Mr. Dewaldt Meyer

Deputy Principal 

Friend or Foe by Michael Morpurgo

I recently read Friend or Foe by Michael Morpurgo, a thoughtful and engaging historical novel set during the Second World War. The story follows two young boys who are evacuated from London and later encounter a stranded enemy pilot. Rather than presenting a simple narrative of good versus bad, Morpurgo carefully explores the human side of conflict. Through the perspective of children, the novel highlight’s themes of empathy, moral courage, and the importance of questioning assumptions. It does so in a sensitive and balanced way, avoiding blame or judgment, and instead focusing on shared humanity during difficult times.

As an educator, the book was particularly impactful for me because it reinforces the importance of teaching students to think beyond stereotypes and to approach history with cultural awareness and respect. It offers an opportunity to discuss conflict in a way that is age-appropriate, reflective, and mindful of different backgrounds and experiences within a diverse classroom. I would highly recommend this book, especially for upper primary or lower secondary students, as it encourages meaningful discussion, critical thinking, and empathy. It serves as a reminder that education is not only about learning facts, but also about shaping thoughtful, compassionate individuals who are able to see issues from multiple perspectives.