Love, Lizzie: Letters to a Military Mom
Kindergarten-Grade 3–Lizzie's mom is a soldier with an overseas posting. The location is not mentioned, but the woman is shown in combat uniform, wearing a helmet and goggles and holding binoculars. The story is told as a series of letters from Lizzie to her mom, from the time she leaves until she returns home. Childlike crayon, marker, and watercolor illustrations and what looks like hand-written print make Lizzie's letters appear as though a child really did write them. The illustrations depict the youngster's activities and often include a map she has drawn. Written especially for military families, the book includes an introduction by U.S. Senator Dianne Feinstein thanking military families for their sacrifices and a page of suggestions for adults such as taking advantage of the programs that the military offers, keeping one's routine as regular as possible, and connecting with other military families. Most readers will appreciate the authentic feel of Lizzie's letters as she asks all those inevitable whys about Mom's separation from the family. A worthy addition on a topic about which little has been written.–Pamela K. Bomboy, Chesterfield County Public Schools, VACopyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.