{"id":7725086736621,"title":"The Unknown Soldier","handle":"the-unknown-soldier","description":"\u003ch6\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/h6\u003e\n\u003c!-- - - - - - - - ENTER AUTHOR\/ILLUSTRATOR INFO BELOW - - - - - - - --\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBy: \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/jess-brallier\"\u003eJess Brallier\u003c\/a\u003e \/ Illustrated by: \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/jamie-peterson\"\u003eJamie Peterson\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c!-- - - - - - - - ENTER HEADING BELOW - - - - - - - --\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e\n\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e \u003cb\u003eThis moving tribute to veterans and America’s fallen follows a young boy on his first trip to the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.\u003c\/b\u003e\n\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003c!-- - - - - - - - ENTER DESCRIPTION BELOW - - - - - - - --\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eOn the last day of their Washington, DC, vacation, Jack and his family visit a cemetery. Jack finds it boring, but as they watch the guard patrolling the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, his perspective shifts. He learns about the monument, the sentinels, and why it is they keep watch. Jack develops a newfound respect for those who serve. Includes back matter about the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier and those who guard it. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c!-- - - - - - - - - - - - ENTER RECOMMENDATIONS BELOW - - - - - - - -- - - --\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"recommended-books\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIf you like this book, you’ll enjoy these: \u003cbr\u003e\u003ca href=\"\/products\/the-flag-we-love\"\u003eThe Flag We Love\u003c\/a\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003ca href=\"\/products\/the-cat-with-seven-names\"\u003eThe Cat with Seven Names\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c!-- - - - - - - - - - - - START OF TABS - - - - - - - -- - - --\u003e [TABS]\n\u003ch5\u003eLook Inside\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0750\/0101\/files\/unknown-soldier-spread.jpg?v=1651252362\" style=\"display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;\" class=\"cvr-border-gray\"\u003e\u003c!-- Please call pinit.js only once per page --\u003e \u003cscript src=\"\/\/assets.pinterest.com\/js\/pinit.js\" data-pin-hover=\"true\" data-pin-height=\"32\" data-pin-shape=\"round\" defer async=\"\" type=\"text\/javascript\"\u003e\u003c\/script\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c!-- - - - - - - - - - - ENTER DOWNLOADABLES BELOW - - - - - - - - - - --\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eDownloadables\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"medium-cover\"\u003e\u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0750\/0101\/files\/unknown-soldier-cover.jpg?v=1651252362\" alt=\"\"\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"btn-wrapper\"\u003e\u003ca class=\"product-btn\" href=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0750\/0101\/files\/unknown-soldier-cover-hires.jpg.zip?v=1651252362\"\u003eDownload the Cover\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c!-- - - - - - - - - - - - ENTER AUTHOR BIO BELOW - - - - - - - - - --\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eAuthor \u0026amp; Illustrator\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eJess Brallier, author\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003eJess M. Brallier\u003cspan\u003e was first a publisher, a role he held at Funbrain, Poptropica, Planet Dexter, and Family Education Network. He is now the author of over 30 books for children and adults, including \u003c\/span\u003e\u003ci\u003eWho Was Albert Einstein\u003c\/i\u003e\u003cspan\u003e, \u003c\/span\u003e\u003ci\u003eThe Olphabet\u003c\/i\u003e\u003cspan\u003e, and \u003c\/span\u003e\u003ci\u003eTess's Tree\u003c\/i\u003e\u003cspan\u003e. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003ca href=\"\/pages\/author-page\"\u003eRead more \u003c\/a\u003eabout Jess.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c!-- - - - - - - ENTER ILLUSTRATOR BIO BELOW - - - - - - - - - - - --\u003e \u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eJamie Peterson, illustrator\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eJamie Peterson has been painting since childhood as a way to experience the beauty of the world. She is a veteran of the US Air Force and a graduate of the Air Force Academy. Her work has been exhibited in many galleries in the US and Europe. This is her first picture book. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003ca href=\"\/pages\/illustrator-page\"\u003eRead more\u003c\/a\u003e about Jamie.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c!-- - - - - - - - - ENTER AWARDS \u0026 HONORS BELOW - - - - - - - - --\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eAwards \u0026amp; Honors\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eComing soon!\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003c!