My Grandfather's War

Description

The award-winning team of Glyn Harper and Jenny Cooper share this poignant story about a Vietnam veteran and his relationship with his granddaughter. While the relationship is a positive one, the young girl senses her grandfather's pain and is curious to find out the cause of it. As she innocently seeks answers, she unknowingly opens old wounds and discovers her grandfather's sadness is a legacy of the Vietnam War and his experiences there. This is a sensitive exploration of the lingering cost of war and of the PTSD so many returned servicemen experience. Released to coincide with the 50th anniversary of the Battle of Khe Sanh (the Vietnam War's longest battle), it also sheds light on a war that is not always remembered in the same way that the world wars and other conflicts are. Many who served experience a sense of betrayal at the treatment they received on their return, as the conflict came to be regarded as the 'unpopular' war, and this is covered in a child-friendly way in a note at the back of the book.

Glyn Harper is a highly regarded military historian and an award-winning author of books for both children and adults. Jenny Cooper is an award-winning illustrator who specialises in a realistic style.

"A rarely depicted, honest portrayal if the war in Vietnam that I am very excited about." -- L J Lacey * Book bites * "This is a sensitive exploration of the lingering cost of war and of the PTSD so many returned servicemen experience." * Midwest Book Review * "As the child of two veterans, I found the subject matter to be difficult. When the protagonist, Sarah, describes her grandfather's moods, it hit pretty close to home. While the topic is Vietnam, the overall theme could easily be applied to more recent conflicts. I am sure many children of veterans would appreciate this book and perhaps gain a little understanding about mental health issues." * The Listening Post * "This is such a topical issue, where many children today have no idea of the turmoil and sacrifices their Grandparents went through. It is beautifully and sensitively told. The soft colours of the illustrations reinforce the gentle story and give a safe and warm feeling to the book. The text is well placed on light coloured backgrounds, and set in small blocks. The story is a great way to introduce the notion of a family's involvement in war. " * Blue Wolf Reviews * "Few picture books about the Vietnam War have been written for young readers, and yet it is a period of our history that is perhaps having the greatest impact on our nation and its families in current times. Apart from the personal impact on families as grandfathers, particularly, continue to struggle with their demons. Together, Harper and Cooper have created a sensitive, personal and accessible story that needs to be shared, its origins explored and understanding generated. Lest We Forget." * The Bottom Shelf * "A thoughtful exploration of the lingering cost of war and the PTSD so many soldiers have been forced to endure." * The Daily Telegraph * "This is a story of considerable magnitude yet Harper manages to relay it to young readers in a way that pays appreciable regard to the condition of PTSD and homage to the 50th Anniversary of one of the Vietnam War's longest battles, Khe Sanh. My Grandfather's War is a timely book that introduces primary aged readers to the impacts of an inglorious war and its 'lingering effects' on the people they love. It provides a useful conduit to a past they may only have ever seen reflected in the eyes of their grandparents and thus prompts discussion and understanding; something Harper is keen to encourage in order to get kids 'hooked on history" * Boomerang Books *