Children's

Title: The Sandpipers Game
Author: Charles Boyle
Genre: Children, Under 12
Reviewer: Joyce Gilmour

ISBN (links go to the MWSA Amazon store): ISBN / EAN

Sandy, and injured bird, is saved from drowning by young twins, Kate and Kurt, who live at the seashore. As Sandy heals under their care, he learns that the twins are runners on their school's cross-country team, and that they have no way to train for running on hills. Grateful for his rescue, Sandy invents a game that teaches the twins how to run faster. Better yet, he opens their minds to his vision of how to improve at whatever you do.

This book is designed to encourage doing your "Personal Best".

Title: Our Daddy is Invincible!
Author: Shannon Maxwell
Genre: Children's, Under 12
Reviewer: jim greenwald

ISBN (links go to the MWSA Amazon store): 1617510033

What happens when a parent becomes traumatically injured? In Our Daddy Is Invincible! Alexis and Eric find out that their Daddy was badly hurt, something they thought impossible. They are scared for him and wonder how his injuries will change their lives. They learn that his love for them continues to be strong and that life goes on. There are people to help in their daddy’s recovery, new adventures to be found, and new ways to find enjoyment together as a family. Turn the pages of this beautifully illustrated, hope-filled book and discover the possibilities.

Our Daddy Is Invincible! is based on the real life experiences of author, Shannon Maxwell’s family. First hand knowledge through their journey following the penetrating traumatic brain injury of LtCol Tim Maxwell, USMC (ret), and advocacy for other wounded families are drawn upon, bringing an uncommon depth of perspective to the challenges, hopes, and possibilities families may face through traumatic injury, recovery, and return home.

Title: Klinger, A Story of Honor and Hope
Author: Betsy Beard
Genre: Children's, Under 12
Reviewer: Claudia Pemberton

ISBN (links go to the TAPS store): 978-0-578-05431-5

Klinger, A Story of Honor and Hope is the endearing story of a young horse dreaming of fame as a racehorse. But his life is disrupted and he must leave his parents to start a new life. Faced with difficulty and disappointment, Klinger’s dream of significance seems unattainable. He then discovers that fame is not necessary, as he finds fulfillment in honoring fallen heroes and bringing comfort to their families.

Title: David & the Mighty Eight
Author: Marjorie Hodgson Parker
Genre: Fiction, Children, Young Adult
Reviewer: Weymouth Symmes

ISBN (links go to the MWSA Amazon store): 1931721939

A young British boy, David Freeman, is caught in the cruelty of WWII from the time he is 10 until he is 15 years old. Evacuated from his war-torn London home during the Blitz, devastated by the news that his father, a Royal Air Force pilot, is missing in action, and determined to become a man, David seeks what it takes to have courage. Based on a true story, this historical fiction recounts David's adventures and the forging of his friendship with an American pilot, Tex, and his crew. The friendly airmen with the Eighth Air Force give David hope when Hitler's Nazis seem unstoppable. This coming-of-age account teaches that despite the horrors of war, good can be found in the worst of times, and it is a testimony to the resilience of the human spirit.

Title: Momma's Boots
Author: Sandra Miller Linhart
Genre: Children's, Under 12
Reviewer: jim greenwald

ISBN (links go to the MWSA Amazon store): 0984512713

It's Boot's task to take Momma where she's needed, but it's Momma's job to explain why. When Momma puts on her boots, Bean knows it's time to say good-bye, and maybe for a long time. What does Momma do when she goes? Do other mommies wear boots which take them away, too?

Can Bean understand the many things Momma is called to do, why her boots sometimes take her far away, and how a soldier's work is not much different than some other mommies' job.

Being deployed is a fact of life for soldiers of all military branches. Humanitarian efforts, Operations Other than War (OOW), peaceful or wartime missions - a soldier's duty is to be there. Sometimes it means leaving their little ones behind wondering why.