It isn't easy to declare on your own grandfather, especially when you love him. But Peter sees it as the only way to hget back his room.
It all started when Grandpa came to live in the family's house and was given Peter's room, and no one bothered to ask Peter. At first Grandpa ignores Peter's declaration, but he finds it hard to take alarma clocks going off in the middle of the night, hidden slippers, and the disappearance of his watch. When Grandpa counterattacks, Peter loearns not only that war isn't fun at all, but that it would never accomplish what he wants.
It all started when Grandpa came to live in the family's house and was given Peter's room, and no one bothered to ask Peter. At first Grandpa ignores Peter's declaration, but he finds it hard to take alarma clocks going off in the middle of the night, hidden slippers, and the disappearance of his watch. When Grandpa counterattacks, Peter loearns not only that war isn't fun at all, but that it would never accomplish what he wants.
***Contains spoilers***
Smith clearly "gets" kids and this book has a great narrative voice. It won ten state reading awards. I think teachers/librarians/parents in 2022 should know that in Chapter 22 Grandpa slaps Peter so they are prepared to answer questions about it. "WHACK! Grandpa's right hand came whipping out of nowhere and slapped me hard across my cheek. I was so shocked and surprised, I couldn't say anything. My cheek felt hot and burning. It hurt. 'Why'd you hit me?' I said. I had tears in my eyes, but I didn't cry. 'War hurts,' Grandpa said."
Smith clearly "gets" kids and this book has a great narrative voice. It won ten state reading awards. I think teachers/librarians/parents in 2022 should know that in Chapter 22 Grandpa slaps Peter so they are prepared to answer questions about it. "WHACK! Grandpa's right hand came whipping out of nowhere and slapped me hard across my cheek. I was so shocked and surprised, I couldn't say anything. My cheek felt hot and burning. It hurt. 'Why'd you hit me?' I said. I had tears in my eyes, but I didn't cry. 'War hurts,' Grandpa said."
I have read this book in the past when I would share it with my fourth grade students. I am now retired and want to share it with my grandson. I thought it was a great story...funny at times, but thought provoking. It helps a young boy face some realities of life.
My son loved this book.
