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MWSA Review
Stephanie Hennessy, an Army veteran, has written a series of illustrated Veteran Adventure Stories. This one features Gregory Gadson.
Gregory begins his adventure as a little kid with big dreams. He’s strong, he runs really fast, and he never gives up. All through school he plays football and hopes to someday play professional football. But when it comes time to go to college, the only place he is invited to play is West Point, the United States Army Academy. This means he will be a soldier when he graduates. He is sent to Iraq, which is where the unthinkable happens. He is injured in a bomb blast. Despite losing his legs, he still wants to play football and uses the things he learned as a young kid to keep going, never giving up and working hard.
Gadson is an exemplary role model for children. Due to the nature of the material and some of the words (defined in a glossary in the back) the book is suitable for the older range of picture book readers (8-9). It's a great book to be read together with a parent Pages in the back of the book explain things like convoys and prosthetic legs. There are also activities that can be used for additional discussions.
Review by Betsy Beard
Author's Synopsis
Greg's biggest dream was to play football, but life had bigger plans.
From cheering crowds to real-life battles, Greg found courage and endured challenges that tested his strength and spirit. His journey is filled with adventure, bravery, and surprises at every turn.
Inspired by the true story of Colonel Gregory D. Gadson, a U.S. Army veteran, athlete, and leader, this beautifully illustrated children's book shows how dreams can come true in ways we never could have imagined.
Perfect for classrooms, libraries, and families, Veteran Adventure Stories: Gregory Gadson inspires young readers to face obstacles with heart, hope, and perseverance.
Part of the "Veteran Adventure Stories" series: real heroes, real adventures, and lessons that last a lifetime.
Format(s) for review: Paper Only
Review genre: Children & Young Adult—Picture Book
Pages/Word count: 32 / 915