Tuesday Takes Me There: The Healing Journey of a Veteran and his Service Dog by Luis Carlos Montalvan and Bret Witter, with photos by Dan Dion.
Published by Post Hill Press in 2016
Age level: 3-8; grade level P-2
Summary: Tuesday Takes Me There is a narrative nonfiction picture book. It is the story of Luis, a military veteran and his service dog, Tuesday. The book is "narrated" by Tuesday, and explains that Luis suffers from PTSD from being in the Iraq War, and how Tuesday helps him in life, from waking up in the morning to traveling to new places. In this book, Luis and Tuesday visit New York City and Washington D.C.
My Thoughts: Simply put: I loved this book. This book deals with some tough subjects, such as war, veterans, and post traumatic stress disorder and explains them in the gentle voice of Tuesday, the service dog. The photos by Dan Dion are just wonderful, and create a "realness" that illustrations sometimes can't. There is nothing more touching than the photo of Luis and Tuesday at Arlington National Cemetery, and it really moved me. Also to note that there are factoids spread throughout the book. Whenever Luis and Tuesday visit an important landmark, a fact will pop up somewhere on the page. This happens with the Jefferson Memorial, the Statue of Liberty, and the Freedom Tower. This book would be perfect for a read-aloud, as it gives ample opportunities for children to ask and answer questions, and learn a great deal about sensitive subjects. The end of the book talks about Tuesday and Luis visiting schools and libraries and talking about these subjects as well.
Of note: There are other books about Tuesday what young readers will enjoy. Tuesday Tucks Me In, the first book about Tuesday, details everyday life with Luis. There is also Until Tuesday: a Wounded Warrior and the Golden Retriever Who Saved Him, which isn't a children's book, but meant for teens and adults. Luis Montalvan also has an official website, with a section dedicated to Tuesday: http://www.luiscarlosmontalvan.com/tuesday.html
This definitely sounds like a read-aloud opportunity that elementary age children would love. They love to read books about dogs, and dogs with jobs. The photos you have included are very helpful. As I read your review I was able to get a really good idea of whether the book would work for a class read-aloud, and it helped to further illustrate what kind of facts pop up when Tuesday and Luis are at a landmark. Thanks for the great review!
ReplyDeleteStephanie I would love the opportunity to share this book with a read-aloud! I used to love to do story times when I was a children's assistant, and I think if people are comfortable doing them then this book would be wonderful. Can you imagine reading this aloud and adopting a certain voice for Tuesday as you read? :)
DeleteBetween your review and Sheila's comments below, I am definitely going to booktalk and suggest this book for read-alouds at my elementary school!
DeleteOn a completely separate note, as I was reading over these comments, I saw your Twitter feed to the right, and you had a very funny post about making a co-worker lock your library door during a fire alarm because of all the expensive equipment...I love your comment "Priorities: I got 'em." I immediately went and followed you! Having the Twitter feed as part of your book blog is a great idea!
Haa, thanks Stephanie! I will make sure to follow back. My Twitter, just to be fair, isn't always, er...PG rated. I tend to keep things low key on my blog because I did start it as a school assignment, but on Twitter I just let it rip. LOL. I do post other things besides library tidbits, so I hope you enjoy! :)
DeleteI love your sense of humor on Twitter! And congratulations on the new position as teen librarian!!
DeleteGreat choice of book, Luis is amazing!This book is the perfect addition to any program for Veteran's Day or program honoring our servicemen and women. We were lucky to have him and Tuesday come to our library and speak last fall. Unfortunately, since then he has had to have his leg amputated. I would encourage you to visit America ReFramed: Buried Above Ground, a documentary "filmed over six years, "Buried Above Ground" follows three Americans fighting to overcome the paralyzing grip of PTSD. Intimate moments illustrate how the road to recovery takes many shapes while being fraught with obstacles and setbacks. Over time and with support, each finds hope and pathways to living a meaningful and purposeful life." http://buriedaboveground.tv/
ReplyDeleteOk, Sheila, I am officially very jealous that your library had Luis and Tuesday visit! Wow! If you have any pictures I would love to see them. My library is so small and budget strapped that we are limited to programs and guests, otherwise I would love to have them here. And I will check out "Buried Above Ground." Thanks for the suggestion.
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