This story by Gary Paulsen focuses on an adolescent boy’s efforts to understand his father’s unusual behavioral lapses, which his mother describes as “Vietnam Syndrome”. He is uncomfortable with the behavior at home and embarrassed when it manifests itself in public. Initially, he tries to research the condition at the library and by asking teachers. When this doesn’t work, he has the courage to ask his father. What he learns brings a measure of understanding, and gives him the strength to be more tolerant. Themes: father-son relationships, the brutality of war and its after-effects on veterans, communication, understanding and tolerance. More…
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Dirk the Protector
This memoir by Gary Paulsen looks back to a time when, as a “street kid”, he not only had to fend for himself after school, but also had to be constantly on the lookout for a gang of bullies who liked to harass him. Relief from the bullies came in the form of a big, rangy, right on the edge of ugly dog he describes as as close to having a live nuclear weapon as you can get. When no longer needed, the dog moves on to its next protection job. Themes: self-sufficiency, courage, bullying, friendship, letting go. More…