Letters to a Soldier

From The Critics

Mrs. Hutt's fourth grade class in Roslyn, New York, decided they would write to a soldier in Iraq; this book is the result. Lieutenant David Falvey from Massachusetts—a surprisingly confident and articulate correspondent—was the soldier. The children's touchingly naive letters are presented, along with their patriotic artwork and Falvey's e-mail replies. He answers their questions in a thoughtful way, tailored to what he believes they can understand, emphasizing details that will interest and reassure nine- and ten-year olds. Pictures he sends show military life in his unit and views of Iraq and Kuwait; scenes of horror or destruction are avoided. Falvey returned unharmed from his nine-month tour of duty and appears to feel that his experience was a positive one. Trained in the University of Massachusetts' Army ROTC program, he served in the Military Police, escorting top government officials of Iraq and the U.S., and retains his association with the military both as a National Guard reserve officer and a civilian contractor. Though the story is heart-warming in some respects, teachers and parents may have mixed reactions depending on their political convictions and values about war and peace. Falvey's tour of duty was atypical for many National Guardsmen; his explanation of the war treads very carefully, avoiding any comment on its legality or its devastating effects on the Iraqi people. Hutt says her class had discussions about heroes and helping others—young readers of this book would profit from a wider range of opinion about the war in Iraq. Reviewer: Barbara L. Talcroft