The Impossible Patriotism Project - Hardcover

Skeers, Linda

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 0803731388 ISBN 13: 9780803731387

Publisher: Dial, 2007

Synopsis

When he is told that the theme for Parents' Night is going to be patriotism, Caleb is disappointed that his father, a soldier, won't be able to attend, but realizing the show is important, Caleb uses his father as the inspiration to create the night's best patriotic display in his absence and in his honor.

About this title

About the Author:

Linda Skeers lives in Cedar Rapids, Iowa.

Ard Hoyt lives in Bentonville, Arkansas.

From Booklist:

This timely picture book shows a child wrestling with the meaning of patriotism. As Caleb thinks about a school assignment ("Make something showing patriotism") and hears about other kids' ideas--a papier-mache Liberty Bell, a multicolored U.S. map--he feels increasingly confused. "Patriotism is more than a map or a statue. But how do I show that?" His poster-board display featuring a photo of his absent father, a soldier in desert fatigues, illustrates the child's deep, personal connection to the abstract concept. The setup feels artificial, but Skeers paces things well to maximize the dramatic impact of Dad's military role, which is revealed relatively late in the story. Expressive watercolors from Hoyt (illustrator of John Lithgow's I'm a Manatee, 2003) sensitively capture the commingled pain and pride of military separation but also make room for welcome silliness, expressed through anthropomorphized national symbols that run riot inside Caleb's head. A discussion starter on patriotism with special relevance for children affected by deployment. Jennifer Mattson
Copyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved

About this edition

• Publisher: Dial
• Publication date: 2007
• ISBN 10: 0803731388
• ISBN 13: 9780803731387
• Binding: Hardcover
• Number of pages: 32
• Illustrator: Hoyt Ard