All the Broken Pieces

• Genre: Fiction; middle grade historical verse
• Originally Published: 2009
• Reading Level/Interest: Lexile HL680L; grades 5-9
• Structure/Length: 33 sections of verse; approximately 240 pages; approximately 1 hour 50 minutes on audio
• Protagonist/Central Conflict: All the Broken Pieces is set after the Vietnam War. Matt Pin is a young boy who was airlifted out of war-torn Vietnam and adopted by an American family. Now, several years later, Matt struggles with feelings of guilt and identity as he continues to adjust to life in the United States while carrying memories of the war and the family he left behind. The novel explores trauma, family, and the process of healing.
• Potential Sensitivity Issues: War; loss of family members; traumatic injury; bullying; trauma; prejudice and discrimination; assault

Ann E. Burg, Author

• Bio: Born in Brooklyn, New York; American author known for her middle grade and young adult novels that tackle important and often challenging themes; early career interests included journalism; former classroom teacher; celebrated for her ability to connect with young readers through emotionally resonant storytelling
• Other Works: Serafina's Promise (2013); Unbound (2016); Flooded: A Requiem for Johnstown (2020)
• Awards: Lee Bennett Hopkins Poetry Award (2010)

CENTRAL THEMES connected and noted throughout this Teaching Guide:

• The Power of Words and Communication
• The Damaging Legacy of the Vietnam War
• Guilt, Forgiveness, and the Healing Power of Love

STUDY OBJECTIVES: In accomplishing the components of this Teaching Guide, students will:

• Gain an increased understanding of the social and historical contexts regarding the Vietnam War that impact Matt’s life.
• Discuss paired texts and other brief resources to make connections via the text’s themes of The Power of Words and Communication; The Damaging Legacy of the Vietnam War; and Guilt, Forgiveness, and the Healing Power of Love.
• Plan, complete, and present an informative brief on some aspect of Vietnam culture or history that connects to Matt’s identity, background, or memories.
• Analyze and evaluate plot and character details to draw conclusions in structured essay responses regarding the novel’s title, the symbolism of baseball, and other topics.