Brave Like Me

by Barbara Kerley

Overview

When someone is serving our country, far from home, everyone in their family has to be brave. Including — and sometimes especially — the kids. This book speaks to all kids in this situation in telling the story of a boy and a girl with parents away on duty. It captures the children's worries, fears, trials, and triumphs while waiting for their parents to return from service. Although the narrative tells one universal tale, the photographs depict multiple perspectives so that every reader has someone they can relate to. In the end, each child finds the strength and patience to endure the wait, showing admirable bravery and inspiring us all. An afterword looks further at the meaning of bravery and offers resources for helping kids deal with transition, deployment, and separation.  

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781426323607
Publisher:	Disney Publishing Group
Publication date:	04/12/2016
Pages:	48
Product dimensions:	9.30(w) x 10.90(h) x 0.40(d)
Lexile:	AD520L (what's this?)
Age Range:	3 - 5 Years

About the Author

BARBARA KERLEY is the author of A Cool Drink of Water, which received a starred review by School Library Journal and named "Outstanding Science Trade Book" by the NSTA/CBC, and You and Me Together, named ALA Notable Book. Her third book for National Geographic, A Little Peace, was called "powerful" by School Library Journal and "stunningly beautiful," by the Boston Globe. Also listed by the Chicago Public Library "Best of the Best Book" and a Notable Social Studies Trade Books for Young People 2008. Other books include Walt Whitman: Words for America, One World, One Day, What to Do About Alice?, and The Dinosaurs of Waterhouse Hawkins.

Editorial Reviews

"The ache and loneliness felt when missing a family member on deployment comes through in this photo essay about children of military and government personnel. Kerley gives voice to the children's emotions, as they express fear, resolve to stay positive and strong, and love through simple personal statements matched by crisp, compelling color photography of ethnically diverse service members and their families." — Kirkus

"Although this book will have special meaning for those children whose parents or caregivers are serving in the military, it’s also a valuable resource for those looking to understand more about the children of military families and their unique needs... An important book for comfort, support, and education." — Booklist

"In this expansively designed book, the photos tell the stories not only of the deployed mothers and fathers far away but of the frustrations and worries and coping strategies of the children left behind... Children of soldiers might be comforted knowing there are others in the same situation, but all children will have their eyes opened to the challenges families face when one or both parents serve far away from home. " — The Horn Book



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From the Publisher

03/01/2016
K-Gr 3—A poignant photographic look at the experience of being separated from a parent who is serving in the military. The large, beautiful images depict actual parents and kids and include a diverse group of individuals from a variety of military branches, allowing readers to see their own stories on these pages. Written in verse, Kerley's accessible text explores different emotions that children feel when a parent is away on active duty. Included in the back matter are a note on "Dealing with Separation," information about the work that people serving in the military do, tips for adults for helping children cope, and some further resources. A map with location details is provided for all photographs, giving kids the opportunity to connect even more deeply with the book. VERDICT A quality purchase for collections that support those who are coping with the demands of military life.—April Sanders, Spring Hill College, Mobile, AL

School Library Journal

2016-02-02
The ache and loneliness felt when missing a family member on deployment comes through in this photo essay about children of military and government personnel. Kerley gives voice to the children's emotions, as they express fear, resolve to stay positive and strong, and love through simple personal statements matched by crisp, compelling color photography of ethnically diverse service members and their families. For example, "We spend lots of time together…until the day we have to say goodbye" accompanies a full-bleed double-page photo of a white mom and dad in military fatigues, each with a child on a lap on a playground swing. Farewell scenes of a white dad kissing a toddler and a black mom hugging a preteen highlight smiling faces. "Dad gives me a huge kiss. / Mom wraps me up in a hug big enough to last the whole time she's away." But the reality is clear as a young, light-skinned girl looks out a window with hands against the pane, thinking: "And then they're gone. The house is too empty. Who is going to take care of me?" Key words or phrases—far away, sad, safe, happy, proud of me—emphasize the children's concerns with larger, boldface black lettering within the text. A key to the locations where each photo was taken, notes on coping, the missions of the military, and a list of resources round out this attractively designed publication. Heartfelt and necessary. (Picture book. 4-8)

Kirkus Reviews