The Wall

By Eve Bunting and Ronald Himler

This is the wall, my grandfather's wall. On it are the names of those killed in a war, long ago.

"A father and his young son have come to the Vietnam Veterans Memorial to find the name of the grandfather the little boy never knew. They share the sadness as well as the pride of having Grandpa's name there. This moving account is beautifully told from a young child's point of view." (The Horn Book, starred review).

"Himler's intense, quiet watercolors capture the dignity of the setting as Bunting's story reaches to the heart of deep emotions. A quiet, respectful exploration." (Booklist)

"Captures the meaning of the memorial to the American people, especially to those who have lost loved ones. A sensitive and moving picture book." (School Library Journal, starred review)

One of this book's many 5-star reviewers commented: "As a teacher, this is the perfect book to read to help kids understand more about Memorial Day."

Another reviewer, a Vietnam veteran, said: "Bought this to give to my great-grandson on Memorial Day. The book gave us an excellent story and illustrations that helped keep his interest and it started a great discussion that has lasted for weeks after the reading."

• Language: English
• Publisher: HarperCollins
• Release date: Feb 10, 2015
• ISBN: 9780547531496

Eve Bunting

Eve Bunting was the beloved, award-winning author of more than two hundred and fifty books for young people, including the Caldecott Medal-winning Smoky Night, illustrated by David Diaz, The Wall, Fly Away Home, and Train to Somewhere.

Book preview

Reviews for The Wall

[cbl_tn · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

The son and grandson of a fallen soldier visit the Vietnam Memorial to look for their soldier's name. The young boy notices the sadness of other memorial visitors and the mementos left to honor the dead. Some of the characters are dated now more than 30 years after the book's publication. However, many families still live with the effects of this war and books like this will help successive generations of children understand its lingering sadness.

[whisper1_1 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

In Washington, DC, there is a wall, a testimony to the large number of people who died, or who were never found in their United States military served in Vietnam. Those men and women, and those missing in action have their name on a panel of the wall, listed in the year they died or were missing.This is a story of a father who took his child to the Vietnam Veterans Memorial. When they find his name, they take a piece of paper and rub the name onto the paper. This is also a journey of people they see at the wall who are crying, or like them, looking for the name of the person who died in that country in a war that so many thought was senseless.No matter what the personal thoughts or feelings about this war, the wall reminds us that these people deserve to be honored. The wall is a healing place where many leave trinkets at the bottom of the panel listing the name of the loved one.Thus, the wall was needed. It helped to heal a nation in grief. Stark in its presentation, the shiny black panels are different that a statue. The names give honor to those who did not make it home alive.The teacher who brought her class that day told the class members that this was a wall for "all of us."

[lissabeth21 · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

Touching and effective way to open a discussion of war, in general, or Vietnam specifically with children.

[kelseyjenkens · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

I truly enjoyed this book. I liked this book for many reasons. One reason I liked this book so much was because of the imagery Eve Bunting used. Her word choice was wonderful and I could easily visualize the events that were happening in the story. As a little boy and his father took a trip to "The Wall," where the names of fallen Vietnam Soldiers were, they started to look for the little boy's grandfathers name. The little boy was describing the wall and describing the objects around the wall too. For example, one page said, "Flowers and other things have been laid against the wall. There are little flags, an old teddy bear, and letters, weighted with some stones so they won't blow away. Someone has left a rose with a droopy head." Another reason I really liked this book was because of the illustrations. Not only did they describe exactly what was going on in the text, they were very simple, yet very special. The colors were not very bright, because the mood was not happy and joyful. It was very sad, but the individuals at the wall were honoring the fallen soldiers. I could feel the sense of quietness and calm motions between everyone. As the little boy and his father found the name they were looking for, the dad explained to his son that this wall symbolizes greatness and bravery and instead of being upset, the little boy should be proud of his grandfathers strength.

[engpunk77 · Rating: 2 out of 5 stars]

I almost loved this book until I recognized it for the propaganda that it is. I'm not sure that so many "gave their lives for their country" in this war, as many were forced to be killed and to kill for reasons that weren't always clear, right? The child in the book correctly observed that the memorial was a "sad place," but was promptly corrected with the affirmation that he should be proud that his grandfather's name was on the wall, and ultimately, in a second, he was. Yay.

