TIDE Academy

Summer Reading 2025-2026

Summer Reading

For the 2025-2026 academic year, TIDE classes will examine the impact of conflict on youth. While reading the selected chapters in A Long Way Gone: Memoirs of a Boy Soldier by Ishmael Beah, students are encouraged to think about the impact of war and trauma on personal identity and memory, which are central themes, as well as the loss of innocence and the overall impact on war-torn societies.

Your Assignment

Directions: As you read, answer the questions assigned to your grade level in thoughtful, short responses that demonstrate a true reflection of the prompts.

Please open a Google Document on your school Google Drive. This is where you will type your responses.

This document will be submitted to your Nucleus teacher during the first few weeks of school.

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To view the summer assignment, click HERE.

ALL TIDE Students will read Chapters 1 & 2 (pages 1-20)

Reflection Questions for Chapters 1 & 2:

1. How does Ishmael’s childhood experience in the village shape his understanding of safety and innocence? (Hint: Think about his memories of playing soccer, his family, and the moments before the war broke out. How does this contrast with the violence and fear that quickly follows?)
2. What role does storytelling play in Ishmael’s life, both in terms of preserving his identity and coping with trauma? (Hint: Consider the importance of his memories and how he recounts events. How might storytelling be a tool for survival or resistance in such a harsh environment?)

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9th Grade - Read Chapter 9 (pages 58-68)

Theme - Innocence and Family

1. Ishmael and his friends experience a loss of innocence as they are exposed to the brutal realities of war. How does their transition from innocent children to children who are no longer naive reflect the impact of violence on their sense of morality and innocence? Use specific examples from the chapter to support your answer.
2. This chapter reveals moments when Ishmael recalls his childhood before the war, showing how different life was before the conflict. In what ways does Ishmael's memory of his past innocence serve as a contrast to the harsh new world he is thrust into? Discuss how his memories influence his emotional state during this chapter.

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10th Grade - Read Chapter 10 (pages 69-88)

Theme - Survival and Loss

1. In Chapter 10, Ishmael begins to describe the psychological toll that war has on him and his companions. How do the experiences Ishmael faces challenge his understanding of humanity and self-identity? Compare and contrast Ishmael’s character in chapters 1 and 2 to Ishmael’s character now. What has changed?
2. Ishmael is now forced to navigate a world of violence, loss, and manipulation. How do the adults in his life (or lack thereof) impact his sense of morality and survival? Consider the role of leadership, or the absence of it, in shaping the behavior of children caught in conflict.

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11th Grade - Read Chapter 12 (pages 100-113)

Theme - Transformation (into a soldier)

1. In Chapter 12, Ishmael begins to grapple with the emotional and psychological consequences of his involvement in the war. How does his relationship with violence and revenge evolve? Discuss how Ishmael’s internal conflict reveals the struggle between survival and maintaining his humanity.
2. Ishmael encounters moments of vulnerability, showing the cracks in his hardened exterior. How do these moments of weakness challenge his sense of identity as a soldier? Consider how Ishmael's reflections in this chapter hint at his desire for healing and a return to his former self.

12th Grade - Read Chapter 18 (pages 167-178)

Theme - Recovery: Escape and Healing

1. How does Ishmael's experience in the rehabilitation center challenge his perception of identity and recovery? In what ways does this chapter highlight the internal conflict he faces in trying to heal from his past trauma?�
2. In Chapter 18, Ishmael begins to reconnect with his sense of humanity. What role does music play in this process? How can you relate the idea of music as a tool for healing to other forms of art or expression in your own life?

Resources for Student Support

This book is a powerful, firsthand account of survival and resilience, but it also includes emotionally intense content.

Please take care of your mental and emotional well-being while reading. If you find the material upsetting, you are encouraged to speak with a trusted adult, teacher, or school counselor.

In addition, you can check out this list of resources.