THREE-for-0ne-Reviews: Exploring Justice and History

Bushel and Peck Books. 2023

 The first of these three featured recent picture book titles offers a tree-mendous way to introduce significant global history to young readers through their connection with trees that might have borne witness to the moments in those significant events. It is a grand intention that is executed really well. THE WITNESS TREES: Historic Moments and the Trees Who Watched Them Happen is written by Ryan G. Van Cleave and illustrated by (new to me) Dom Dom. 

Side note, but not an unimportant one, this publishing company dedicates its work to youth literacy and has pledged that for each book purchased they will donate a book to children in need. 

Van Cleave is a poet by career, as well as helping celebrities to write and revise picture book text for children. In this case he has written through the voice of "celebrities" we can all respect, the various trees that  have stood watch on human history over time. His precise, unrhymed-but-lyrical main text assumes the voices of trees (r descendants of trees) to provide objective insights to the ways in which human events and decisions have taken place. One line on the opening spread that reveals that voice well is this:

"Our roots run deep--/ they grip history/ a restless forever."

In addition, double spreads featuring specific moments in history, like the one below, provide brief smaller -font passages about the event pictured. This first one suggests King john of England conducting an emergency session of parliament  under a massive thousand-year-old oak in nSherwood Forest in the year 1212.

The times and places are not chronological nor dothey trace a geographic path around the globe. Ranging widely, including scenes off Gettysburg, Anne Frank in hiding, Hiroshima, the 9/11 attack, and so many more. A few pages at the back provide concise notes about each species of tree noted, and the endpapers include even more valuable content. Opening endpapers feature a global map with icons for each tree/passage, with a map key naming the type of tree and whether the original tee(s) are still there it only their descendants. The closing endpapers include a timeline, bibliography, and brief notes about the dangers to existing trees from climate change or direct human intervention. I highly recommend this book for young readers and the adults in their lives.

HARPER/Imprint of HARPER COLLINS PUBLISHERS, 2023

Next up is THAT FLAG, but it's not the one you might assume. Author Tameka Fryer Brown and illustrator Nikkolas Smith provide a message on the title page: "We hope the words and images in this story foster transformative conversations that lead to change."

"This story" features neighbor/best firiend/almost twins Keira and Bianca, pictured on the cover. Kera, the Black friend, is allowed to interact in every place except Bianca's home, where a confederate flag flies. Keira's mom calls it a hate flag, but Bianca insists tthat it is a heritage flag. 

I will not subvert any more of this well-told and powerful story by providing further details or summarizing. Please, though, trust my recommendation that this story about this seldom-presented contemporary issue is worthy of everyone's time, of any age. Classrooms, libraries, homes, clubs,msports teams, and in every imaginable situation calls out to you to share and launch these discussions that the creators request.

CANDLEWICK BOOKS, 2023

The final book ion this post is certainly last, but not least. This soon-to-be-classic account about talent and injustice will resonate with anyone, school age or adult, who has ever attempted to take part in a spelling bee. Veteran poet/author and illustrator, Carol Boston Weatherford and Frank Morrison respectively, have provided a historically accurate account in How Do You Spell Unfair?: Macnolia Cox and the National Spelling Bee. This important and little-known story rises to the level of classic storytelling in their masterful hands. With each word and visual detail revealing layered aspects of the time, place, events, and emotional power of this, somehow recalling to me the dignity and bravery that resonate on every page of the original picture book  on the topic, THE STORY of  RUBY BRIDGES, written by poet Robert Coles and illustrated by George Ford. Macnolia Cox deserves to become as well known for her role in breaking barriers as Ruby does, not competing for a spotlight of awareness but expanding that general public attention by magnitudes. Please take my advice and read this new release, soon, with attention to the front matter and back matter, as well as to every element on every page. History comes alive there, and it is a story we ALL should know. Learn it, then share it, gift item talk about it with young and old. 

VETERANS DAY: And TWENTY-ONE STEPS of Tribute (24/7/365)

Candlewick Press, 2021

There are many appropriate ways to observe VETERANS DAY, November 11. From this year forward, though, I hope that any and all acknowledgments of the day will include a shared reading of TWENTY-ONE STEPS: Guarding the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, written by Jeff Gottesfeld and illustrated by Matt Tavares.

