For those that are new to ASP, we have a section called “Letter From Children” where I published some of the letters from children that I received while I was deployed or through my military service. So, I was excited when my advanced copy of “My Hero: Military Kids Write About Their Moms and Dads” in the mail.

From the very first page, “My Hero” brings tears of pride to your eyes. 8-year old Brandon Jordan Hansen writes about how much he loves his brother and sister and can’t wait until his deployed father, Air Force MSGT Leo C. Hansen, can see Brandon’s new 2-week old brother. “My mom and grandma are worried about my dad and they help me not to cry while my dad is away,” he says. “Time will go fast and I look forward to dad coming home when he will swing me in his strong arms and say, “Let’s go fishing son.”

“My Hero” is filled with hand drawn pictures and observations my the children of military moms and dads. It is a stirring collection that brings pride and joy to the lives of any such military member. Working through the Armed Services YMCA, Allen Appel and MIke Rothmiller collected more than one hundred essays from children whose parents are serving or have served in the military.

With Memorial Day just around the corner, I bet your special Soldier, Sailor, Airman or Marine could use a copy of this book. What a perfect gift for those that could use some cheer and support while deployed thousands of miles from home!! “My Hero” won’t be released until May 15th, but if you pre-order through the above link, you’ll get a 5% discount from Amazon right now. Suggested price is normally $12.95. I have no financial stake in the success or failure of this book, but if you purchase it through my link, ASP gets a small percentage of each sale which we put towards site development and various donations to deserving causes. The authors of ASP never keep money earned through this site.

Here are a few more quotes from the book:

“The important thing about a hero is they make us safe. They are drug free and very nice. They don’t brag. They do just what they are supposed to do.” – Taylor, age 8.

“My dad is my hero not because he is my dad but for his bravery and courage he puts on the line every day.” – Esperanze, age 9.

Other children describe their moms and dads as “guardian angels”, the “coolest, strongest, and best” parents in the world, “America’s bravest”, and “the beat of our hearts.” I hope you like it as much as I do. I wish I could share the pictures as well, but copyright laws won’t allow me. It has even inspired my kids to draw some pictures themselves.

For other books we recommend, check out our Book Reports section on the sidebar.