WHEN YOUR DADDY'S A SOLDIER

Life continues when parents are overseas.

An unnamed narrator is proud of his soldier father. The boy often engages in imaginative play that mimics his perceptions of military life, but he’s also saddened by his father’s long absences. The boy and his mother and sister do their best to cope, writing letters to Daddy, sending him things (like a seashell and a skipping stone) that will remind him of them, and, when Daddy does come home, celebrating his return. Digital illustrations beautifully capture each family member’s emotions and speak volumes to the stress endured by military families; the art will pull in readers, especially military families. Unfortunately, the book includes the harmful, outdated message that boys should hide their sadness and that the suppression of valid emotions equates to maturity and bravery: “Our daddy is going to war. Sis cries, but I try to act like a soldier. Brave. Daddy says he’s proud of me, but his voice sounds lumpy. Later, I hide in my fort and cry.” It’s an unfortunate addition in a story dealing with a topic of relevance to many. The boy, his father, and his sister are brown-skinned; their mother is lighter-skinned. (This book was reviewed digitally.)

Well intentioned and earnest but laced with problematic “boys don’t cry” messaging.