-- - - - - - - - - - ENTER REVIEWS BELOW - - - - - - - - - --\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eEditorial Reviews\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cblockquote\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003ci\u003eSchool Library Journal\u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eJack and his family take a vacation to Washington, D.C., exploring the many monuments and museums on their tour. When they go to a cemetery with rows and rows of graves, Jack thinks it is boring until they come to the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. A guard walks 21 steps in front of the grave, stops for 21 seconds, and then continues her march. Jack is amazed that this tomb is guarded all day, every day. Peterson’s soft watercolor illustrations show detailed views of the area and capture the emotions felt by Jack’s family. The closing pages include further explanation of the tomb, who it honors, and the significance of the number 21.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eVERDICT A beautiful and emotional look into an important memorial to soldiers who have lost their lives. Readers will gain respect for those who served and appreciate their bravery.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/blockquote\u003e\n\u003cblockquote\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003ci\u003eChildren's Literature\u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWhat is unknown at times reveals itself without even being known. In this present-day picture book, Jack discovers plenty of significant history when he goes on a vacation with his parents to Washington, D.C. Jack and his parents visit iconic memorials, buildings, and museums. They enjoy a boat ride on the famous Potomac River. When, on the last day of vacation, they visit Arlington National Cemetery, Jack at first expresses boredom. His parents take him to a part of the cemetery where a soldier marches twenty-one steps and then pauses for twenty-one seconds repeatedly back and forth. Jack observes that it is hot out and the soldier is in a dark blue uniform while he has on shorts and a t-shirt. Jack learns that the soldier guards the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. Later in the day, at other important memorials, Jack’s parents reflect and share personal stories about family members. Once at the airport to fly back home, Jack remembers the visit to the unknown tomb when he sees a lone soldier sitting on a bench. At that moment, Jack and the United States soldier exchange an appreciation for each other. Jack’s simple gesture of thanks to the “unknown” soldier gives the soldier an opportunity to be thankful for what he then knows is an appreciation for the country, and the young people, he has made a vow to serve. The final page of the picture book includes a complete history of the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier at Arlington National Cemetery. Young readers will learn an important part of American history through the experiences of a relatable character.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/blockquote\u003e\n\u003c!-- - - - - - - - - - - - ENTER DETAILS BELOW - - - - - - - - - - - --\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eDetails\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHardcover\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eISBN: \u003cspan data-sheets-value='{\"1\":2,\"2\":\"9781623541590\"}' data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e978-1-62354-159-0\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eE-book\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eISBN: \u003cspan data-sheets-value='{\"1\":2,\"2\":\"9781632899439\"}' data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e978-1-63289-943-9\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAges: 5–9\u003cbr\u003ePage count: 48\u003cbr\u003e11 x 8 \u003csup data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e1\u003c\/sup\u003e\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\/\u003c\/span\u003e\u003csub data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e2\u003c\/sub\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n[\/TABS]","published_at":"2022-04-29T13:22:30-04:00","created_at":"2022-04-29T13:08:25-04:00","vendor":"Charlesbridge","type":"Children's Book","tags":["Browse by Age_Ages 3-6","Browse by Age_Ages 6-10","Browse by Fiction\/Nonfiction_Fiction","Browse by Format_Picture Book","Browse by Language_English","Browse by Subject_History \u0026 Biography","Browse by Subject_Holidays","Browse by Subject_Social Studies\/Cultures","Browse by Subject_Travel \u0026 Transportation"],"price":1799,"price_min":1799,"price_max":1799,"available":true,"price_varies":false,"compare_at_price":null,"compare_at_price_min":0,"compare_at_price_max":0,"compare_at_price_varies":false,"variants":[{"id":42760053129453,"title":"Hardcover","option1":"Hardcover","option2":null,"option3":null,"sku":"41590","requires_shipping":true,"taxable":false,"featured_image":{"id":37089582940397,"product_id":7725086736621,"position":1,"created_at":"2022-04-29T13:18:33-04:00","updated_at":"2022-04-29T13:18:35-04:00","alt":null,"width":600,"height":464,"src":"\/\/charlesbridgemoves.com\/cdn\/shop\/products\/unknown-soldier-cover.jpg?v=1651252715","variant_ids":[42760053129453]},"available":true,"name":"The