Loyalty Reading List

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?

For a read aloud  version of the book, watch it here.

The video has a long intro talking about Citizenship as their value of the month. It’s a nice intro if you want to use it. It also has a part at the end that talks about Operation Gratitude that her school is doing. If you want to do the same, you can find information here.  

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