Letters To A Soldier

by David Falvey, Julie Hutt

Mrs. Julie Hutt’s fourth-grade class in Roslyn, New York, writes to a soldier in Iraq to thank him for his service and to find out what it’s like to be a U.S. soldier: What is a soldier’s job exactly? How do soldiers spend their spare time? Don’t they miss home? The children’s letters were answered by First Lieutenant David Falvey, a twenty-five-year-old military police officer serving in Baghdad with the Army National Guard.

Combining the children’s letters and artwork with Lt. Falvey’s e-mails and personal photographs, Letters to a Soldier is a special book to be shared in the classroom or at home. An update on Lt. Falvey’s safe return home, the status of the war in Iraq, and classroom programs are also included.

Genres: Childrens, Picture Books, Nonfiction

32 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 2009

Reviews

[Terry]

This easy-to-read picture book helps children understand what happens in war and the day-to-day life of fighting overseas. I liked this book a lot. I liked it a lot."

[Melissa Dwyer · Rating 4 out of 5]

Originally rated G+ by Shelly Kraus
First Lieutenant David Falvey responds to a fourth grades' letter asking questions about the war, what its like to be a soldier, and his likes and dislike. Falvey explains our involvement in the war in Iraq, his duties as a soldier in a way that students can understand. The book is set up in 2 page spreads, one side shows the letter form the student, the other side show Falvey's response, along with any approriate photos. His responses to the students seem to be honest, and to the point. Thie book lets the reader understand some of ehat our soldiers are going through. This would be an great additon to any collection.

[Renee Wallace · Rating 5 out of 5]

If this book does not move you... you need professional help. I got goosebumps over and over, had to stop and wipe my eyes a few times, and then went back and read it all over again, so I did not miss a thing.

God bless you, David, and thank you for your service, and for the inestimable service you did by answering these letters, and allowing them to be published. Our children need this book. *I* needed this book.

Ms. Hutt, you are one admirable educator. Blessings to you, too, for this project.

[Kelly · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is an eye-opening look at what life is really like for soldiers serving in Iraq. This book presents letters from fourth grade students and real, candid answers given by First Lieutenant David Falvey. I think this book will make what is going on in Iraq and even Afghanistan more real to students and teachers. I also think this book will encourage other students to begin writing letters to the brave men and women serving in our country's military.

[Karen Arendt · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a great collection of stories. The questions 4th graders can ask! And how well, and tactfully David Falvey answered the students! A great book to share with 4th and 5th graders to increase awareness of the conflict in Iraq.

[Ofilia · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was not what I expected. The letters are so genuine and pure kid questions meaning very stream of consciousness. It makes for entertaining reading. Stays away from any controversy, this is truly just a soldier answering 4th grader questions as best he can.

[Gavin Mousel · Rating 4 out of 5]

i thence it was a good good book and i like when they reads
the kid reads lead the laed and the soldier rot then bath