Discussion Director

1. Do you think Eddie going back into to the burning hut had any affect on his attempt to save the little girl from the ride.  
2. How might this foreshadow what has happened to the little girl from the ride.
3. What part of this section has affected Eddie the most.
4. What were you thinking and feeling when you found out Eddie was shot by his own captain. What do you think someone who is a veteran solider may feel differently about this.
5. How would you feel if someone you were close to was killed right next to you and how this would affect you.

ryan montvydas

Discussion Director

1. Why do you think Eddie wanted to go into the burning hut to see if someone was stuck in there?
2. What do you think his emotions were at that time?
3. Why do you think there is a lot of information about Eddie fighting in the war?
4. What do you think the author is trying to say by adding different lessons within the book?
5. What is your prediction about the second lesson?

connector

Part of book: The soldiers are freed from the captivity, they all want revenge. They steal as many weapons and want to burn down the camp they were held captive.
connection : People everyday have feelings of revenge, even for the smallest things. Although Eddie's feeling was much stronger, anyone can relate to being oppressed and wanting to retaliate or get back at the person or situation they are faced with. For example, with an event like September 11Th, many people felt feelings of revenge wanting to retaliate against the terrorists. If some people had the chance like Eddie and the other soldiers, i believe people would want to do something to them because of the strong feeling of vengeance within some people in our country.

Part of book: Eddie thinks he seems someone in the burning barn, so he goes back into the barn to try and save whoever or whatever it is.
connection: Everyday people have to decipher whether to do the right thing, even if it may not benefit them in any way. Eddie chose to do what he could to save someone or something, because he thought it was the right thing to do. People face this same situation in everyday life and it could potentially greatly change the course of someones life. Just like Eddie tried to do the right thing by saving this person, even though he can no longer run and has a permanent limp.

Part of book: After Eddie is in the burning fire, someone goes in to save him.
connection: Eddies captain uses the motto, "no one gets left behind." Eddie and the other soldiers found comfort in this throughout the war. One of the soldiers saves Eddie from burning to death, following his captains motto. This shows a loyalty and bond between a group of soldiers that were complete strangers outside of the war. This is much like another tragedy our country faced, hurricane Katrina. Complete strangers were giving out a helping hand, in this time of need. This shows that friends and even strangers show loyalty and come together in stressful and scary situations, leaving no one behind.

Illustrator