The cover suggests the glory and grace of this account of the history of our moving national monument and memorial, as well as the solemn dignity of honoring veterans of military service, especially those who have sacrificed their lives in war. 

From an opening text-only display of THE SENTINEL'S CREED, the page-turn lands on a title spread scene of sprawling battle trenches, barbed wire, explosive power with a glimmer/suggestion of light in the lower right corner of the spread. This somber opening turns to a subdued interior scene, with a framed photo of a Black soldier, honored in a family space on a sunlit and lovely surface in a loving home. Gottesfeld's choice is equally sensitive, revealing the history and significance of the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier through the first person voice of that soldier, using minimal text, potent phrasing, and direct address to the reader. We learn in very few lines that our first WORLD WAR destroyed countless American soldiers of every identity and background, sending those mothers' sons to their death in a variety of events and battles. Some were identified and buried with honor, but others were unidentifiable, marked not with tombstones but only with photos on mantels and prayers of remembrance.

One of those nameless, faceless veteran warriors was selected to symbolize all the others, returned to American soil to be placed in a tomb of honor, representing all the others in our memories. On the eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month, in 1921, this unknown soldier was honored and laid to rest in the first recognition of what was then called ARMISTICE DAY. The opening pages of this book capture the powerful and moving memorial ceremony with text and images that draw on perspective, tone, and strategic use of light to place readers in the moment and emotion of the time.

An abrupt change occurs when the voice of the Unknown Soldier reports footsteps. The moonlit scene reveals the polished and tapped shoes, creased uniform, and timed steps of a designated  sentinel. The pace is intentional, symbolic, and reassuring (Click-silence-click-silence... timed to precisely twenty-one seconds apart, repeated twenty-one times, then marked with a turn on the mat to repeat again and again, minute after minute, hour after hour). Unknown Soldier could, from that night on, rest in peace, knowing that even unintentional disrespect or disregard could never again occur. In two hour shifts, these meticulously groomed, spit-shined, measured, and deeply committed sentinels, each one of the elite Tomb Guards patrol, demonstrate with each click and each step that the Unknown will never be forgotten. A sentinel seeks, competes for, and welcomes that post, executing it perfectly, not only during sunny and crowded times, but through the dead of night, through storms and cold and every condition in which the Unknown Solider might have fought.

Since that original internment and the initial steps of the never-ending sentinel duties, a single unknown from successive wars has joined the original resident of the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier- one each from World War II, the Korean War, and the Viet Nam War. That last body was eventually identified with DNA and returned to his family for internment. Due to that technology, likely no others will occupy this memorial, though many more continue to die from service.The sentinel duty will continue, always honoring the countless veterans well as the three who remain within.

This is certainly a glorious book on many levels, but immeasurably so on Veterans Day. Both creators mastered a symmetry of awe and simplicity in portraying the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, the powerful responsibility and achievement of the Tomb Guard Sentinels, and the timeless costs of war. I hope you will give this a close look, and then give it to someone who will appreciate it at any age.

Book Launch Giveaways, and Illustrator Rebecca S. Hirsch

 It has been a busy few days since my first picture book launched on Tuesday, July 6. On that book birthday Vivian Kirkfield, author and inspiration to many in the world of children's books, welcomed us to  celebrate the book birthday on her blog, including a  giveaway, HERE.  Still time to get in on the drawing as of this post on 7/12/21!

I'm solely responsible for a glitchy digital fail on the ZOOM launch event. Thanks to Becky (illustrator Rebecca S. Hirsch) for being so quick on her toes. We managed a fun discussion of the back-story behind bringing IS IT OVER? to the world. The short and lively conversation was recorded, and I think everyone who had hoped to attend live received a link to catch up at their convenience. If you would like a chance to view it, leave a comment saying so and I'll send it directly.

We were able to conduct the drawing for the raffle from among registered folks, whether they attended or not. Witnesses confirmed that the winner was the mom of this delightful and delighted young reader, Miss K. (Photo used with permission of her parents.) 

