Purple Heart (by Patricia McCormick)
common sense media says
Powerful, heartbreaking tale of young soldiers in Iraq.
parents & educators say
What parents need to know
Parents need to know that this is a very, very realistic look into a war going on right now, with intense violence. These soldiers are very young; they can only trust their commanders and hope to survive. They admit how scary it is; but also how primal, and how being on patrol, in night goggles and carrying guns, makes them feel like Superman. The story opens with a young soldier waking up in a hospital in the Green Zone, wondering what happened, and questioning his own role in the death of an Iraqi boy he had befriended. His narrative, his questioning, his fear, and his love for squad mates that have become his family make the life of a battlefield soldier real for those who will probably never have first-hand experience. There are intense descriptions of attacks and the experience of facing death or pulling a trigger and killing others.
Educational value:
As historical fiction, this story takes place in real-time, so there isn't a lot of historical background given.
Positive role models:
Matt is an exemplary soldier and friend. After a head injury he is sent back into combat; his loyalty to his fellow soldiers never wavers. After seeing children killed, he wants to protect them. But most of all, he has to choose between saving his friends, and saving himself.
Violence:
Intense, war-time violence. Eighteen-year-old Matt wakes up after being wounded in Iraq. He dreams of a child he had befriended being blown up. He has vivid memories while trying to heal of other soldiers and civilians killed. He returns to battle, sees friends killed, and must kill or be killed. Some soldiers seem to relish the battle, while others will do anything to protect their buddies.
Sex:
Soldiers have some posters of celebrities such as Britney Spears. They are referred to as "hot."
Language:
"Badass," "s--t," "f--king," and "hell" are used sparingly.
Consumerism:
Not applicable.
Drinking, drugs, & smoking:
Not applicable.
More on Purple Heart
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Most useful reviews by all members
Jeffriesboys
parent of 11 and 14 year old
parent of 11 and 14 year old
Not appropriate for teens under about 16 or 17.
My son checked this book out because of the title. From the title, I surmised it was a book of honor, courage and heros. Full disclosure, my husband is an active duty soldier. The "f" word appears within the first 10 pages. I was surprised that the reviewer doesn't have a problem with the fact that the soldier in the bed beside Matt in Baghdad offers him cigarettes in exchange for some of his medicine - percoset, etc. There are several ethics issues that this book raises - for example, the Colonel investigating the incident suggests that he (Matt) isn't a reliable witness because of his TBI and therefore "gave" him the official story.
My main issue with the book is that the author has an agenda - she has participated in protests with the Veterans against The Iraq War. In my personal opinion,the issues raised in this book require a pretty sophisticated world view to assess the ethical issues raised. Esspecially if your tween/teen is a military child, some of the issues raised need to be approached carefully.
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CSM Screen ...
adult
adult
Iraqian war personnalized
Personnalization of the Iraq war. Fantastic but be aware of language and violence and army coverups.
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