives. Through poignant and thought-provoking verse, Moses delves into the reasons behind conflicts, the experiences of soldiers and civilians, and the impact of war on individuals and societies. The poems address historical and contemporary wars, questioning the purpose of such struggles and the human cost that comes with them. The book aims to foster reflection and discussion about the nature of war, encouraging readers to consider the consequences of violence and the importance of peace. Explore the concept of war in a distinctively accessible way with these poems for younger readers. Fascinating and moving in equal measure, there are poems about incredibly brave dogs, cats, and pigeons; the Christmas truce of WWI, when soldiers played soccer in No Man's Land; poems about rationing and what it was like to be an evacuee; poems about modern warfare and the reality of war today; plus lots of amazing true historical facts. This cross-curricular poetry book is a brilliant way to get young readers thinking about both the historical and philosophical aspects of war.
Discussion points
What do you think are some reasons that people might have conflicts or disagreements?
How do you feel when you see or hear about arguments and fights?
What are some ways we can resolve conflicts peacefully?
Can you think of a time when you solved a disagreement with a friend or sibling peacefully? How did it make you feel?
What did you learn from the characters in the book about handling disputes?
Tip: Role play these questions
Create a welcoming environment where your child feels safe expressing their feelings and thoughts about conflict.
Use examples from the book to discuss real-life scenarios where they could apply peaceful conflict resolution skills.
Encourage empathy by asking how they think the characters felt during the conflicts, and how they might feel in similar situations.
Praise your child for thoughtful responses and insights during your discussion, reinforcing the importance of understanding and peace-building.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Understanding Conflict
Explanation: The book delves into themes of conflict and resolution, guiding children through understanding why conflicts arise.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this understanding by recognizing the root causes of disagreements in school or at home, thus fostering peaceful resolutions.
Example Lesson: Empathy and Perspective-Taking
Explanation: Through various poems, the book showcases different viewpoints, encouraging readers to put themselves in others' shoes.
Real-World Application: This lesson helps children understand the feelings and views of others, improving their interactions and relationships with peers.
Example Lesson: The Importance of Peace
Explanation: The book promotes peace as a valuable and attainable goal, presenting it as preferable to conflict.
Real-World Application: Children learn to prioritize peaceful solutions and understand the benefits of living harmoniously, both at home and in their community.
Example Lesson: Expressing Feelings Through Words
Explanation: The poetic format encourages expression of complex emotions and thoughts in a healthy, constructive way.
Real-World Application: This can inspire children to articulate their feelings through writing or speaking, helping them manage emotions effectively.
Example Lesson: History's Lessons
Explanation: The book references historical conflicts, providing context and teaching the consequences of past actions.
Real-World Application: Children can draw parallels between historical events and current events, learning the importance of informed decision-making based on historical outcomes.