Unknown Soldier - Hardcover","public_title":"Hardcover","options":["Hardcover"],"price":1799,"weight":369,"compare_at_price":null,"inventory_quantity":100,"inventory_management":"shopify","inventory_policy":"continue","barcode":"9781623541590","featured_media":{"alt":null,"id":29655833149677,"position":1,"preview_image":{"aspect_ratio":1.293,"height":464,"width":600,"src":"\/\/charlesbridgemoves.com\/cdn\/shop\/products\/unknown-soldier-cover.jpg?v=1651252715"}},"requires_selling_plan":false,"selling_plan_allocations":[]}],"images":["\/\/charlesbridgemoves.com\/cdn\/shop\/products\/unknown-soldier-cover.jpg?v=1651252715"],"featured_image":"\/\/charlesbridgemoves.com\/cdn\/shop\/products\/unknown-soldier-cover.jpg?v=1651252715","options":["Title"],"media":[{"alt":null,"id":29655833149677,"position":1,"preview_image":{"aspect_ratio":1.293,"height":464,"width":600,"src":"\/\/charlesbridgemoves.com\/cdn\/shop\/products\/unknown-soldier-cover.jpg?v=1651252715"},"aspect_ratio":1.293,"height":464,"media_type":"image","src":"\/\/charlesbridgemoves.com\/cdn\/shop\/products\/unknown-soldier-cover.jpg?v=1651252715","width":600}],"requires_selling_plan":false,"selling_plan_groups":[],"content":"\u003ch6\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/h6\u003e\n\u003c!-- - - - - - - - ENTER AUTHOR\/ILLUSTRATOR INFO BELOW - - - - - - - --\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBy: \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/jess-brallier\"\u003eJess Brallier\u003c\/a\u003e \/ Illustrated by: \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/jamie-peterson\"\u003eJamie Peterson\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c!-- - - - - - - - ENTER HEADING BELOW - - - - - - - --\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e\n\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e \u003cb\u003eThis moving tribute to veterans and America’s fallen follows a young boy on his first trip to the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.\u003c\/b\u003e\n\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003c!-- - - - - - - - ENTER DESCRIPTION BELOW - - - - - - - --\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eOn the last day of their Washington, DC, vacation, Jack and his family visit a cemetery. Jack finds it boring, but as they watch the guard patrolling the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, his perspective shifts. He learns about the monument, the sentinels, and why it is they keep watch. Jack develops a newfound respect for those who serve. Includes back matter about the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier and those who guard it. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c!-- - - - - - - - - - - - ENTER RECOMMENDATIONS BELOW - - - - - - - -- - - --\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"recommended-books\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIf you like this book, you’ll enjoy these: \u003cbr\u003e\u003ca href=\"\/products\/the-flag-we-love\"\u003eThe Flag We Love\u003c\/a\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003ca href=\"\/products\/the-cat-with-seven-names\"\u003eThe Cat with Seven Names\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c!-- - - - - - - - - - - - START OF TABS - - - - - - - -- - - --\u003e [TABS]\n\u003ch5\u003eLook Inside\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0750\/0101\/files\/unknown-soldier-spread.jpg?v=1651252362\" style=\"display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;\" class=\"cvr-border-gray\"\u003e\u003c!-- Please call pinit.js only once per page --\u003e \u003cscript src=\"\/\/assets.pinterest.com\/js\/pinit.js\" data-pin-hover=\"true\" data-pin-height=\"32\" data-pin-shape=\"round\" defer async=\"\" type=\"text\/javascript\"\u003e\u003c\/script\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c!-- - - - - - - - - - - ENTER DOWNLOADABLES BELOW - - - - - - - - - - --\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eDownloadables\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"medium-cover\"\u003e\u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0750\/0101\/files\/unknown-soldier-cover.jpg?v=1651252362\" alt=\"\"\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"btn-wrapper\"\u003e\u003ca class=\"product-btn\" href=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0750\/0101\/files\/unknown-soldier-cover-hires.jpg.zip?v=1651252362\"\u003eDownload the Cover\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c!-- - - - - - - - - - - - ENTER AUTHOR BIO BELOW - - - - - - - - - --\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eAuthor \u0026amp; Illustrator\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eJess Brallier, author\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003eJess M. Brallier\u003cspan\u003e was first a publisher, a role he held at Funbrain, Poptropica, Planet Dexter, and Family Education Network. He is now the author of over 30 books for children and adults, including \u003c\/span\u003e\u003ci\u003eWho Was Albert Einstein\u003c\/i\u003e\u003cspan\u003e, \u003c\/span\u003e\u003ci\u003eThe Olphabet\u003c\/i\u003e\u003cspan\u003e, and \u003c\/span\u003e\u003ci\u003eTess's Tree\u003c\/i\u003e\u003cspan\u003e. