Characters
Who is the Japanese boy whose story is followed throughout the novel?
Hideki
During which war does the story take place?
World War II
On what island does the novel take place?
Okinawa
What theme is shown through Hideki's fear during battle?
Courage
Who is the American Marine whose story is followed throughout the novel?
Ray Majors
What dangerous object gives the novel its title?
A grenade
What country controlled Okinawa during the war?
Japan
What theme is shown through the suffering of civilians?
The cost of war
What family member does Hideki constantly think about?
His father
Why is Hideki carrying grenades at the beginning of the story?
To help Japanese soldiers defend Okinawa.
What year does the story occur?
1945
What theme is shown when characters learn to understand people on the other side?
Empathy
What military branch does Ray belong to?
The United States Marine Corps
How do Hideki and Ray's lives become connected?
They meet during the fighting on Okinawa
What major battle forms the backdrop of the story?
The Battle of Okinawa
How does the novel challenge stereotypes about enemies?
It shows both sides as human beings with similar hopes and fears.
What does Ray learn about the enemy that changes his perspective?
That Japanese soldiers are ordinary people with families and fears, just like Americans.
What major lesson do both boys learn by the end of the novel?
War affects everyone and enemies are human beings too.
Why was Okinawa strategically important during World War II?
It was close to mainland Japan and could be used as a base for invasion plans
What is one major message Alan Gratz wants readers to learn?
War has devastating effects on everyone involved.