Hero Mom
"Our moms are superheroes." With bright watercolors and concise text, this book focuses on the many jobs of mothers in the US military. These moms fly helicopters, heal wounded soldiers, and lead battalions. Whether children have military moms or not, this book reinforces the importance of mothers' work and the daily sacrifices made by soldiers. It will be a great addition to libraries near military bases as well as supplementing Mother's Day, Veteran's Day, and Career Day collections. A companion book, Hero Dad is available by the same author and illustrator.
Pennsylvania Center for the Book Awards
Book Activities & Discussion Ideas
There is much to inspire conversation in this book beginning with the cover - What is a hero? What does this girl's mother do? Why is she a hero? Do the children know any women or men in the military? Continue looking at and thinking about the pictures on each page. Children will have much to say about differences between super heroes and heroes—jobs that involve danger, helping people, leadership, and traveling away from families. If time allows, suggest that children draw related pictures such as their parent at work or a personal hero.
In Hero Mom, the mothers are soldiers often separated from their families. Discuss what the mothers in this book do to ease these situations for their children—to make them feel loved during their absences. Consider situations in which children are separated from a parent whether because of military duty, work travel, divorce, illness, etc. Brainstorm ways that families can handle these absences in supportive and loving ways.