I would have preferred that the author capture the sadness of it more & glorified war less, although it's not entirely pro-war because the last lines show that the child would rather have the grandfather in his life than on a wall.

[laurenvormack · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

In my opinion, this is a really good book. I like this book for many reasons. First, I like how the text creates imagery. I can imagine what it looks like in my head when it says, “I can see the bare trees behind us and the dark, flying clouds.” Second, I like how there is a lot of emotion in this book. I can feel sadness from the previous quote. I can also sense emotion from the text when a little girl asks, “Is this wall for the dead soldier’s?” and the teacher answers, “The names are the names of the dead, but the wall is for us.” I really like this quote because it allows the characters in the book and its reader to connect with the wall and the ones that they lost. Third, I like how the narrator of the story also gives a description of the other people at the wall who are there for the same reasons as him. He describes and old man hugging his wife, and a man in a wheel chair that lost his legs and wearing a soldier’s uniform. Lastly, I really like the illustrations in this book. I like how the illustrations are drawn at the wall likes it almost a photograph. I think the main idea of this book is to allow its readers to connect with those who have died serving for us.

[kate_schulte078 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

This book would be good to use when talking about the Vietnam war or memorial day. I think students would like this because they can feel what the boy and his father do.

[jcuttitta-1 · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

I liked this book because of its patriotic nature. I liked that the father took the little boy to see the memorial and show him where they came from. I think the book did a good job being relatable because so many people have family who have served, while also not being too sad. This short picture book displayed American pride in a tasteful and significant way with showing the little boy looking at the wall of names searching for his Grandfather. I also liked this book because of the beautiful illustrations. They looked like they were painted and the page where it is showing the wall straight on and mentions how the wall is reflective was painted nicely in watercolors. I liked that each page was neat and pretty and added a lot to this short story. The big ideas of this book were family and appreciation.

[amassingale-1 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

This story is about a father and son that go and visit thier grandfathers name on the wall. When they find his name on the wall, the father traces over it so that they can keep it forever. While the father is mourning over the loss, the son is taking the time to imagine what it would be like to have a grandfather. He doesn't quite understand that meaning of the wall, but he likes to look around and try to interpret what is happening. Genre: realistic fiction

[athena.j · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

This book's genre is realistic fiction. This story follows the encounter that a small boy has at a war memorial wall with his father. His grandfather's name is on the wall, and the boy learns about war, pain, and loss as he watches his father.

[kriley5 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

I liked this book a lot for many reasons. First, the story is simple and to the point so that children can learn about the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Wall and why the soldiers names are on it. Because it is from the point of view of a young child, he explains that, “On it are the names of those killed in a war, long ago.” Secondly, there is a great use of similes. When describing the wall, the boy states that, “[it] is black and shiny as a mirror.” In addition, the writing is very organized and thoughtful. The reader is able to follow along to the young boy’s thoughts and observations of the type of people that come to visit the wall. He also has a realization of what life could be like with his Grandpa and starts to appreciate him more. Finally, I really enjoy the illustrations in the story. The pictures are very grey and depict the serious and sad mood throughout the story. In addition, there is a lot of good detail in the pictures and you are able to really capture the wall and the emotion of the characters as you read.

[kprinc3 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

I had mixed feelings about The Wall after reading it. This book was about a father and son looking for his grandpa’s name on a war memorial. I liked the topic of this story because many children’s books avoid the subjects of death and war even though things like that can be prevalent in a child’s life. The Wall pushes children to think about topics that are not normally brought up in school or at home. What I really did not like was that even though the illustrations showed that the boy and his father were at the Vietnam War Memorial, it was not specifically mentioned in the book. The memorial was referred to as “the wall” throughout the book, except for one of the final pages were a schoolgirl on a field trip asked her teacher if the wall was the memorial with the name of all the dead soldiers. Children will most likely lack the background knowledge to be able to recognize what the illustrations showed and will not realize that it is a real memorial that they can visit. There is a page after the story that gives a brief description of the Vietnam War Memorial, but it seems to be an afterthought that most children will not read.

