America’s White Table
Summary:
The White Table is set in many mess halls as a symbol for and remembrance to service members fallen, missing, or held captive in the line of duty. Solitary and solemn, it is the table where no one will ever sit. As a special gift to her Uncle John, Katie and her sisters are asked to help set the white table for dinner. As their mother explains the significance of each item placed on the table Katie comes to understand and appreciate the depth of sacrifice that her uncle, and each member of the Armed Forces and their families, may be called to give. It was just a little white table… but it felt as big as America when we helped Mama put each item on it and she told us why it was so important. “We use a Small Table, girls,” she explained first, “to show one soldier’s lonely battle against many. We cover it with a White Cloth to honor a soldier’s pure heart when he answers his country’s call to duty.” “We place a Lemon Slice and Grains of Salt on a plate to show a captive soldier’s bitter fate and the tears of families waiting for loved ones to return,” she continued.”We push an Empty Chair to the table for the missing soldiers who are not here…” Margot Theis Raven has been a professional writer working in the fields of radio, television, magazines, newspapers, and children’s books for 30 years. Margot’s first children’s book, Angels in the Dust, won five national awards, including an IRATeacher’s Choice Award. Her first book with Sleeping Bear Press, Mercedes and the Chocolate Pilot, was the runner-up for the 2004 Texas Bluebonnet Award. Mike Benny’s illustrations have appeared in Time, GQ, New Yorker and Sports Illustrated Magazines. He has also been awarded two Gold Medals from the Society of Illustrators. This is Mike’s first children’s book. He lives in Austin, Texas with his wife Mary Ann and daughter Adele.
Illustrator:
Mike Benny’s illustrations have appeared in Time, GQ, The New Yorker, and Sports Illustrated magazines. His awards include three gold and two silver medals from the Society of Illustrators. Mike lives in Austin, Texas, with his wife, Mary Ann, and children, Adele and Hank. The Listeners is his second book with Sleeping Bear Press. He also illustrated America’s White Table, written by Margot Theis Raven, and Oh, Brother, written by Nikki Grimes and published by HarperCollins.
Details:
Hardcover, 48 pages
Published May 1st 2005 by Sleeping Bear Press
ISBN 1585362166 (ISBN13: 9781585362165)
GoodReads link
Awards:
Beehive Award Finalist: A Children’s Choice Award, Runner-up, 2007
Volunteer State Book Award Master List Finalist: A Children’s Choice Award, Runner-up, 2007
SIBA Book Award Children’s Finalist, Runner-up, 2006
Children’s Crown Award Finalist: A Children’s Choice Award, Runner-up, 2006
Writers Notes Book Award Notable, Commended, 2006
A White Table set in a store window for Veteran’s Day
Reviews:
For those of you looking to provide your children and grandchildren with positive, patriotic reading, I strongly encourage you to review the following:
“America’s White Table” by MargotTheisRaven, illustrated by Mike Benny, Sleeping Bear Press, 2005, 32 pages
This wonderfully written tribute to many a white table set in mess halls and in military ceremonies, is a symbol for and remembrance to service members fallen, missing or held captive in the line of duty.
This is a truly moving tribute by a family to their Uncle John in which Katie and her sisters are asked to set the white table for dinner, as their mother explains the significance of each item placed on the table. Katie comes to appreciate the sacrifice of her uncle and each member of the Armed Forces and their families
Ever since the Vietnam War, a white table has been set across America in mess halls and at military events to honor America’s Armed Forces, especially those missing in action and those held prisoner of war. It is a solitary, small table where no one will ever sit.
On Veteran’s Day, Mama asks Katie and her sisters to help set this special white table for their family’s dinner. Uncle John was joining them, and the white table held special meaning for him; he had been a
POW in Vietnam. As they work, Mama explains what each item set on the table signifies, providing an understanding of the depth of sacrifice of all members of the America’s armed services and their Uncle John.
Sensitively written and illustrated, this outstanding book will touch the hearts of young and old alike.
— Nationally syndicated, Kendal Rautzhan writes and lectures on children’s literature.
No matter how a family feels about war or the military, this book will increase awareness of the sacrifice of soldiers, and the plight of the missing and the prisoners, and will offer an entry point for discussion, as well as a sensitive ritual of remembrance.
— Forward Magazine Book Review