CHASING THE SPIRIT OF
SERVICE
by Kristen Zajac
illustrated by Julie
Tucker
As a former Air Force officer's wife, I’m pleased to review Kristen Zajac’s “Chasing the Spirit of Service.” It is a thank you in book form and
honors our military service members and veterans for their service and
sacrifice. The story is about a three-generation African American family who
have all served in the United States Air Force. We learn that Emma’s great
grandfather was a Tuskegee Airman and faced racial prejudice. Next, her grandfather
served in Vietnam and is now a military contractor. Finally, Emma’s father performs
in air shows and flies military air cargo planes; he’s often deployed overseas
for months.
Emma misses her father when he’s gone, but learns about the
importance of honor and service from the examples of her family. Her father
calls it his spirit of service. Emma
and her friend Adam want to follow that example of honoring service. You’ll
have to read to see the perfect way to honor service members that they found.
We all can learn from Emma and her family’s example.
The expressive artwork by Julie Tucker adds immensely to our
understanding and enjoyment of the story. Each scene is richly detailed and
realistic. Emma’s emotions, close family, and busy home life are clearly
depicted in the lovely illustrations.
“Chasing the Spirit of
Service” can help civilian families better understand military families
lives of sacrifice and service. It can also encourage discussion about how we
can better support and honor military families for their service. This story is
highly recommended for ages 8 to 10.
Information on author Kristen Zajac is at http://www.kristenzajzc.com
Information on artist Julie Tucker is at
Reviewed by
Penelope Anne Cole
Award Winning Author of Magical Matthew and Magical Mea
and Mágico Mateo (Spanish)
Award Winning Author of Magical Matthew and Magical Mea
and Mágico Mateo (Spanish)
New: Magical Mea Goes to School
Magical Max and
Magical Mickey
For Halloween: Ten Little Tricksters
Web: http://www.penelopeannecole.com/
Web: http://www.penelopeannecole.com/
Tags:
Chasing the Spirit of Service, Kristen Zajac, Julie Tucker, Emma, Adam, Air Force, family, mom, dad, grandfather, great-grandfather, Tuskegee Airman, Vietnam War, military service, military service members, honor, service, helping, supporting.
