My Grandfather's War - Children's Book #Review!

This is a sensitive exploration of the lingering cost of war and of the PTSD so many returned servicemen experience. Released to coincide with the 50th anniversary of the Battle of Khe Sanh (the Vietnam War’s longest battle), it also sheds light on a war that is not always remembered in the same way that the world wars and other conflicts are. Many who served experience a sense of betrayal at the treatment they received on their return, as the conflict came to be regarded as the ‘unpopular’ war, and this is covered in a child-friendly way in a note at the back of the book.

THEMES:

·         Family relations

·         The impact of war on people

·         Why people go to war

·         The cost of war

·         Growing through sharing the past

The award-winning team of Glyn Harper and Jenny Cooper share this poignant story about a Vietnam veteran and his relationship with his granddaughter. While the relationship is a positive one, the young girl senses her grandfather’s pain and is curious to find out the cause of it. As she innocently seeks answers, she unknowingly opens old wounds and discovers her grandfather’s sadness is a legacy of the Vietnam War and his experiences there. This is a sensitive exploration of the lingering cost of war and of the PTSD so many returned servicemen experience. Released to coincide with the 50th anniversary of the Battle of Khe Sanh (the Vietnam War’s longest battle), My Grandfather's War also sheds light on a war that is not always remembered in the same way that the world wars and other conflicts are. Many who served experience a sense of betrayal at the treatment they received on their return, as the conflict came to be regarded as the ‘unpopular’ war, and this is covered in a child-friendly way in a note at the back of the book.

SYNOPSIS:
My Grandfather’s War explores the relationship between a young girl and her grandfather. Sarah, who narrates the story, likes nothing better than being with her grandfather and they do lots of fun things together.

But Sarah senses a deep sadness in her grandfather and is curious about it. Her father tells her to leave him alone when he’s sad as he is thinking about a war in a place called Vietnam.

When she has the courage to ask him about his sadness, Sarah’s grandfather tells her about his time in Vietnam and the war he fought there. Though Sarah is aware that she has probably upset her grandfather she develops a deeper understanding of his past and the two remain as close as ever.

Age Range: 6 - 9 years
Grade Level: 1 - 4

Click here to read more about "My Grandfather's War" and to download Teacher's Notes! This is great for teachers, homeschoolers, and parents who want to help their children further their knowledge at home!

My uncle John, my mom's brother, was in the Vietnam War. We went to see him a few weeks ago, my first road trip with all three of my children, by myself. Well, I asked him, after he showed me a photo of him inside of a book that him and my aunt found at a yard sale, what was the most fun or cool thing that you learned while you were there? He had to really think about it. Later that day, he told me that the most fun thing that he learned while he was there, was how to fly a helicopter! He was medic in the Vietnam War, and also a cook. But they needed someone who could also fly the helicopter in case the pilot was shot. What a neat thing to learn! He even had his pilot's license for a while there.

My Review:
This is a great children's book that gently explains to children about the Vietnam War to children and adults alike. When I've asked my uncle about it, he wouldn't talk to me, and he would get a sad look on his face. He says it was awful. He doesn't talk about what happened over there except with men who were there with him or who were in the war also, probably not in his unit. He does have PTSD. He has sweet neighbors who will call him to let him know that they are doing to put a cottontail bunny out of it's misery because they accidentally hit it with the lawn mower. He also doesn't like fireworks. I don't know what his neighbors do about that. I really enjoyed spending time with him this trip, as he's getting older and all of his hair is white. He has had back problems since he was a teenager, and they sent him to war anyway. He shouldn't have been there. So now, the VA covers most all of his medical costs. But he can't walk or do the things that he used to do. He sits in his recliner a lot now.


Disclosure: I received one copy of "My Grandfather's War" children's book in exchange for my post, from EKBooks. No other compensation was exchanged or received.