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003ca href=\"\/pages\/author-page\"\u003eRead more \u003c\/a\u003eabout Jess.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c!-- - - - - - - ENTER ILLUSTRATOR BIO BELOW - - - - - - - - - - - --\u003e \u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eJamie Peterson, illustrator\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eJamie Peterson has been painting since childhood as a way to experience the beauty of the world. She is a veteran of the US Air Force and a graduate of the Air Force Academy. Her work has been exhibited in many galleries in the US and Europe. This is her first picture book. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003ca href=\"\/pages\/illustrator-page\"\u003eRead more\u003c\/a\u003e about Jamie.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c!-- - - - - - - - - ENTER AWARDS \u0026 HONORS BELOW - - - - - - - - --\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eAwards \u0026amp; Honors\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eComing soon!\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003c!-- - - - - - - - - - ENTER REVIEWS BELOW - - - - - - - - - --\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eEditorial Reviews\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cblockquote\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003ci\u003eSchool Library Journal\u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eJack and his family take a vacation to Washington, D.C., exploring the many monuments and museums on their tour. When they go to a cemetery with rows and rows of graves, Jack thinks it is boring until they come to the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. A guard walks 21 steps in front of the grave, stops for 21 seconds, and then continues her march. Jack is amazed that this tomb is guarded all day, every day. Peterson’s soft watercolor illustrations show detailed views of the area and capture the emotions felt by Jack’s family. The closing pages include further explanation of the tomb, who it honors, and the significance of the number 21.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eVERDICT A beautiful and emotional look into an important memorial to soldiers who have lost their lives. Readers will gain respect for those who served and appreciate their bravery.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/blockquote\u003e\n\u003cblockquote\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003ci\u003eChildren's Literature\u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWhat is unknown at times reveals itself without even being known. In this present-day picture book, Jack discovers plenty of significant history when he goes on a vacation with his parents to Washington, D.C. Jack and his parents visit iconic memorials, buildings, and museums. They enjoy a boat ride on the famous Potomac River. When, on the last day of vacation, they visit Arlington National Cemetery, Jack at first expresses boredom. His parents take him to a part of the cemetery where a soldier marches twenty-one steps and then pauses for twenty-one seconds repeatedly back and forth. Jack observes that it is hot out and the soldier is in a dark blue uniform while he has on shorts and a t-shirt. Jack learns that the soldier guards the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. Later in the day, at other important memorials, Jack’s parents reflect and share personal stories about family members. Once at the airport to fly back home, Jack remembers the visit to the unknown tomb when he sees a lone soldier sitting on a bench. At that moment, Jack and the United States soldier exchange an appreciation for each other. Jack’s simple gesture of thanks to the “unknown” soldier gives the soldier an opportunity to be thankful for what he then knows is an appreciation for the country, and the young people, he has made a vow to serve. The final page of the picture book includes a complete history of the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier at Arlington National Cemetery. Young readers will learn an important part of American history through the experiences of a relatable character.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/blockquote\u003e\n\u003c!-- - - - - - - - - - - - ENTER DETAILS BELOW - - - - - - - - - - - --\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eDetails\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHardcover\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eISBN: \u003cspan data-sheets-value='{\"1\":2,\"2\":\"9781623541590\"}' data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e978-1-62354-159-0\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eE-book\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eISBN: \u003cspan data-sheets-value='{\"1\":2,\"2\":\"9781632899439\"}' data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e978-1-63289-943-9\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAges: 5–9\u003cbr\u003ePage count: 48\u003cbr\u003e11 x 8 \u003csup data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e1\u003c\/sup\u003e\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\/\u003c\/span\u003e\u003csub data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e2\u003c\/sub\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n[\/TABS]"}

