Don't You Know There's A War On?

Bibliography:
Avi. 2001. Don’t You Know There’s A War On?. New York, NY: HarperCollins. ISBN: 0380815443

Plot Summary:
Sixteen year old Howie Crispers recalls the year he was in Ms. Gossim’s fifth grade class, which was in the middle of World War II. His father is away fighting in a sub, his mother is working at the ship yard and he is left to his own devices. On his way to school one faithful day, he discovers (by climbing down a coal shaft and lifting himself up in a dumbwaiter) that his teacher was going to be fired. Aghast, Howie goes to school, knowing that the teacher he finds beautiful and nice will be let go.

Eventually, Howie finds out during a mandatory blackout that Ms. Gossim is pregnant and her husband is missing in the war. Ms Gossim’s pregnancy is the reason that she is being released. Howie rallies the students to write a petition to persuade the principle to let Ms. Gossim stay, even though Ms. Gossim has asked that Howie not tell the other students about her condition. Not to be dissuaded, Howie gathers a small group of his classmates, marches to the door of the superintendent and successfully pleads with her to allow Ms. Gossim to stay.

Critical Analysis:
What is most striking about this work is the way in which the characters speak; children use slang in speaking with one another, as well as with adults. This sets the story and allows the reader to truly find the voice of the main character. While World War II is happening and everyone is involved, the story is really about choosing to do what is right, regardless of the consequences. Instead of centering on the war itself, the story focuses on Howie and the decisions he makes. The war is never far behind, however, since Howie expresses worries about his father, goes through a blackout and finds out that his best friend’s father dies while serving in the war. Brooklyn landmarks are incorporated, to give the story’s setting an even greater depth.

Awards and Reviews:
Children's Choice nominee, Oklahoma
Children's Choice nominee, Missouri
Children's Choice nominee, Virginia

“His voice is fresh with the wholesomeness of 40s slang and the ageless irreverence of just being a boy. Especially well-crafted are lifelike dialogues that zip with brevity and wit that will keep readers grinning.” – Betty Hicks, Children’s Literature

“Howie Crispers narrates Avi's poignant, funny coming-of-age tale set in Brooklyn during WWII. For the facts, readers can consult Stephen E. Ambrose's excellent volume, but for a flavor of everyday life on the homefront, they will appreciate Howie's recollections of his experiences as a fifth grader during one pivotal week in March 1943”. – Publisher’s Weekly

Connections:
*During the war, even fifth graders were encouraged to help the cause. Investigate some of the things that children were encouraged to do during the Second World War. Pose questions to the students about how they would deal with having to do similar things!
*Newspaper headlines are used as a device in this work – using the Internet and other resources, check different papers for the same week. Compare and contrast the different headlines, then make your own paper!

Book Jacket found on http://www.harpercollins.com/harperimages/isbn/large/9/9780380815449.jpg