Parent Guide > The War Works Hard
Welcome to the parent guide for this text! Read below to find out about what your child is reading in class and how you can support him/her at home.
This week in class, we’re reading "The War Works Hard" by Dunya Mikhail.
Born and raised in Iraq, Dunya Mikhail (1965—) has written much about the wars she lived through in her home country, until she was forced to flee the country in 1996 after threats and harrassment from the government. This satirical poem praises the diligence of war and its effects, from "provid[ing] food for flies" to "invigorat[ing] the coffin makers."
As we read, we will be discussing the theme of War & Peace as it relates to the text. We are trying to answer this big question :
"How are we changed by war?"
Ways to support your child:
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Ask your child about this poem at home:
- What was "The War Works Hard" about?
- What did you learn about War & Peace?
- Watch Dunya Mikhail on NPR: 'The War Works Hard' at home with your child.