Children's books - THE WALL by Eve Bunting and Ronald Himler - PV - Storytime

Summary

In 'The Wall' by Eve Bunting, illustrated by Ronald Himmler, a father and son visit a war memorial wall inscribed with names of the fallen. They search for the grandfather's name, finding it among others from the same year he died. The son, reflecting on the somber atmosphere, wishes his grandpa was alive to share everyday moments. The story concludes with the father honoring his father's memory, highlighting the wall's significance as a place of honor for all.

Takeaways

• 🏛️ The story revolves around a wall that commemorates those who were killed in a war long ago.
• 👴 The protagonist and his father visit the wall to find the name of the protagonist's grandfather.
• 🔍 The wall is described as black and shiny, reflecting the surroundings and the people visiting it.
• 😢 The visit is an emotional journey, with encounters of various individuals, including a man in a wheelchair and an elderly couple.
• 🎖️ The man in the wheelchair is a veteran, indicated by his medals and military attire.
• 🌹 Symbols of remembrance such as flowers, flags, and a teddy bear are left at the wall by visitors.
• 📜 The father and son search for the grandfather's name among the many listed on the wall.
• ✏️ They use a rubbing technique to transfer the grandfather's name onto a piece of paper as a keepsake.
• 👨‍👦 A man and a boy's interaction symbolizes the continuity of life and the desire to remember the past.
• 📸 The father places a photo of the protagonist at the wall, suggesting the blending of personal and collective memory.
• 🌿 The story concludes with a sense of pride and honor for the grandfather's sacrifice, despite the sadness of his loss.

Q & A

What is the main subject of the story 'The Wall'?

The main subject of the story is a memorial wall that bears the names of those who were killed in a war, specifically the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Wall.

Why did the father and son visit the wall in the story?

The father and son visit the wall to find and honor the grandfather's name, who was killed in the war.

What does the wall symbolize according to the teacher in the story?

The teacher in the story explains that while the names on the wall are of the dead, the wall itself is for all of us, symbolizing remembrance and honor for those who served.

What items have been left at the wall by visitors?

Visitors have left flowers, flags, a teddy bear, and letters with stones to keep them from blowing away as tokens of remembrance and respect.

How does the boy react when he sees the man in a wheelchair?

The boy notices the man in a wheelchair, who smiles at him, and the boy responds with a greeting, showing a moment of connection and respect.

What does the father do when he finds his father's name on the wall?

When the father finds his father's name, he rubs it as if to feel the name and remembers his grandfather, showing a mix of emotions including pride and sadness.

Why does the boy mention that he would rather have his grandpa taking him to the river?

The boy expresses a personal longing for his grandpa to be alive and present, sharing everyday experiences with him instead of just being a name on a wall.

What method does the father use to take a copy of the grandfather's name from the wall?

The father uses a technique called 'rubbing' where he places a piece of paper over the engraved name and rubs a pencil over it, transferring the name onto the paper.

How does the boy feel about the wall and his grandpa's presence on it?

The boy feels a mix of pride and sadness. He is proud that his grandpa's name is on the wall of honor, but he also expresses a wish for his grandpa to be alive and present with him.

What does the boy do with the picture of himself that his dad places under the stones?

The boy retrieves the picture of himself that blows away and replaces it under the stones, ensuring his grandpa 'sees' his smile.