~OFFICIAL SITE~
Award Winning Children's Book
"Mommy, What is a POW/MIA?"
by: John T. Dixon, Jr
Review by Mrs. Claudia Pemberton of the Military Writers Society of America
August 2008
Mommy, What Is a POW/MIA?
By: John T. Dixon, Jr.
PublishAmerica – 2008 – $19.95
www.publishamerica.com
ISBN:
1-60474-029-9
John T. Dixon, Jr. has written an exceptionally thought-provoking children’s book on an emotionally-charged and painfully real subject … POW’s and MIA’s. “Mommy, What Is a POW/MIA?” will serve not only to educate while entertaining the inquisitive nature of a child’s mind, but will also serve as a sober reminder to the adult reader that there are still thousands of lost and missing American soldiers that never made it home from the war.
“Mommy, What Is a POW/MIA?” is meticulous in its explanation and is very well written. It tells the story of Savannah’s quest for answers concerning her Uncle Bobby. Up to now, Savannah’s knowledge of her Uncle Bobby (her mother’s brother) has been gleaned from whispered and often tearful conversations between her parents. Seeking definitive answers, Savannah asks her mother, “Mommy what is a POW/MIA?” The mother’s response is sensitive and informative as she explains how as a young man, Uncle Bobby joined the Army and was sent to serve in Vietnam. She explains how soldiers, including Uncle Bobby, are sometimes captured or die during combat, but are never found or returned home to their loved ones.
Not only does Savannah comprehend the concept of POW/MIAs, she resolves to grow up and join the military and JPAC Command to help bring Uncle Bobby home.
The illustrations are realistic renditions of military symbols, sites, and memorials, several of which are repeated at the back of the book to create a unique “coloring” addition to this special little book.
I definitely recommend this children’s book to all families, regardless of their military affiliation. Its topic is relevant and vitally important to educating young American minds on the subject of democracy, and the ultimate price that some very heroic men and woman have paid for our freedom.Review by J.E. Jackson FEB 09
John T. Dixon's book promotes the ideology that people must reflect on the past to understand the future and even unpleasant issues must be addressed. In American society today with war broadcasted daily, American soldiers coming home wounded and violence on television and in video games, it is important for parents to be able to address the issues of violence and war with their young children in an age-appropriate manner. Mr. Dixon's book is a contribution to American society because it has captured an issue that I think most Americans choose not to address and remember in a fashion that uses caution with the children as to confuse them with too much information or frighten them of the subject matter. Additionally, Mr. Dixon provides the parents with sources where they can gather more information to assist them in answering questions of their children. Most importantly, Mr. Dixon's book is the perfect base for parents to use in order to address other post-war issues such as disabled American Veterans. Fortunately, our brave soldiers are coming home rather than becoming KIAs; however, with the scars of war both Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder and physical ailments, there will be a need for children to learn empathy and respect for our soldiers.
Mommy, What is a POW/MIA is a great book to help your kids learn about POWs. The book is a great starter for conversation and also a great means of promoting patriotism. I personally like the book for this reason and the fact that it can teach our children a small portion what brave men and women have done for our country. I hope the author has plans of proceeding this book into a series.
“A moving and patriotic story that is great for children.
A much needed story of honor and reality.
It influenced me to reflect on the many prisoners of war.”
C. Guthrie