If you are feeling as excited as K. is to win a signed book/stuffed IVAN toy, opportunities are limited. The linked post above might still be live when you read this. If it has ended, another blog drawing (including IVAN) will appear later in this book birthday month (7/23/21 at Beth Anderson's blog, HERE).

We'll have another raffle at a live book birthday party for those in the SE Wisconsin area on Sunday, July 18. If you'd like to join us, add a comment requesting details and I'll send you a direct invitation. Lots of fun for kids who come, too, including art activities with Becky!

Speaking of Becky, I invited her to share some of her thoughts and reactions about working on this project, and she agreed!

Becky: I was honored when Sandy emailed me last August and asked if I’d be interested in illustrating this book. Working on this project was a bright spot in a difficult and uncertain year, and I am truly grateful to have been a part of it.  

An early challenge came during the character development.  I knew I wanted the readers to understand Daddy was a veteran, but I wanted them to come to that realization along the way.  So I did a bit of research online and decided to give the character a prosthetic leg.  It tells us why Daddy has a difficult time with loud noises without him ever having to mention it.

SB: Becky, if you want to share a favorite interior spread, would you tell us why?

Becky: This spread is my favorite from the book.  It is one of those rare pieces that comes out on paper (or in this case, digitally on screen) exactly the way it was in my head.  I knew when I pictured this image that I would be able to illustrate this story.

SB:  Thanks for your thoughts, Becky, and for tapping into the heart and emotional core of this simple little story. You brought it to life far better than I could ever have imagined.

Rebecca S. Hirsch is a picture book author and illustrator.  She strives to capture the magic and the playfulness of childhood in her work.  She is an active member of the Wisconsin chapter of SCBWI.  She lives with her husband and children in Waukesha, WI. She came in Second Runner-up in the 2017 SCBWI Tomie dePaola Illustration contest.  Her illustration received the “People’s Choice” award at the SCBWI Marvelous Midwest Conference May, 2019. As of 2021, Rebecca is the Illustrator Coordinator for SCBWI-WI. She can be found online at www.rhirschillustration.com or on Instagram as rhirchillus.

Speaking of veterans, I celebrated the release this week by mailing copies of IS IT OVER? to ten veteran/family support groups for use within their programs or to share with a family they thought might especially enjoy it. Before the end of this launch month I'd like to mail out (at least) ten more copies. If you are aware of a veterans' group or family support group that might appreciate having a copy, please offer that suggestion in the comments. I'll curate the list for authenticity and then do a drawing to proceed with those donations. At the end of the month I'll post a list of the organization recipients.

For now, I'm back to work on more party preparations and ongoing writing. I posted that amazing nonfiction elephant title I promised, HERE. If you haven't read it yet, I hope you will. I'll return soon with more picture book recommendations and reviews, and hope you'll be here to read them!

July 20, 2021 addition to post: 

Just updating here to indicate that the end of the month arrived and I will be mailing out one book to each of ten different FISHER HOUSE FOUNDATION homes from coast to coast. If you aren't familiar with this remarkable service organization for veterans, check them out HERE.

 

 

learn the details.

Like a Toddler... Counting Down the Days to a Birthday- A BOOK BIRTHDAY!

Today I'm slipping in a post with shameless self-promotion, and throwing in a bit of good news.

One week from today, July 6, my first PICTURE BOOK will officially release. I'm allowed to celebrate early, right? How about if I throw in some goodies, a "link and a promise"? Just for a minute? Thanks!

First, IS IT OVER? written by Sandy Brehl (hey, that would be ME!) and illustrated by Rebecca S. Hirsch, can be preordered now online and at brick-and-mortar local stores. If you aren't in a mood to click around and find them, here are some links:

AMAZON, BARNES NOBLE, TARGET, and  INDIEBOUND.ORG, as well as the publisher's site, where bulk orders can be purchased with discounts, just in case you wanted a couple hundred of them (or even a dozen).

On the evening of the book birthday, a week from today, Rebecca and I  are hosting a virtual gathering of friends, families, and book lovers (who will become new friends, we hope!) to a virtual party to learn about the book, the art creation, or just add a WOO--HOO! to the celebration. Everyone who registers is automatically entered in a raffle giveaway for a copy of the book, signed by both of us, and a stuffed-toy IVAN the elephant! Check him out!