[tstato1 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

SUMMARYA boy and his dad go to the Vietnam Veterans Memorial. They find the name of the boy's grandfather. As they look for the grandfather's name, they see others who are visiting the memorial. They see flowers, letters, flags and more left at the wall. When they find the name, they do a rubbing and leave a school photograph of the boy on the ground below his grandfather's name.REVIEWI think that this story is very nice. It shows such a loving strong relationship between father and son. It felt like such an intimate scene when the boy helped his father make a rubbing of the name. It's both touching and saddening that the pair have to bond over a dead loved one. The simple illustrations do not overwhelm the story and help make it come to life.

[knold1 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Review: This story is a great historical fiction book. The illustrations are amazing and really capture the emotions in the story. Eve Bunting wrote this amazing book and it is very inspirational. Summary: The story is about a little boy and his father who go to the Vietnam memorial. The little boy's grandfather was killed in the Vietnam war and his name was written on the wall of veterans. The little boy talks about their time looking at the wall and seeing people crying. It is very upsetting for the little boy and he just wants his grandfather to be there with him. Argument: I think that many children will be able to relate to this story or know someone who fought in the Vietnam war. I think that it could also be used when teaching children about the Vietnam war.The moral of this story is to show honor and respect for our country and the people who fought for our freedom.

[mnorth2 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Summary:This children's book, "The Wall", is about a young boy and his father going to visit the Vietnam Veterans Memorial where the little boys grandfathers name is on the wall. Review: This story is told in such a respectful way. There is a certain mood portrayed in this book. While at “The Wall” the father and son see many different things and people that give the story a sad and mournful mood. Honor and respect is a central theme on this children's book and it talks about an event in history that everyone should know about.

[sconne7 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Eve Bunting did an amazing job of introducing a topic that could be emotional for some children. The Wall is about a boy and his father who visit the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington D.C. and search for the boy’s Grandfather’s name, who is the father’s father. Their search helps explain how many names there are on the wall and the sad tone and the school trip to the wall emphasizes the meaning and importance of the wall. This book could be used in a classroom to introduce a history lesson about the Vietnam War. The illustrations were also done in a successful way that makes the Wall look as if it goes on forever to emphasize the length of it and all of those that fought for our Country. One of my favorite lines from the story was when a student asks her teacher, “Is this wall for the dead soldiers?” and her teacher responds by saying, “The names are the names of the dead. But the wall is for all of us.” This book is a perfect example of Eve Bunting touching upon a difficult topic for children.

[pamelapaige · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Historical Fiction. short read about veterans. good for understanding memorial or veterans day. good to teach all children from kinder to 4th grade.

[hollyegirard · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

With this story I would like to use this in a writing unit for the older grades that way at the end of the writing unit we are sending letters to veterans. This is a way for the students to connect to the story, work on their revising and editing skills, and get to write to a real life veteran.

[margan1 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

The Wall is one (of many) of my favorite books. The first reason why I liked this book was because it is one that has a strong meaning to it. Rather than happiness and smiling faces, this book offers a story that can bring readers to tears. Sadness and war are a part of reality, and this book can touch anyone that reads it. The second reason why I liked this book was because it is seen through the eyes of a child. The young boy and his father go to visit the wall to search for the name of the young boys grandfather who lost his life in the Vietnam War. The young boy is in search for the name of his grandfather, whom he never got a chance to meet. Having this story told from the eyes of a child, makes it much more powerful. Lastly, I like this book because I feel like it can be a big impact in my future classroom during Memorial Day, Veterans Day and even any other day of the year. This book would be perfect for me as a future teacher, to read to my students. The students would most likely ask thousands of questions, but questions are never bad. They will be able to look at the beautiful pictures and the little boy and feel what he is feeling.

[jknuts1-1 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

I liked this book overall. It was emotionally moving, which isn't a common trait of most picture books I've read. From the sadness felt by the boy because of missing his grandfather, to the sense of pride that the boy's father has in recognizing his father's sacrifice. This book pushes readers to think about difficult issues like war and loss, but also helps them address pride and being grateful to those who have sacrificed so much for us. The big idea is all about war and it's consequences.