The Unknown Soldier


By: Jess Brallier / Illustrated by: Jamie Peterson

This moving tribute to veterans and America’s fallen follows a young boy on his first trip to the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.

On the last day of their Washington, DC, vacation, Jack and his family visit a cemetery. Jack finds it boring, but as they watch the guard patrolling the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, his perspective shifts. He learns about the monument, the sentinels, and why it is they keep watch. Jack develops a newfound respect for those who serve. Includes back matter about the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier and those who guard it. 

Maximum quantity available reached.

Jess Brallier, author

Jess M. Brallier was first a publisher, a role he held at Funbrain, Poptropica, Planet Dexter, and Family Education Network. He is now the author of over 30 books for children and adults, including Who Was Albert EinsteinThe Olphabet, and Tess's Tree

Read more about Jess.


Jamie Peterson, illustrator

Jamie Peterson has been painting since childhood as a way to experience the beauty of the world. She is a veteran of the US Air Force and a graduate of the Air Force Academy. Her work has been exhibited in many galleries in the US and Europe. This is her first picture book. 

Read more about Jamie.

  • Coming soon!

School Library Journal

Jack and his family take a vacation to Washington, D.C., exploring the many monuments and museums on their tour. When they go to a cemetery with rows and rows of graves, Jack thinks it is boring until they come to the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. A guard walks 21 steps in front of the grave, stops for 21 seconds, and then continues her march. Jack is amazed that this tomb is guarded all day, every day. Peterson’s soft watercolor illustrations show detailed views of the area and capture the emotions felt by Jack’s family. The closing pages include further explanation of the tomb, who it honors, and the significance of the number 21.

VERDICT A beautiful and emotional look into an important memorial to soldiers who have lost their lives. Readers will gain respect for those who served and appreciate their bravery.

Children's Literature

What is unknown at times reveals itself without even being known. In this present-day picture book, Jack discovers plenty of significant history when he goes on a vacation with his parents to Washington, D.C. Jack and his parents visit iconic memorials, buildings, and museums. They enjoy a boat ride on the famous Potomac River. When, on the last day of vacation, they visit Arlington National Cemetery, Jack at first expresses boredom. His parents take him to a part of the cemetery where a soldier marches twenty-one steps and then pauses for twenty-one seconds repeatedly back and forth. Jack observes that it is hot out and the soldier is in a dark blue uniform while he has on shorts and a t-shirt. Jack learns that the soldier guards the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. Later in the day, at other important memorials, Jack’s parents reflect and share personal stories about family members. Once at the airport to fly back home, Jack remembers the visit to the unknown tomb when he sees a lone soldier sitting on a bench. At that moment, Jack and the United States soldier exchange an appreciation for each other. Jack’s simple gesture of thanks to the “unknown” soldier gives the soldier an opportunity to be thankful for what he then knows is an appreciation for the country, and the young people, he has made a vow to serve. The final page of the picture book includes a complete history of the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier at Arlington National Cemetery. Young readers will learn an important part of American history through the experiences of a relatable character.

Hardcover
ISBN: 978-1-62354-159-0

E-book
ISBN: 978-1-63289-943-9

Ages: 5–9
Page count: 48
11 x 8 1/2