So, if you are interested, or know someone who is, please check out the time and registration at EVENTBITE, HERE. it's free, of course, and great for all ages, including the target age 3-8 years. Lots to think about in this little book involving Daddy-Daughter love, fear, empathy, storytelling, and even a gentle hint at veteran PTSD. 

If you aren't available or feeling a tug, please pass this on to someone you know who might want to join us, learn about our book, or just enjoy a bedtime read-aloud! 

Thanks!  

The next post IS about elephants, but not Ivan. In fact it is nonfiction, and well worth reading and sharing, too. Stay tuned!

The Fighting Infantryman: The Story of Albert D. J. Cashier, Transgender Civil War Soldier

Before I resume my links to some of the amazing titles on the 2021 NOTABLE TRADE BOOKS FOR YOUNG READERS, I want to insert a few reviews of the books I had NOT yet read, books that this list led me to discover. I try very hard to stay aware of current releases throughout the year, but this annual list ALWAYS leads me to previously undiscovered treasures. My massive hold list has paid off and many of these are now stacked beside me as I type. I've read them all and will share many, but this title rises to  the top and comes first.

little bee books, 2021

THE FIGHTING INFANTRYMAN: The Story of Albert D. J. Cashier, Transgender Civil War Soldier is written by Rob Sanders and illustrated by Nabi Ali. Additional credits acknowledge consultants and sources for this remarkably well-researched and brilliantly developed portrait of an important American. 

 This Civil War era true story is a 2021 NOTABLE TRADE BOOK for YOUNG PEOPLE, and it certainly deserves that designation. Albert D. J. Cashier is the name chosen by a person who was born a girl, Jenny. During her early years  in Ireland, Jenny wore boys' clothes often: to tend the sheep in the field, to stay safer as a stowaway on a ship to America, and to work in a shoe-making factory at a job that was only open to boys. When old enough to head  out into life alone, Jenny continued dressing as a man (a small but hardy and hard-working man) and took their step-father's last name.

There are other stories of women who participated in Civil War service by dressing as men or boys, a few fighting, but many serving as buglers, drummers, or in medical service. Most resumed lives as women after the war ended, and only a few received veteran pensions.

In the case of Cashier, he enrolled to fight, passing the inspection when only his small hands and feet were examined and judged to be fit enough to fight. Throughout four years of full battle engagements, Cashier developed the trust and friendship of the other men in his group before returning safely to Illinois. 

After decades of life as a working man man on a farm, living on limited incomes and his small veterans' pension, health issues revealed that Cashier was a biological woman. When reporters got wind of it, the pension was denied, he was transferred to a women's hospital, and was even forced to wear women's clothes. It was visits from his former veteran friends, and their relentless insistence on the identity of Cashier as the veteran at whose side they lived and fought, that won back Cashier's well-earned pension.

I'm not marking this as a spoiler, because this is not a fictional mystery or suspense story. This, in fact, is a real life story, one that has been little known, and should be. Despite the general culture of the time, his friends acknowledged his value as a human, as a whole person of value, insisting on a military burial with honors and a tombstone marked with his chosen name and designation as a veteran.

More should know his story, and that of the many others whose chosen identity should be respected. Despite my extensive summary, the actual reading will enthrall you with its storytelling quality, intriguing details, and balance of information and sensitivity.

The author provides backmatter that fully honors the identity and intents (and unknowns) of Cashier's life. Since he was illiterate (signing his name with an X when voting, which he did faithfully) and having dementia in later life, we only know pieces of his story. Did Jenny find that assuming the role of a man provided her with greater comfort, safety, and wider choices, sustaining that throughout her life? Or Was Jenny a truly transgender man, born with a clear inner identity that did not match his body, living in times in which that reality demanded secrecy and isolation. 

We'll never know with certainty, but the author used consultants and sources that widen readers' awareness of transgender life experience long before it finally broke through a social curtain of shame and attack. That also line is not to suggest that pushback has disappeared, but at least more are willing to act with the integrity of Cashier's friends and allies.

