Hero at Home

June 1, 2019
Preschool-G Verardo's touching nonfiction picture book describes a family caring for their father, a wounded combat veteran. The story introduces Grace's Dad (also the author's husband), Michael, a man who sustained catastrophic injuries in Afghanistan, undergoing 119 surgeries and many other therapies. As it chronicles the everyday life of Grace's family, Verardo's writing is straightforward yet effective; for example, [Michael] wears a special leg that looks like it belongs on a robot. His arm was rebuilt with lots of tools. And: Every morning Grace helps her Daddy's nurse check his heart [...]. Most poignantly, the author writes that Grace's Dad tells her that sometimes people get hurt and their bodies change, but they still have the same heart. Illustrations are simple and light-spirited, complementing the text while conveying that, despite incredibly difficult circumstances, the family still thrives. Photographs of the Verardos also increase the book's impact. Verardo's work rings with authenticity. Aimed at helping children understand the emotional and physical toll wounded combat veterans and their families face, this is an excellent resource for educators and parents alike.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2019, American Library Association.)