The White Table is set in many mess halls as a symbol for and remembrance to service members fallen, missing, or held captive in the line of duty. Solitary and solemn, it is the table where no one will ever sit. As a special gift to her Uncle John, Katie and her sisters are asked to help set the white table for dinner. As their mother explains the significance of each item placed on the table Katie comes to understand and appreciate the depth of sacrifice that her uncle, and each member of the Armed Forces and their families, may be called to give. It was just a little white table... but it felt as big as America when we helped Mama put each item on it and she told us why it was so important. "We use a Small Table, girls," she explained first, "to show one soldier's lonely battle against many. We cover it with a White Cloth to honor a soldier's pure heart when he answers his country's call to duty." "We place a Lemon Slice and Grains of Salt on a plate to show a captive soldier's bitter fate and the tears of families waiting for loved ones to return," she continued."We push an Empty Chair to the table for the missing soldiers who are not here..." Margot Theis Raven has been a professional writer working in the fields of radio, television, magazines, newspapers, and children's books for 30 years. Margot's first children's book, Angels in the Dust, won five national awards, including an IRATeacher's Choice Award. Her first book with Sleeping Bear Press, Mercedes and the Chocolate Pilot, was the runner-up for the 2004 Texas Bluebonnet Award. She lives with her family in Charleston, South Carolina. Mike Benny's illustrations have appeared in Time, GQ, New Yorker and Sports Illustrated Magazines. He has also been awarded two Gold Medals from the Society of Illustrators. This is Mike's first children's book. He lives in Austin, Texas with his wife Mary Ann and daughter Adele.
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Mike Benny's illustrations have appeared in Time, GQ, The New Yorker, and Sports Illustrated magazines. He has also been awarded two Gold Medals from the Society of Illustrators. Mike lives in Austin, Texas, with his wife, Mary Ann, and daughter, Adele. America's White Table is his first children's book.
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15 of 15 people found the following review helpful
By C. Vieux
Format:Hardcover
The first time I read this book I almost cried! It is a beautifully written and illustrated book that explains the little known tradition of the POW/MIA table in words that a child can understand. I bought one for my son, and will now purchase another for my God Children.
8 of 8 people found the following review helpful
By Emily R
Format:Hardcover
This is an excellent book to share with children the holidays of Veterans' Day and/or Memorial Day. It illustrates the personal and family involvement very well. An excellent book for teachers!
8 of 8 people found the following review helpful
Format:Hardcover
Excellent book for children AND adults, explaining a touching memorial to our military who have made so many sacrifices for our freedom.
Most Recent Customer Reviews
5.0 out of 5 stars
Great book!
It honors those who have sacrificed so much for our country's freedoms!
Great story to read to our children around Veteran's Day.
Great story to read to our children around Veteran's Day.
Published 5 months ago by Christopher L. Moore
5.0 out of 5 stars
Awesome book!
This is a fantastic book to give to any veteran! I gave it to my Dad for his birthday, which is also Veteran's Day. He read it and cried! What a touching story!
Published 5 months ago by Cristie L. Ondrejack
5.0 out of 5 stars
Touch, simple explanation of a simple way to honor our military
This book describes a way you and your family can honor those that have served our country in a simple dignified way. Read more
Published 5 months ago by Nancy Butler
5.0 out of 5 stars
good buy
I bought this because I was hoping to find them cheaper than they were in the stores. This was just as good as ordering from the company! I would recommend them to anyone.
Published 5 months ago by Jennifer Hurley
5.0 out of 5 stars
Patriotic Knowledge
Good story to educate the public on the sacrifices of those who serve the nation.
As the percentage of Americans serve in the military this book can help express the... Read more
As the percentage of Americans serve in the military this book can help express the... Read more
Published 6 months ago by Cecil Hengeveld
5.0 out of 5 stars
Awesome book for teachers!
I absolutely loved this book. I had originally heard about it at a conference for history teachers. I had been looking for a kid to teenage friendly book that helped students... Read more
Published 17 months ago by Alicia J.
4.0 out of 5 stars
Great for teachers
This is a great way to teach children about the importance of our veterans and the reverence they deserve. I use this in my first grade classroom. Read more
Published 17 months ago by Jennifer Marlatt
5.0 out of 5 stars
Wonderful book!
This book gives a wonderful description of a soldiers scarifice and what we can do to remember it. It is emotional in a good way and teaches the younger generation about freedom... Read more
Published 18 months ago by Chels
5.0 out of 5 stars
White Table ceremony
This book is beautiful and very moving. On Veterans Day at our elementary school, one of our teachers reads "America's White Table", showing the illustrations on a large screen,... Read more
Published 18 months ago by Joy
5.0 out of 5 stars
patriotic
Heartwarming story and a beautiful Veteran's day tribute and idea for assemblies. Plan to use the "white table" this year at my school assembly. Read more
Published on July 18, 2010 by Colleen Malley
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