
Reach for this book when your child is grappling with the absence of a loved one or trying to make sense of how people find courage during times of great uncertainty. It is an ideal resource for military families or those experiencing a long term separation, providing a gentle bridge to discuss the complex emotions of waiting and the power of memory. The story follows a young girl named Molly who watches her neighbor, Ted, go off to serve on a submarine during World War II. Through Molly's eyes, children see how the rhythms of home life continue even while hearts are far away. Borden's free verse narrative beautifully captures the quiet bravery of the home front, focusing on the small acts of kindness and the enduring hope that connects us to those we love. It is a poignant, sophisticated picture book that respects a child's ability to handle bittersweet realities while emphasizing the strength of community and family bonds.
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Sign in to write a reviewThe protagonist's neighbor and friend is lost at sea during combat.
Occasional references to the dangers of submarine warfare and the risks of the Pacific theater.
The book deals directly with the death of a soldier and the loss of a vessel at sea. The approach is realistic and historical rather than metaphorical. While there is deep sadness, the resolution is found in communal remembrance and the honoring of a life lived, making it a secular but deeply spiritual exploration of legacy.
An elementary student (grades 3 to 5) who is interested in history or a child currently experiencing a parent's military deployment who needs a safe space to process the 'what ifs' of service within a historical context.
Parents should be aware that the ending involves the permanent loss of the character Ted. It is best to read this with the child to provide comfort during the final pages. A parent might reach for this after a child asks difficult questions about what happens if a soldier doesn't come home, or if they notice their child becoming withdrawn while waiting for a loved one's return.
Younger children will focus on Molly's daily activities and the concept of 'mail.' Older children will grasp the historical stakes of WWII and the emotional weight of the gold star in the window.
Unlike many WWII books for kids that focus on the battlefield, Borden focuses on the emotional landscape of the neighborhood, using poetry to make the historical feel personal and immediate.
Narrated by a young girl named Molly, the story chronicles the departure of her neighbor, Ted, who joins the Navy to serve on the USS Albacore during World War II. The narrative follows Molly's life in her small town as she writes letters, follows the news of the Pacific theater, and waits for Ted's return. The book culminates in the sobering reality of Ted's submarine being lost at sea, concluding with a commemorative ceremony years later.
This overview was generated by AI based on the book's content and reviews, and may not capture every nuance.