Loyalty Featured Book

The Impossible Patriotism Project

by Linda Skeers
illustrated by Ard Hoyt

 

From Goodreads:

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.

After reading the story to the class, process it with these or similar questions:

• Did you like the story?
• How is patriotism a type of loyalty?
• Have you ever had trouble picking a topic for a project?
• Does it ever seem like everyone else’s ideas sound better than yours?
• Did you like Caleb’s project idea?
• Do you have any friends who have parents in the military?
• Did you like all of the different ways the students expressed patriotism?
• What did you think when Kareem wanted to send his map as a thank you to Caleb’s father?
• What do you think Caleb’s father thought of Kareem’s map and Caleb’s project?
• Will patriotic holidays remind you of being loyal to your country and family and friends?

Click here to find the full list of books on Loyalty on our Goodreads shelf!