Our plans for the 4th of July changed after a strong thunderstorm dumped heavy rain. Instead of going out to watch the fireworks, my family’s picnic ended with watching them on television.
As the camera panned over the crowd in D.C., a hand-lettered sign that said something like, “We miss you, Sgt. E. M. Higgins” caught my eye. It reminded me that many families are apart because of military service and that all children feel the impact of war — even older kids, including my teenager.
Fred Rogers developed sound advice for adults during the 1991 Gulf War which remains not only timely but can facilitate discussion and perhaps provide consolation for children of all ages.
Books, too, can offer solace, reminding us that even though parents and children are apart, love — and hope — continues.
Jacqueline Woodson’s Coming On Home Soon (Putnam, 2004) is a picture book in which a child is sent to live with her grandmother so her mother can work in Chicago. This World War II story reminds readers that the yearning caused by being apart crosses generations, lifestyles, and — unfortunately — wars.
About the Author
Reading Rockets’ children’s literature expert, Maria Salvadore, brings you into her world as she explores the best ways to use kids’ books both inside — and outside — of the classroom.
Publication Date
July 5, 2007