Battle Dress by Amy Efaw As a newly arrived freshman at West Point, seventeen-year-old Andi finds herself gaining both confidence and self esteem as she struggles to get through the grueling six weeks of new cadet training known as the Beast.

Discussion

Why do you think Andi has so much against her mother? What could they do to resolve their problems?

Do you think Andi fits in at West Point? Should she have just gone to a regular college instead?

Why do you think Andi decided to go to West Point?

The book talks about how the military will break you down to build you back up. Do you think that this method works?

Andi uses running to get away from her problems. Do you think that is a good way to deal with things? What do you do to get away?

Andi wants support from her family, mainly her mother; do you think she will ever get that support?

What do you think the "beast" teaches people?

What character do you identify with most? Why?

Do you think women should be in the military? Why or why not?

Some of the guys in the platoon think that women are weak. Have you ever been discriminated against? How did you feel and what did you do?

Why do you think that the military has so many rules?

Andi's home is unstructured and West Point is the opposite, which would you prefer?

Every member of the platoon has to become a leader at one point or another. Why do you think this is?

Are you a leader or a follower? Which is better or do they each have their place?

Would you ever think about joining the military?

Andi and Gab were so different. Do you think they would have been friends outside of West Point?

Andi's first day at West Point was very hectic. What are some of the things she had to do?

What would you change about this book? Would you recommend it? To whom?

Activity

Make a Military Personnel Survival Kit
FromB udget101.com

You will need:

• Lifesavers To remind you that's what you are
• Small Empty Bottle "Instant Water" add water and shake, for when you are on maneuvers
• Mounds Bar To remind you of the mounds of love and support you have from friends and family
• Pack of Gum To help your unit stick together
• Cotton Ball To cushion the rough roads
• Piece of String For when you reach the end of your rope
• Shinny Penny To remind you that we each shine in our own way
• Paperclip To hold it all together
• A Hug To let you know there's always someone there on your side
• A Kiss So you will always remember I love you
• A Mint Because you are worth a mint
• Candle To light up the darkness
• Tootsie Roll To help you roll with the punches
• Jolly Rancher To remind you laugh
• Map With Your Street Circled So you will never be far from home

Recipe

Trail Mix
From Allrecipes.com

Ingredients:

• 2 cups chopped dried mixed fruit
• 2 cups mixed nuts
• 1 (10 ounce) package NESTLE® TOLL HOUSE® Semi- Sweet Chocolate-Covered Raisins