I would be remiss if I didn’t take a moment to thank the veterans who have served our country with courage and honor. You have inspired me, and I was able to write this book because you have helped preserve our freedom. Veterans make sacrifices, many unseen, and I want you to know I see you. I would also like to acknowledge the families of veterans. You, too, have made concessions and are often the unsung heroes, facing the consequences of war long after it’s over. Thank you for all that you do.
A heartfelt thanks to my mom, who taught me the value of a diverse society and for encouraging me to find my voice and speak up for what’s right. Thank you also for your vulnerability in sharing stories of what it was like to grow up with a father in an era when veterans weren’t supposed to talk about the trauma they’d endured. I’m truly blessed to have you in my life, and love that we get to talk books on an almost weekly basis.
To Madeline, thank you for reading early chapters of this book, helping me to hone Rebel’s voice, and catching details that didn’t need to be there. ;) Thank you also for cooking dinner when I was too caught up in the story to stop (which was a lot this time, I’m afraid). I’m so grateful for your continued support and encouragement, your dry wit and intelligence, but most of all, I’m honored to witness the wonderful person you are and that you’re becoming.
Finally, thank you to Shane. I don’t know what I did to get so lucky to have you in my life, but I’m so glad I do. Thank you for your patience as my mind wanders mid-conversation, for helping with travel arrangements when I suddenly need to go to some obscure location for research, and for all of your support in doing this weird thing I love. Also, a special thanks for our time in Italy. It was just the break I needed to help me power through to the end of this book. Here’s to twenty years and counting!
Discussion Guide for The Inside Battle by Melanie Sumrow
At the beginning of the book, the author provides an inspirational quote from Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.: “In the end, we will remember not the words of our enemies, but the silence of our friends.” What does this quote mean to you?
Why do you think it is so hard for Rebel to stand up to his dad, even when he thinks his dad is wrong?
Do you think Rebel has a right to be angry with Ajeet after the competition? Why or why not?
Did it surprise you that there were other kids at the training camp? Why or why not?
The Flag Bearers believe in several anti-government conspiracies. Do you think their beliefs justify their behavior? Why or why not?
Why do you think Rebel can assemble the weapons, even though he doesn’t want to fire them?
Why do you think Calliope is important to the story?
Nathan and Josiah are both combat veterans. What do you think makes them different from each other? How are they alike?
The honeybee is an important symbol used throughout the book. Why do you think the author chose to use the honeybee?
Josiah “takes a stand” against the Flag Bearers in his own way. Do you agree with his approach? Why or why not?
At the end of the book, do you think Ajeet should forgive Rebel? Why or why not?
Do you think Rebel should forgive his dad? Why or why not?
The Inside Battle Page 21