100 Days and 99 Nights - Hardcover

Madison, Alan

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 0316113549 ISBN 13: 9780316113540

Publisher: Little, Brown Books for Young Readers, 2008

Synopsis

Dad says because of the army he stood shoulder to shoulder with polar bears and watched the sun rise over the frozen fields of Alaska, which sounds really exciting. And because of the Army he slept in sludge, shoulder to shoulder with snakes and watched the sun set over the swamps of Alabama -- which does not.

In a timely, but not politically charged way, author Alan Madison looks at the way a family copes with having a parent away on a 100 day, 99 night military tour of duty through the eyes of the very loveable Esmerelda (Esme) Swishback McCarthur. Esme wants to be good while her dad is away. In fact, she feels like it's her duty to be good. But being good can be hard, especially if you have a little brother like Ike. By following Esme's story, as she awaits her father's return, readers will see how heroism can translate to every member of a family.

Aside from the military families that this book serves, readers who wonder what it would be like if their mother, father, brother, or sister was sent away will relate to Esme's quiet strength and candor and will understand her worry about what could happen. This story has the potential to speak to readers on a personal level and to turn a concept that seems so hard to grasp--war--into one that feels much more personal.

About this title

About the Author

Alan Madison is the author of two picture books published by Anne Schwartz Books (S&S). After interviewing some kids whose father was away on a 100 day, 99 night military tour of duty, Alan was inspired to write this story. Alan works on Emeril Lagasse's shows on the Food Network.

Reviews

Grade 3–5—Esmerelda Swishback McCarther has spent most of her seven years living in four different countries on four different continents with her military family. Arriving back in the United States, she and her brother begin school in a suburb of Washington, DC. Unfortunately, her father must leave for a tour of duty—100 days and 99 nights. Saddened and fearful for him, Esme gives him the precious remnant square from her "blankie" to take with him. While he is away, she struggles to remain dutiful and strong, traits that her family values. Madison authentically portrays the stresses experienced not only at home but also in the classrooms of children whose loved ones are away at war. When Esme and her friend Martina spearhead a project to help the troops by collecting scrap metal, the entire community becomes involved and the news reaches her father, who proclaims Esme a hero. This is a light yet realistic novel about a reality well known to many American families. All branches of the armed forces are featured in some capacity although Esme's father is a sergeant in the Army.—D. Maria LaRocco, Cuyahoga Public Library, Strongsville, OH
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Edition details

• Publisher: Little, Brown Books for Young Readers
• Publication date: 2008
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 0316113549
• ISBN 13: 9780316113540
• Binding: Hardcover
• Edition number: 1
• Number of pages: 144