The Impossible Patriotism Project [Hardcover]

Linda Skeers (Author), Ard Hoyt (Illustrator)

Book Description

Age Level: 4 and up | Grade Level: P and up

Caleb’s class is making projects that represent patriotism to display at Parents’ Night. Molly dresses up like the Statue of Liberty and Kareem draws a map of the United States. But Caleb can’t think of a single way to show what patriotism means to him. Besides, his dad can’t even come to Parents’ Night because he is far away, serving as a soldier. Then, when Caleb really starts thinking about his dad and what he is doing for the country, inspiration finally strikes!

Here is a book that celebrates the men and women serving the United States in the armed forces today, as well as the families that give up so much to support them. First-time author Linda Skeers and Ard Hoyt, illustrator of John Lithgow’s I’m a Manatee, have created a classic story, full of warmth and humor, that will resonate with families all across the country.

Editorial Reviews

From Booklist

This timely picture book shows a child wrestling with the meaning of patriotism. As Caleb thinks about a school assignment ("Make something showing patriotism") and hears about other kids' ideas--a papier-mache Liberty Bell, a multicolored U.S. map--he feels increasingly confused. "Patriotism is more than a map or a statue. But how do I show that?" His poster-board display featuring a photo of his absent father, a soldier in desert fatigues, illustrates the child's deep, personal connection to the abstract concept. The setup feels artificial, but Skeers paces things well to maximize the dramatic impact of Dad's military role, which is revealed relatively late in the story. Expressive watercolors from Hoyt (illustrator of John Lithgow's I'm a Manatee, 2003) sensitively capture the commingled pain and pride of military separation but also make room for welcome silliness, expressed through anthropomorphized national symbols that run riot inside Caleb's head. A discussion starter on patriotism with special relevance for children affected by deployment. Jennifer Mattson
Copyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved

About the Author

Linda Skeers lives in Cedar Rapids, Iowa.

Ard Hoyt lives in Bentonville, Arkansas.

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 4 and up
  
• Hardcover: 32 pages
• Publisher: Dial (May 10, 2007)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0803731388
• ISBN-13: 978-0803731387
• Product Dimensions: 10.2 x 8.4 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 12.8 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (5 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,529,488 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

I've worked as a nurse and librarian but my favorite job by far is Children's Book Author! I've been making up stories since I was a child and being able to share them with others is amazing. I love to write books. I love to read books. I love to talk about books... Hmmm, I see a theme developing here!

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars If this one doesn't make you tears come to your eyes..., September 10, 2007

By 

DWD "DWD's Reviews" (Indianapolis, IN) - See all my reviews
(TOP 1000 REVIEWER)    (VINE VOICE)   

This review is from: The Impossible Patriotism Project (Hardcover)

If this one doesn't make tears come to your eyes than your heart must be made of stone.

The beautiful thing about childrens books is that they can play straight to the heart - and this one does. My daughter liked it, but every grown-up who has seen this book has cried or at least teared up. Don't get this one for your kid - get it for you. Moving, wonderful and based on a true story which is just as moving (see back inside flap).

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Red, White, and Blue, the best colors ever., July 24, 2007

By 

Miss Karry (Iowa, USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Impossible Patriotism Project (Hardcover)

I was a story time librarian for 12 years at our local library. Every July, I searched for books I could read to young children that would let them know how wonderful it is to live in America. It is wonderful because we are free. I wanted to read books that would tell the story behind our celebrations of Independence Day and Memorial Day. The Impossible Patriotism Project is that book. This book shows throught text and art the various icons we associate with freedom along with the people who work to keep us free, namely the men and women in our armed forces. Mrs. Skeers and Mr. Hoyt have done a tremendous job conveying the idea of being a patriot to young children. I love it!

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Patriotism in a Positive Light, September 25, 2007

By 

Writing Mom (Missouri) - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: The Impossible Patriotism Project (Hardcover)

With all the media attention to what the United States "shouldn't" be doing, it's wonderful to find a children's story that shows what patriotism is and who the real patriots are. Make sure your local library has this book - especially for story hour. It's not just for the 4th of July but all year long. The United States is a free country with freedom of speech because men and women were willing to risk their lives to keep it free and to help those in other countries who can't fight for themselves.

The whole story and the great illustrations make this a "must have" book for any child's book collection - or for their parents' too!