This is handled in direct and respectful way with empathy and grace, and is suitable for even young  readers. In fact, it may be exactly the book needed by some young readers who struggle with gender dysphoria, and for all those who do not, but lack an understanding of how important it is to advocate for friends.

It's been a while since I've tagged a post with a COVID 19 comment. This has been the first full week of a global CORONA-versary, so I will acknowledge that. These anchors in time reveal to me that the abnormal has become normal. It also reminds me that I'm not comfortable with that language, or even calling this way of life a "new normal". I've become hyper-sensitive to the use of the word and the idea of "normal" . ( I've felt that sensitivity throughout my life, it is just more confirmed now that ever.)

This story is a reminder that "normal" assumes too much, that narrow perspectives lead to injustices and misjudgments about others and, often, about ourselves. Perhaps a full year of masking ourselves for the sake of our wider community/society should serve as a metaphor for new ways of walking through life. Wouldn't we all be safer, stronger, and likely wiser, if we observed a literal and figurative "mask" on our commentaries and attempted controls on the lives of others? Wouldn't we feel that much safer and saner and stronger if we knew that others were allowing us and (everyone else) the space to live our lives without judgment from those who have not had the same experiences, in the wide world or within inner lives?  I

I'm practicing that now, and gradually improving. I hope that anyone who reads this book might reflect on that. This is especially true for adults. Kids are already very open to the ways of others, until adults insert/transfer their own boundaries and labels and limitations. Books like this serve all of us well. 

I had posted this only a few hours before coming across this SHORT testimony by the father of a transgender daughter. It doesn't take long to view/listen. It is also another example of the fact that discussions of this topic (and others) effect INDIVIDUALS and their families, as in Cashier's story above. When anyone attempts to regulate society, they are causing injury to individual lives. Here's the short link, if interested: 

A dad's testimony in defense of his daughter.

VETERANS' DAY, 2020

Considering the many ways 2020 has been mind-boggling, numbing, and disorienting, it makes a huge difference to anchor our lives in some of the steadiest and most validating events and practices. That is especially true for children, but also to anyone (ALL OF US?) who feel battered and bruised by relentless global changes. Recognizing the importance of VETERANS' DAY can be a balm for the spirit.

Here are just a few picture books, fiction and nonfiction, that provide sensitive and worthy stories about varied veteran experiences.

TUESDAY TUCKS ME IN is co-authored by Luis Carlos Montalván and Bret Witter, with photographs by Dan Dion. Service dog Tuesday "narrates" a day-in-the-life portrait of serving Luis Carlos Montalván. Tuesday's voice charms and entertains while impressing upon readers the very serious work of a military service dog. Photos take us right into the time and place of each detail, revealing the depth and trust of their relationship. When the book closes our hearts stay with them both.

HERO MOM is written by Melinda Hardin and illustrated by Bryan Langdo. This is a particularly accessible book for young readers/groups, because each page includes only one sentence, with the illustrations providing extensive content about various military careers to explore and appreciate. Individuals included, both children and the female service personnel, represent diverse identities and contemporary roles. The children celebrate their moms' service by labeling them "super-heroes".

Click HERE to read a wonderful interview with the author about this title, and its companion book, HERO DAD.

If you are out and about today, even in Covid times, you might be handed a little red paper poppy. Most people have only the slightest hint of what that means beyond a passing sense that the poppy is connected with VETERANS DAY. THE POPPY LADY: Moina Belle Michael and Her Tribute to Veterans is written by Barbara E. Walsh with gorgeous illustrations are created by Layne Johnson. 

This is a true biography, involving research by the author and illustrator from primary sources, archival documents, and interviews with Moina Belle Michael's descendants. This intrepid teacher began during World War I to establish a symbol of respect, memory, and support for soldiers who offered their lives to protect freedom in our country and around the world.

Our US Veterans Administration, "the VA", has a website with many links to ways in which our government is recognizing the service of our veterans. (Click HERE.) As always, here's my reminder that specific days of remembrance are important, but can also be dismissive if they are ignored for the remaining days of the year. 

Some Veterans Day Recommendations

I paused this series of posts for PICTURE BOOK MONTH to take a brief weekend trip. It was a privilege to arrive at the airport on the morning of a VETERANS HONOR FLIGHT to Washington. I've admired and contributed to the organization since it began, but hadn't witnessed the operation in process, and walked right into that opportunity. The veterans, their escorts, and the amazing volunteers displayed contagious energy and excitement.

