Use this activity to engage all types of learners, while requiring that they refer to and incorporate details from the text over the course of the activity.

“The Day After D-Day”

In this activity, students will write a chapter from the perspective of one of the novel’s narrators focusing on the day after D-Day.

Although Gratz’s novel ends with Dee learning that he will no longer be able to fight, WWII still continues for other characters. Working in small groups, select one narrator and write another chapter that shares their perspective of their experiences on the day after D-Day. As you plan your chapter, consider the following questions:

• Where is this character located?
• Is s/he alone or do they have a companion?
• What is s/he doing the day following D-Day?
• Is s/he fighting or supporting the Allies in another way?
• What is her/his next mission?

Try to keep your narration similar in both style and length to the novel. After developing and drafting your chapter, share your creative writing assignment with the class.

Teaching Suggestion: This activity combines creative writing with text analysis by requiring students to develop an original but consistent storyline in a similar theme. You can split students up into five different groups and either assign or have groups self-select one of the following narrators: Dee, Henry, James, Monique or Samira.