Book of the Week: America's White Table

This week's Book-Of-the-Week is America's White Table by Margot Theis Raven.  In this book, a family sets a “White Table” to honor Uncle John a soldier from the Vietnam War. It highlights the meaning behind the table settings used to honor Veteran’s who are Missing in Action or become a Prisoner of War. Stylistically the author uses rhyming and themes of patriotism and sacrifice to lay bare this tradition. You are left with a sense of Uncle John’s commitment to his country but also of what the “White Table” means for every soldier and his family. Perfect for ages 8-13 words well with higher order thinking skills (HOTS) and discussion surrounding holidays of Veteran’s Day or Memorial Day.

Vocabulary:

Wound-

Bitter-

Honor-

Gratitude

Sacrifice-

Missing in Action-

Prisoner of War-

Branch of the Military-

Promise-

Memorial Day-

Story Questions:

Why do we celebrate Memorial Day?

What are the four branches of the Military?

What does MIA stand for ?

What does POW stand for?

Why did the family set the table? How do you know?

What does the white table cloth stand for?

What does the empty chair stand for?

What does the Lemon stand for?

What does the Salt stand for?

What does the rose stand for?

What did uncle John give up to go to Vietnam?

How does this is image or picture make you feel? Why?

If you were a soldier and saw this white table how would you feel?

Do you know someone who is in the military? Tell me about them.

Do you think Uncle John was a Hero? Why or why not?

How did uncle John feel when he saw the little white table?  How do you know?

Did you like this story? Yes or No?

We hope you enjoyed Memorial Day! We are amazed at how thoughtful our 4th and 5th grade students are this week with thinking about this book.