 These flights require an incredible amount of coordination and a complex support system. They proceed throughout the year, providing a once-in-a-lifetime experience that would otherwise never happen. 

Wednesday, November 11, is VETERANS DAY. Picture books are an ideal way to transport young readers into the past, distant or recent. They provide the perfect vehicle for increasing understanding, appreciation, and connections to the human side of wars and military service in general.

Several books related to this topic come to mind. I'll spotlight three that are especially suited to spark interest and increase understanding about this annual commemorative day. The first two are nonfiction, the last is fiction.

Alfred A. Knopf, 2013

Veterans Day was established as Armistice Day, calling for quiet recognition of the suffering and loss of life that ended "The Great War" on the eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month, 1918. A Splash of Red:The Life and Art of Horace Pippin, is written by Jennifer Bryant and illustrated by Melissa Sweet. Since its release it has received numerous awards, including:

The Robert F. Sibert Honor Book 

The Schneider Family Book Award 

An ALA-ALSC Notable Children's Book 

and Winner of the NCTE Orbis Pictus Award for Outstanding Nonfiction for Children 

Horace Pippin, the subject of this remarkable biography, was a severely wounded survivor of the notorious trenches of World War One. Determination drove his recovery and eventually he resumed a life of painting.
This is a perfect example of a book that will appeal to and intrigue young readers while adults will find themselves wanting to learn even more of Pippin's story. 

On Goodreads I noted: "From its dedication "For the Veterans" to its vibrant, colorful illustrations, this biography of self-taught artist Horace Pippin inspires from cover to cover."

Little, Brown Books for Young Readers, 2009

Next up is another TRUE story, this one profiling the survivor of a recent war. NUBS: The True Story of a Mutt, a Marine, and a Miracle. Co-written by Major Brian Dennis and author Kirby Larson, with photos by Mary Nether, NUBS documents a remarkable Iraqi dog of war. 

On Goodreads I had this to say:

"Stories of survival, of veterans and those they have encountered in war, are (sadly) prolific. This one is a sure-fire winner for many reasons, not the least of which is the quality of the storytelling.

Here's a segue to those who wait at home. Their struggles are challenging enough for adults who have more life experience, world awareness, and other resources. Children, though, have less capacity to cope with the absence of loved ones who deploy for long periods, whether to combat zones or not. 

WAITING, created by Kevin Henkes, is fiction of the purest sort: utterly fantastic and achingly real at the same time. The entire comforting, hopeful story takes place on the windowsill while the world outside moves through the seasons. Each character has dreams, hopes, and varying moods, but these friends/family always have each other. This is a picture book that will touch adults as deeply as it does the youngest. 

I noted on Goodreads:

"Characters and the setting appear to be as "simple" as the premise of this book. Don't be fooled, because even the youngest will quickly note the talented use of tiny line shifts, angles of perspective and positioning, and scenes outside the window. Waiting is not just an issue for the youngest set, it is ubiquitous at every life stage. The way we view those waiting passages in our lives determines more than the length or nature of those waits. And the company in which we wait matters even more."

These books are just a few of the many picture books that open windows to awareness of the human side to service, in times of war and peace. Add your own suggestions in comments, or find more excellent titles on  this post on the blog, READ ALOUD PICTURE BOOKS, here. 

On Veteran's Day another post about  picture books on this topic appeared on GROG (Group Blog) written by school librarian and maker-space innovator, Todd Burleson. Check out his great title suggestions here.

Memorial Day Flashback

I've been considering what to include in the Memorial Day weekend post. 

My thoughts automatically turn to my dad, who lived through World War II despite his participation in the Battle of the Bulge, among other European theaters of combat. Recently I compared notes with some friends who also had WWII veteran dads. In all cases we agreed that our dads had shared very little about their experiences  as we were growing up. But when the fiftieth anniversary of the end of WWII brought it into the spotlight in 1995, it was as if a door clicked open. In bits and pieces and sometimes artifacts, letters, and  other memorabilia, their stories began to trickle out, often building to a stream of stories and details we had never heard.