[mwade4-1 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Summary: A boy and his father went to Washington D.C. to see the Vietnam Veterans Memorial. The two of them went to look for the name of the boy's grandfather, the dad's father, on the wall. As the two of them look for the grandfather's name they find other people visiting the memorial as well. Once they have found the grandfather's name they do a rubbing together and they leave a picture of the little boy under the grandfather's name.Evaluation/ Argument: This book does an excellent job of illustrating the bond a father and his son hold. This is seen through the little boy and his dad as well as through the dad and the grandfather. This bond is great to see illustrated in such a remarkable way. This bond also helps to hold the story together and bring meaning to the wall for the boy. For example, the young boy had never even met his grandfather, but the father wanted to bring his son to the wall to show him how important and special his father was to him. This relationship helped to impact the relationship that was forming with his son. Some students, especially in this area, may have even visited this monument, which would help them to more easily understand the text. The central message of this book teaches readers about the sacrifices military veterans endured for their families and others. The grandfather had served in the Vietnam War, which led to his death at a young age. The young boy needed to be able to understand a little bit about the sacrifice his grandfather made, which impacted his family as well.

[chawki6 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

In my opinion “The Wall” is a fantastic book. I think this is a great book for children in grades 3rd-6th. The book is about a young boy who is visiting the Vietnam Memorial wall with his dad to find his grandfather’s name. The book is told from the child’s point of view. The descriptive detail in the book is done exceptionally well. The author Eve Bunting makes you feel as if you are right there with the child. The child in the story shows the reader he doesn't just tell. For example the child says “A woman as old as my grandma is hugging a man old as my grandpa would be.” This statement paints a clear picture in the readers mind about the older couple the young boy sees. The young boy also talks about him seeing a rose placed against the wall. He says “Someone has left a rose with a droopy head.” Not only does that give the reader a clear picture, it also portrays the sadness that is felt by people who visit the wall. The big idea of the book is to encourage readers to remember and honor the sacrifices made by past generations.

[cschne11 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

In my opinion, this is a fantastic book because the author is able to create so much emotion through the descriptions and language she uses in the text. For instance, she paints pictures with her words such as, “Dad’s rubbing the name, rubbing and rubbing as if he wants to wipe it away” and “They make a lot of noise and ask a lot of questions and all the time Dad just stands there with his head bowed, and I stand beside him.” These images create the solemn mood of the story by using specific word choice and juxtaposing the father’s mood with the mood of everyone else around him. In addition, the illustrations portray the love and the connection between the young boy and his father. There are illustrations of the boy imitating his father, the father with his hand on the boys shoulder, and the boy and the father holding hands. These images emphasize the connection between the two and make them loving and relatable characters. The big idea of this story is that sad and emotional times can bring people together in the most meaningful ways.

[brookemattingly-1 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Summary:The Wall tells the story of a little boy and his father who travel to the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington D.C. They search the wall to find the name of the little boy’s grandfather who died in the Vietnam War in 1967. While searching for his grandfather’s name, the little boy also narrates what he is observing going on around him. Although it is quite a sad experience, the little boy makes the best of it by observing the different people and actions happening around the wall. Comments (arguments/opinions):This story is undoubtedly moving and heartwarming for anyone who has ever lost a friend or family member. I think this story is a wonderful example of a realistic fiction narrative because even though the characters may be made up, the story is very relatable to anyone who has visited this historical monument. I think the author and illustrator do a great job depicting what a visit to this particular monument might actually be like in real life. The pictures are very detailed and accurate, as well as the little boys observations of other people. The author adds a part in the story where the father uses a pencil and a piece of paper to trace his father’s name from the wall. I think this is an important part of the story that can be very relatable to anyone who has ever gone to a memorial like this one because it is common for people to trace the name of their loved ones. I have actually been to the same memorial and traced my grandfather’s name from the wall as well. Like the little boy in the story, I lost my grandfather in the Vietnam War, but I visited the memorial with my mother. I think the story also does a great job making accurate portrayals of the other people and actions going on around the memorial. For example the little boy comes across a war vet who lost his legs, who is visiting the wall dressed in a camo and in a wheelchair. He also comes across an older couple that is hugging and comforting each other while mourning the loss of a loved one. This story really does a great job at capturing the true meaning of the memorial to the American people by showing all of the different scenarios that go on there. It really makes an impact on the reader when the little boy and his father say how proud they are to have their dad/grandfathers name on the wall.

[smlawrence-1 · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

A young boy and his father visit a large wall with many names carved into it, the Vietnam Veterans Memorial. The father tells the boy that his grandfather's name is here because he passed away. Once they find the grandfathers name they trace his name onto a piece of paper and take it with them. The little boy tells his father that he wishes his grandfather was with him. This is a simple, but powerful story. This book teaches children that it is important to remember and honor those who gave their lives to fight in the Vietnam war.

