America’s White Table by Margot Theis Raven, illustrated by Mike Benny
Reading level: Ages 4-8
Hardcover: 48 pages
Publisher: Sleeping Bear Press; 1 edition (April 21, 2005)
ISBN-13: 978-1585362165
Back-of-the-book blurb: The White Table is set in many 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.
She is Too Fond of Books’ review: Well, it’s true – you learn something new every day! Thanks to America’s White Table, I now know about the ceremonial table set to honor those members of the military who are MIA or have been prisoners of war. I didn’t previously know about this tradition, full of symbolism, which a character describes in part:
“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’s prose tell the story of a fictional 10-year-old girl, Katie, whose uncle is coming for dinner on Veteran’s Day. Katie’s mother explains the importance of the ceremonial table, and its special significance to Uncle John. He served in Vietnam and lost his friend Mike there after the two were taken as prisoners of war. Uncle John and his friend eventually gained their freedom; but Mike’s injuries were too severe and he didn’t survive. Katie puts the story in book format as a promise to Uncle Mike and others that she will never forget the gift of freedom that veterans have given her.
The inner story of John and Mike as POWs in Vietnam is brief and poignant. Imprisonment, injuries and death play a brief, but vital role in the flashback. It is not graphic, nor does it dwell on this aspect of wars; it is necessary, though, to introduce the concept of sacrifices made in the name of freedom. I felt it appropriate for the ages of my children who read the book with me (5, 7, and 11), and was able to address whatever questions they had in my usual manner (that is, with as little age-appropriate information as needed to satisfy their curiosity about a sensitive subject … similar to the way I’ve handled the birds and the bees!).
Mike Benny’s illustrations are expressive, colorful (but not overly bright, as befits the subject), and clear. The vignette flashing back to Vietnam is done in sepia tones, visually distancing it from the contemporary story. The lyrics of “My Country ‘Tis of Thee” run in short phrases through the book, across the bottom of the pages.
I’m happy to add America’s White Table to our family’s library. My kids have already asked if we’ll be setting a remembrance table this Veteran’s Day. I feel that J and I shelter them from so much that’s going on in the world, honoring veterans in this way is one way we can gently start to bridge that gap.
FTC disclosure: review copy provided by the publisher.
This sounds like a wonderful book! I’m off to see if my library has it. We have a very good friend who is a Vietnam vet and the kids are well aware of the horror and scars that he suffered.
We do something tablecloth-esque in my family too. Every year at Thanksgiving, the table is set with a white tablecloth (I think it used to be a sheet in its former life) and sharpies are set all around, and everyone signs something or draws a picture or whatever. Over the years of course people have died or gone away, but part of the “bittersweet” fun of each Thanksgiving is reading the tablecloth. (We are onto our third, so the others get set out to read as well.)
NO, I have not heard of this tradition. What a lovely thoughtful idea. Good review.
I have never heard of this before but I’m very intrigued – what a wonderful way to remember.
I’ve never heard of a remembrance table either, and I grew up in a military town. I remember the POW bracelets everyone wore and how honored we felt when “our” prisoner was finally able to return home.
I never head of this either. Sounds very moving.
(note from Dawn: Mike Benny, illustrator of AMERICA’S WHITE TABLE sent me this email. I asked his permission to reproduce it here. I appreciate hearing the personal connection he made to the story)
Dear Dawn,
My name is Mike Benny and I am the illustrator of the book you just reviewed “America’s White Table.” I just wanted to thank you for
giving notice to this book even though it has been out a few years.
I understood the concept and idea of the ceremony for the White Table, but I never tapped into the true meaning of it until I got to witness a live ceremony at an air force base in South Carolina. The table is so rich with symbolism, and when you combine that with the formality and honor the serviceman displayed when setting the table, well it was just a very emotional experience. It made me truly happy and proud to be a part of this book and very pleased that it has maintained an audience that seems to grow a little bit every year.
Thank you again for the review and the time you spend reviewing all the books out there. It is much appreciated.
Best regards,
Mike Benny
I had no idea about this tradition, but it does seem like a very beautiful and symbolic thing to do. I am glad that you enjoyed the book. Very nice review!
Sandy – we don’t personally know any war vets (that we know of, that is); my kids are pretty distant from that reality. It’s such a vague concept in their minds, the idea of The White Table helps connect them.
rhapsody – What a fantastic tradition! I’d love to start this over Thanksgiving this year.
Care – isn’t it nice!? (the tradition I mean, not my review!
)
Heather – it’s solemn, but not dark.
Kathy – my older sisters had the POW bracelets. I really wanted one …
Beth – I have a friend who works at Hanscom Air Force Base near here, I’m going to ask her if the custom is well-known in military circles.
Mike Benny – thank you for sharing your experience.
Zibilee – enter my giveaway to get a copy for your own bookshelf
I have never heard of a Remembrance table… I am going to pass your book review and link to a few friends that will appreciate the book and info. . .
[...] I again got to see Lake Murray Elementary’s third-grade presentation of “America’s White Table”. The presentation is moving, as is watching each child come to the microphone to share the name of a [...]
I am currently in the US Air Force and yes this is a VERY real, honorable ceremony. We take it very seriously. It is performed during all formal dinners as well as many units display the table in their buildings. When it is displayed during a formal dinner/ceremony it in itself is very touching/emotional. It is a symbol to all who see/witness it that we as Americans will never forgot our lost or fallen heroes.
we’ve added your review to the War Through the Generations book reviews and front page…we’ve also added the book to the recommended reading list. Thanks for participating.
A precious friend gave me this book as a gift. I cried the first time I read it, and have shed tears each time after that. I use it in my 5th grade classroom each year and will continue to use it for as long as I am teaching. It is a touching way for our children to learn of the hardships and sacrifices of so many soldiers and their families. We are setting “America’s White Table” this year for our annual Social Studies night and sharing this book with our community. This is a wonderful addition to any library.