Journal Prompts - Charlie Wilcox

Chapter 1

Would you have liked to live in 1915? List some advantages and disadvantages of living 100 years ago. Think of some of the comforts that you enjoy today that would not have existed then. What comforts of modern life would you miss the most?

Chapter 2

   Charlie has several options to consider when dealing with bullies – he can fight, he can run away, or he can stay and fight. Describe a time when you had to deal with a bully. What did you do? Why did you decide this was the best thing to do? Would you do anything different if you encountered a similar situation again?

Chapter 3

Describe a time when you were in trouble and list the steps you took to get out of it. Did it work? What advice would you give to someone else in the same situation?

Chapter 4

Why does Charlie’s mother say that war has nothing to do with us”?

Have you ever been separated from your family? Write about an experience including how you felt about it

Chapter 5

Have you ever played a joke on someone? Write about what happened. Did the person feel bad about it after? Do you think it was a positive or negative experience foe those involved?

Charlie says something to Davy that he regrets. He thinks, “That’s the problem with words—once you said them you couldn't unsay them.” Describe a time when you felt this way yourself.

Chapter 6

Sometimes people look back on upsetting events, but find that they have become funny to them over time. Have you had an experience like that? Write about it.

Chapter 7

Charlie has a nightmare while under anesthetic. Describe what it was about and explain why he might have had it.Charlie regrets talking about Mac and Dr. Daniels, thinking that he has gotten them into trouble. Have you ever said something that you regretted? What did you do to make up for it?

Chapter 8

Lucy Wilcox says “you may be listening, but you are not hearing.” What is the difference between “listening” and “hearing” here? Can you think of another saying in this chapter that means something similar?Have you ever made a decision that disappointed your family or friends? Do you think you did the right thing, even though you disappointed them?

Chapter 9

What words would you use to describe Aunt Maude? Have you ever met anyone like her?

Chapter 10

What advice would you have given Charlie if you met him on the dock?

Chapter 11

Charlie talks out loud to himself as he tries to get out of the crate in the ship’s hold. In your opinion, how does talking to himself help Charlie in this situation?Describe a time when you were in a scary situation and explain what you did to cope.

Chapter 12

What significance do the images in Charlie’s dream have for him? Why does the image of the floating steel anchor disturb him?

Who is most to blame for the situation that Charlie now finds himself in—Clint or Charlie? What were their motives for doing what they did? Do a person’s motives change how you feel about their behavior? Explain.

Chapter 13

The letter that Charlie writes is very short and simple. Write a new letter explaining more of the feelings that you think Charlie may be having right now.

Chapter 14

Charlie is not given much help in getting home. In fact, he is told to take care of himself until the money arrives from Newfoundland to send him home. If this were to happen today do you think that adults would have the same reaction?

Chapter 15

Charlie lies a number of times in this chapter in order to get where he is going. Explain whether you think lying is okay under certain circumstances, or if it is never OK.

Chapter 16

Part of the reason that Charlie wants to work hard in the hospital is to prove that he is not a coward. What things has he done to prove this already? What things do you think he may do in the future to prove this?

Chapter 17

Mac says, “If you’re old enough to watch good men die, I guess you are old enough for wine.” Do you agree or disagree? What makes a person more mature—age or years of experience?

Chapter 18

Do you agree or disagree with Charlie’s decision to let Mac have his ticket home? Why?

Chapter 19

What does the smell of the trenches tell you about what t must have been like to live in them?

Chapter 20

In order to be successful, the soldiers must work together as a team. Describe a time when you were able to accomplish more as a part of a team than you would have been able to do alone.

Chapter 21

There were many disturbing images in this chapter. What, in your opinion, was the most difficult to read?

List the many things that Charlie does to save Martin’s life. Out of all of them, which do you think is the most important? Why?

Chapter 22

When Charlie’s mom first sees him, she hardly recognizes him. In the author’s words he is “tall, grown, a man.” In what other ways do you think Charlie’s time in Europe has changed him?