[rjones34 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Summary: The Wall tells the story of a young boy and his father's visit to the Vietnam Veterans Memorial. The father and son walk through the memorial to find the name of the boy's grandfather who had died in the war. As the young boy is at the memorial, he pays his respects to his grandfather as well as observes the other people who are also visiting the memorial.Review:"The Wall" is a very heartwarming book that does a great and realistic job of depicting what may go on through a young boy's mind when visiting a memorial of a family member he has never met. In my opinion, the author does a great job of incorporating what the young boy observes from his surroundings at the wall and how it affects him when talking about his grandfather. For example, when the young boy observed a interaction between a grandfather and grandson at the wall, he told his father he was honored that his grandfather's name was on the wall but wished he was with him.

[fwaldm1 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

The Wall is an amazing book about a young boy who visits the Vietnam Memorial Wall with his father to find his grandfathers name. I really enjoyed this book for a couple of reasons. First, I liked how this book shows young children the importance of family. The connection two people have (father and son) is real, with both of them feeling a sense of loss for a loved one. Even though the young boy had never met his grandfather, seeing his name written on the wall made him wish that he had known him. Next, the descriptive writing throughout the book is very powerful. For example, when the young boy describes running his fingers against the shiny black wall he uses very descriptive writing. This type of language helps paint a picture in the reader’s head of what the engraved names feel like. Lastly, the character development was great. Each character was very believable, which enhances the story. For example, when the woman and man are both crying, holding onto each other, readers can relate to this moment because it is normal to cry when someone has lost a loved one. Overall, the main idea of this story is the importance of family and the importance of soldiers.

[lstec2 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

I really like this book. It evokes a lot of emotions in me. By the end of it, I can feel the tears coming to my eyes. Personally, I can relate to this child wanting to spend time with their grandfather, because I did not get to meet all of my grandparents. This book does a tasteful job addressing a subject that has the potential to be touchy. War can be a very controversial topic, but Eve Bunting focuses on the connection two people have to the wall and how they feel a sense of loss and a sense of pride. I liked how the young boy just notes that the soldier does not have legs and still greets him politely, just as the soldier does. This is a good example of the respect we should always show to veterans. I liked the touch of symbolism that was added when the group of school girls come to the wall. They are loud and ask lots of questions, place their American flags at the base of the wall and leave. This demonstrates the lack of understanding and connection some have to war. The entire time the girls are there the dad does not move from his spot. They cannot distract him from the loss he feels. The big idea of this book is though you can be proud of someone for serving, the loss is very great, even to family members who had never met them; their sacrifice will be felt by families as long as there are people who love them.

[kbrehm1 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

 I really enjoyed reading this book for a couple reasons. First, the language was very descriptive, especially when the young boy describes running his fingers against the shiny black wall with a bunch of engraved names and the soldier’s soft, squash green hat with medals. This type of language helps to paint a picture in the reader’s head. The illustrations also enhance the story and relate to the descriptions that the young boy describes. For example, when he describes the flags, teddy bears, and letters with stones on top of them so they don’t fly away, these all are illustrated on the proceeding pages. This book pushes the readers to think about tough situations, such as veterans dying in war. Because this story is in first person, the readers can relate to the feelings that the young boy experiences, grieving after his grandfather’s death. Finally, I like the characters throughout the story because they are believable and well developed. For example, when the woman and man are both crying, holding onto each other, readers can relate to this moment because it is normal to cry when someone has lost a loved one. The big idea of this story is to remember those who have died in the Vietnam War by visiting the wall and paying them respect.

[madams21 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

This book had a very patriotic theme to it. It was about honoring the loss of a loved one who had served their country proudly. This is portrayed by the father using a paper to make a tracing of the grandfather’s name on the wall. This is a time honored tradition of those who lost loved ones in the Vietnam War. This book used its setting of a cold fall day with a dreary sky and barren trees to symbolize the sense of loss by the family and create an emotional response. This book also would make a good teachable moment as there are many children in our classrooms who have lost loved ones. The book had a child leave his school pictures at the wall to express that his Grandfather was still a part of his life.