Before  I started to address these reflections, I went back to my prior posts about this particular weekend. After rereading it,  the post I prepared during the first year of this blog (May, 2012) struck me as worthy of re-airing. In fact, It outshines any thoughts I was assembling at present.

That's because Memorial Day, in my opinion, should remind us not only of the individuals who served us so well over so many different conflicts. It should remind us of the need for all of us, as a HUMAN race, to realize that wars don't just "happen", that the choices, actions, opinions, and emotional tone we adopt on a daily basis all contribute to an atmosphere that is MORE or LESS conducive to war, to violence, to hatred.

The legacy we inherit, the responsibility we can accept or deny, what we OWE to all those who served and sacrificed, is to make ourselves aware during every moment of our lives that each person matters. That WE matter. That we can choose how we interact with others while so many others are no longer around to make those choices.

To find some recommended titles that might help us understand our place in this Memorial Day, I hope you'll consider reading it here.

Who Doesn't Love Dogs- and Reading About Them?

A version of his post also appears on my website blog this week.

Dogs and service are a great match.

Dogs are unfailingly devoted, attentive, intelligent, energetic, and eager to please. Okay, some are more of the above than others. But even the sluggish or slow-witted among canines define themselves in terms of their relationships to humans, and that alone is service, pure and simple.

This week the first National Military Working Dog Monument was dedicated in San Antonio. A granite pedestal features the U.S. military’s four most often used working dog breeds since World War II: Doberman pinscher, German shepherd, Labrador retriever and Belgian Malinois. (Link)

Lt. Gen. James Holmes, Air Education and Training Command vice commander said, ”As a nation we owe our war dogs a tremendous debt of gratitude. Their selfless service, loyalty and sacrifices to our country must never be forgotten. The U.S. Military Working Dog Teams National Monument is a treasure for us all to ensure they are honored and remembered forever.”

This AP report tells the background story of veteran military dog handler John Burnham’s decade-plus campaign to make this monument a reality. His story is very compelling, and the recognition is long overdue.

Enslow Publishers, 2010

SERVICE DOG HEROES, by Linda Bozzo, is one of many examples of titles featuring remarkable  dogs doing even more remarkable things to serve their human partners. At 48 pages, including photo illustrations, text features, and engaging non-fiction text, this is a non-traditional picture book that has something to offer every age. These are not military service dogs, yet the training, temperament, and chemistry required of them is comparable. Their life-saving roles may not be on the battlefield, but are no less heroic and admirable.

Bearport Publishing, 2008

Another book that is sure to win young hearts and minds is DOG SCOUTS OF AMERICA, by Shelley Bueche and Chris Puhls. Another photo-rich selection, the information inbcluded here is likely to have readers searching for more information about this organization in their own communities.

"Young readers will learn all about Dog Scouts of America, an organization dedicated to enriching the lives of dogs and their handlers. From encouraging owners to play sports with their four-legged friends to promoting dog participation in charity events, Dog Scouts of America's goal is to help dog owners get to know their pets better so that dogs can have more fulfilling lives. Filled with real-life stories about Dog Scouts around the United States, this book is sure to please all dog lovers." - (Bearport Publishing Co., Inc.)

National Geographic Early Chapter Books

An early chapter book, COURAGEOUS CANINES and more True Sotires of Amazing Animal Heroes, by Kelly Milner Halls, uses more extended text to share the story of Lilly, the rescued pit bull shelter dog. Lilly in turn rescued her owner from an oncoming train. Rich with side bar content about the often abused and misunderstood breed, this is a great book to recommend for kids hooked on stories about the incredible accomplishments of dogs and other animals.

In truth, whether trained for military service, disability support, or as a family pet, each dog-human partnership is a monument in itself. Their mutual devotion attests to the equal (and even superior) contributions dogs are capable of making to our work, our relationships,  and to then richness of our lives. 

The video embedded in this news article (link)has been viewed by millions, but on the off-chance that you haven’t seen it, take a look. Dogs and service are a great match, it’s true. But dogs and the people they love are at the heart of that service.
What are some of your favorite dog books, fiction or non-fiction?