The Impossible Patriotism Project Book

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.

Kirkus Reviews

Caleb wishes his dad were home to help with his Parents' Night/President's Day patriotism project, but right now dad is far away-in military service. Caleb's eager classmates have project plans aplenty: maps, poems, a Statue of Liberty costume, even a papier-mache Liberty Bell. Caleb's good at drawing, but "Patriotism wasn't something you could draw. . . . " After struggling for an idea, Caleb creates a poster display featuring a photo of his father in full military gear and delivers a touching statement: Sometimes "Patriotism means going away from your family even if you have to miss Parents' Night . . . My dad is patriotism." The assembled are duly impressed, and in an affecting final page, Hoyt offers a sort of split-screen vignette of the child and his father, one sending mementoes of the day, the other on a camp stool, happy to have been remembered and recognized. Not a must-have, but a conversation-starter-of particular interest to service families and their communities. (Picture book. 5-9)