September 1, 2022
A boy visits a special place while on vacation. Jack and his parents fly to a city where cherry blossoms bloom. Views from the plane and a glimpse of the Washington Monument from the airport offer clues to their destination. The city and sights are unnamed in the simple, easy-to-read text but recognizable from the pleasant, serviceable illustrations. On their trip to the nation's capital, the family visits the Air and Space Museum, the Spy Museum, the Lincoln Memorial, the zoo, and Capitol Hill (where Jack shakes hands with "somebody important from back home"). On the last day of the trip, they visit Arlington National Cemetery, which Jack at first finds "boring," but his attention is captured by the 21-step march of the soldier guarding the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. Brallier nicely captures the solemn poignancy of this monument to soldiers who fell in battle, far from home, unidentified. The family then visits the World War II Memorial and the Vietnam War Memorial. Beginning the trip home, Jack spots an Army Ranger in uniform in the waiting area. He runs to offer his thanks, and "the unknown soldier"--a jarring phrase, given that this soldier is alive and has a name--stands to respond. Jack and his father present as Asian, his mother is light-skinned, and the Army Ranger presents as Black. (This book was reviewed digitally.) A useful title for Memorial Day and Veteran's Day. (more information on the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier) (Picture book. 4-7)
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September 30, 2022
K-Gr 3-Jack and his family take a vacation to Washington, D.C., exploring the many monuments and museums on their tour. When they go to a cemetery with rows and rows of graves, Jack thinks it is boring until they come to the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. A guard walks 21 steps in front of the grave, stops for 21 seconds, and then continues her march. Jack is amazed that this tomb is guarded all day, every day. Peterson's soft watercolor illustrations show detailed views of the area and capture the emotions felt by Jack's family. The closing pages include further explanation of the tomb, who it honors, and the significance of the number 21. VERDICT A beautiful and emotional look into an important memorial to soldiers who have lost their lives. Readers will gain respect for those who served and appreciate their bravery.-Heidi Dechief
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